CHAPTER FIVE
PUBLIC LIBRARY ACCREDITATION
What is Accreditation?
| The Nebraska Public Library Accreditation Guidelines are based
on the principle that a good library is a library that is
serving the unique needs of its own community.
Accreditation guidelines for service were developed
for Nebraska public libraries in order to assist and support
improvements in Nebraska public library services.
The anticipated outcome is that Nebraska citizens will have
access to accurate, quality library and information services
from public libraries that meet statewide guidelines.
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How Does a Library Become Accredited?
| In July of each year, information on accreditation is sent
to unaccredited libraries and to libraries scheduled to renew
accreditation that year. Libraries that meet the accreditation
requirements will receive a Certificate of Accreditation good
for a three-year period.
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Why Should A Library Be Accredited?
| Library accreditation is a measure of the quality of services the
library offers to the community. It is a point of pride when a community
has attained accreditation of its public library.
Accreditation is one of the eligibility requirements
to receive state aid to public libraries. It is also a prerequisite
for all grant programs available through the Nebraska Library
Commission, as well as a requirement to apply for other
funding such as Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) or
United States Department of Agricultural (USDA) grants and
loans.
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What Are the Requirements For Accreditation?
The requirements adopted in 2013 have three levels of accreditation--Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Each level is attained through the accumulation of points on the
accreditation application: 175 points earns accreditation
at the Bronze level; 200 points the Silver level; and 250 points the Gold level.
There are approximately 275 points possible to earn. The topics covered include the following:
- Governance/Planning - minimum requirements for each library; a strategic plan approved by the Commission; library policies
- Resources - local income; open hours; staff size; expenditures on staff; technology; collection requirements
- Services - interlibrary loan; program attendance; database access
- Cooperation/Collaboration - community involvement; professional activity; consortia
- Communications - active engagement via new technologies; exhibits; regular reporting
The new guidelines offer comparisons with peer libraries that serve a range
of populations from 15% above through 15% below each library.
The accreditation process requires an approved strategic plan.
The accreditation application asks that sections of that plan be cited for pertinent guidelines.
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How Were the Guidelines Developed?
Beginning in 2009 the public library accreditation guidelines were reviewed
for possible modification. That same year the Accreditation Review Committee
was formed and given the charge of redesigning the guidelines to make them
more responsive to individual communities' needs. The redesigned guidelines
use comparisons with peer (i.e., similarly-sized) libraries, and strategic
planning by the libraries. Members of that committee were: Stan Schulz (chairperson),
Joan Birnie (vice-chairperson), Francine Canfield, Kendra Caskey, Robin Clark,
Brenda Ealey, Amy Greenland, Pat Leach, John Felton, Laura Johnson,
Richard Miller, and Rod Wagner. The new accreditation guidelines were
approved at the May 2013 Commission meeting.
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created 2006; rev. 7/2015
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