Certification benefits
Back to Table of Contents
Only certified public libraries are eligible for Public Library Development Grants and federal grants, such as LSTA and E-Rate discounts. Certified public libraries receive the full range of support services from the State Library and personnel from certified libraries are given preference in training and continuing education programs. The State Library sets the performance standards for library certification. State law dictates the legal requirements for establishing legitimate public libraries. "Libraries" that do not have an official legal status and cannot meet the specifications of the State Library service standards, are classified as Volunteer Libraries.
What is a legally established public library in Utah?
The Utah Code stipulates that any city or county may legally establish and maintain a public library. The Code authorizes the establishment of a tax rate to support library services and requires the appointment of a lay board of directors for a library to have legal standing.
What are certification standards?
Once a library is established by either a city or county jurisdiction, it is expected to meet a certain set of guidelines, called certification standards, established by the Utah State Library. Standards describe the minimally acceptable levels of performance in crucial areas of library operations, such as governance, funding, personnel, collections, public access, and more. Standards help ensure conformance to professionally accepted practices and establish benchmarks for libraries to improve service over time.
Resources
Library Laws of Utah (pdf)
City Library Laws (Utah Code) (doc)
County Library Laws (Utah Code) (doc)
Checkpoint: Checklist for Certified Public Library Status (2005) (doc)
Standards for Utah Public Libraries (2003 Rev.)