New York's Public Libraries Meet Minimum Standards

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The New York State Library is committed to improving public library services. The State Library works with libraries, library systems, trustees and other library advocates to help assure equivalent levels of access to library services and resources through Minimum Standards for Public Libraries in New York State.

All public and association libraries in New York State must meet 11 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 within New York State
  • empower libraries to strengthen community relations and promote public support for quality library services
  • support a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement

New York State Public and Association Libraries
and Public Library Standards
Comparison Chart 2010 and 2011

Minimum
Public Library Standards
Effective January 1999

Prior Year

Current Year

Percent of Libraries
Meeting Minimum Standards
Current Year

YES

NO

YES

NO

1. Bylaws

756

0

756

0

100.0%

2. Plan

753

3

752

4

99.6%

3. Community Report

755

1

756

0

100.0%

4. Policies

756

0

756

0

100.0%

5. Budget

756

0

756

0

100.0%

6. Measures Collection

756

0

756

0

100.0%

7. Hours Open

749

7

754

2

99.7%

8. Facilities

a. space

749

7

751

5

99.3%

b. lighting

754

2

754

2

99.7%

c. shelving

750

6

751

5

99.3%

d. seating

749

7

750

6

99.2%

e. restroom

754

2

755

1

99.9%

9. Equipment

a. telephone

756

0

756

0

100.0%

b. photocopier

756

0

756

0

100.0%

c. microcomputer or terminal

756

0

756

0

100.0%

d. printer

756

0

756

0

100.0%

e. facsimile capability

756

0

756

0

100.0%

10. Printed Information

756

0

756

0

100.0%

11. Paid Director meeting CR 90.8

751

5

750

6

99.2%
Total of 756 public and association libraries in 2010 and 2011. Standards as approved by the Board of Regents, Commissioner's Regulations 90.2 effective 1/29/99. Data for these elements are current as of December 2012 based on information provided by public library systems.

When Must a Library Meet the Minimum Standards?

All of the minimum standards for public 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. See Chartering a Public Library in New York State for further information.

What if a Library Cannot Meet 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 particular standard because of circumstances beyond the library board's control.

How are Public Library Systems and the State Library Helping Libraries Meet the Challenge?

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. See Helpful Information for Meeting Minimum Public Library Standards for further information.

See also Helpful Information for Meeting Minimum Public Library Standards

Last Updated: March 29, 2013 -- asm