New York State Library

New York Public and Association Libraries Minimum Standards

Overview

All public and association libraries in New York State must meet minimum standards of service according to Section 90.2 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. These standards support improved public library services for the people of New York and are intended to:

  • promote quality local public library service in all communities of New York State,
  • empower libraries to strengthen community relations and promote public support for quality library services, and
  • support a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

All the minimum standards for public and association libraries must be met at the time of application for a library charter or registration. Education Law requires that a library be chartered and registered in order to legally receive local and State funds.

Any public or association library that was registered (licensed) by the department on or before December 31, 2020, shall meet the new minimum standards by January 1, 2021 to continue to be registered by the department. A public or association library seeking to register with the department on or after January 1, 2021 shall be registered with the department if it meets the new minimum standards.

If a library cannot meet one or more of the minimum standards, the director or board president should contact the library system to discuss available options. Education Law and Commissioner's Regulations provide a process for libraries that cannot meet a standard because of circumstances beyond the library board's control.

Helpful Information for Meeting Minimum Public Library Standards

The Public Library System Directors Organization (PULISDO) and the New York State Library work together in a strong partnership to help public and association libraries meet the minimum standards. For additional information, please visit Helpful Information for Meeting Minimum Public Library Standards, prepared by PULISDO and the NYS Library.

Minimum Standards as of January 1, 2021

A public, free association or Indian library seeking to register with the department on or after January 1, 2021 shall be registered with the department if it meets the registration standards set forth in Commissioners Regulation 90.2. Any public, free association or Indian library that was registered by the department on or before December 31, 2020, shall meet the following registration requirements by January 1, 2021 to continue to be registered by the department:

  1. is governed by written bylaws which define the structure and governing functions of the library board of trustees, and which shall be reviewed and re-approved by the board of trustees at least once every five years or earlier if required by law;
  2. has a community-based, board-approved, written long-range plan of service developed by the library board of trustees and staff;
  3. provides a board-approved written annual report to the community on the library's progress in meeting its mission, goals and objectives, as outlined in the library’s long-range plan of service;
  4. has board-approved written policies for the operation of the library, which shall be reviewed and updated at least once every five years or earlier if required by law;
  5. annually prepares and publishes a board-approved, written budget, which enables the library to address the community’s needs, as outlined in the library’s long-range plan of service;
  6. periodically evaluates the effectiveness of the library's programs, services and collections to address community needs, as outlined in the library’s long-range plan of service;
  7. is open the following scheduled hours:
    Population Minimum Weekly Hours Open
    Up to 500 12
    500 - 2,499 20
    2,500 - 4,999 25
    5,000 - 14,999 35
    15,000 - 24,999 40
    25,000 - 99,999 55
    100,000 and above 60
  8. maintains a facility that addresses community needs, as outlined in the library’s long-range plan of service, including adequate space, lighting, shelving, seating, power and data infrastructure, and a public restroom;
  9. provides programming to address community needs, as outlined in the library’s long-range plan of service;
  10. provides a circulation system that facilitates access to the local library collection and other library catalogs; and provides equipment, technology, and internet connectivity to address community needs and facilitate access to information;
  11. provides access to current library information in print and online, facilitating the understanding of library services, operations and governance; information provided online shall include the standards referenced in paragraphs (1) through (5) of this subdivision;
  12. employs a paid director in accordance with the provisions of section 90.8 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education;
    Population Member of a Public Library System Not a Member of a Public Library System
    Below 2,500 No requirement. No requirement.
    2,500 to 4,999 2 academic years of study at an approved college or university. A bachelor’s degree from an approved college or university.
    5,000 to 7,499 A bachelor’s degree from an approved college or university. A public librarian’s professional certificate.
    7,500 or more A public librarian’s professional certificate. A public librarian’s professional certificate.
  13. provides library staff with annual technology training, appropriate to their position, to address community needs, as outlined in the library’s long-range plan of service; and
  14. establishes and maintains partnerships with other educational, cultural or community organizations which enable the library to address the community’s needs, as outlined in the library’s long-range plan of service.
Last Updated: December 13, 2023