New York Public and Association Libraries Minimum Standards

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 this subdivision in a manner satisfactory to the commissioner. 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:

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;
has a community-based, board-approved, written long-range plan of service developed by the library board of trustees and staff;
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;
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;
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;
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;
is open the following scheduled hours: (see below)
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;
provides programming to address community needs, as outlined in the library’s long-range plan of service;
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;
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;
employs a paid director in accordance with the provisions of section 90.8 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education; (see chart below)
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
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.

Charts

Scheduled Hours

First column lists population ranges, and the second column lists corresponding minimum weekly 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

Minimum Education Requirements

The first column lists population ranges. The second column lists requirements for members of public library systems (PLS), while the third column lists corresponding requirements for non-PLS members,
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.

For more information on Minimum Standards for New York's public libraries, contact your public library system or the Division of Library Development.