Category Archives: Public Library Boards of Trustees

A number of Nebraska public library directors have asked if they could try out the new Accreditation Guidelines even though their libraries are not up for reaccreditation this year. The answer is, yes! In particular they were interested in seeing how their libraries stack up against their “peer libraries,” that is, libraries with populations 15% lower and higher than theirs. Until recently this was not possible because we were only able to add in statistics from the peer libraries for those libraries up for accreditation in 2013. However, due to the good work of Vern Buis, Computer Services Director at the Commission, the comparative statistics are now drawn automatically from Omnibase, on which the annual data submitted via Bibliostat Collect are displayed. So, have a go at it. Please keep in mind a few things:

• If your library did not submit statistics for the last full year — i.e., 2011 — 2012 —  there will be no comparable statistics for you to look at.
• You should not submit the application form itself if your library is not up for re-accreditation in 2013 (or if you are an unaccredited public library that did not submit statistics for 2011 — 2012 — see the first point above).
• These data change each year, reflecting the statistics submitted for that year. Therefore, you cannot necessarily draw conclusions from the data for this year if your library is applying for accreditation in a different year.

Please let Richard Miller (richard.miller@nebraska.gov , 800-307-2665) know if you have any questions about the Accreditation Guidelines, and happy driving!

The 2013 public library accreditation process is underway, and a number of libraries have already begun to fill out the new application form — or at least have taken it out for a “test drive.” You may want to take a look at the application also (although it is interactive only for those 50 libraries due for reaccreditation in 2013, and for 40 additional unaccredited libraries that submitted their annual statistics for 2011 — 2012). To see what the application looks like go here.

Here are some of the changes in the new guidelines:

• Some guidelines are “pre-filled” with statistics your library submitted on the annual report.
• It is now possible to work on submitting the guidelines, then save them to return later to complete the process (any number of times up until the October 1st deadline).
• The library must have an up-to-date strategic plan in order to apply for accreditation (and incidentally, in order to successfully complete the accreditation application).
• There are 12 minimum qualifications a library must meet before it can begin to fill out the accreditation application. Among others these include: the legal establishment of the library; a governing or advisory library board; a certified board; a certified librarian; and an actively used e-mail address by the director.
• The three levels of accreditation attainment are bronze, silver and gold.
• There is a total of 275 points possible to accumulate — bronze (175 points); silver (200 points); and gold (250 points).
• Libraries are compared with their “peer libraries” that serve populations within 15% of their service populations, for a fairer comparison with like libraries.

The development, or updating, of a strategic plan for the library is also an essential part of the accreditation process. Such a plan helps to ensure that the services the library offers are wanted and needed by its community. How long has it been since you determined the needs of your community? This planning process enables you to do that and helps to ensure that you enjoy continued support from your community. For more information on strategic planning, go to “About the Strategic Plan”  here.

For any questions about the public library accreditation process, contact Richard Miller via e-mail, or call 800-307-2665, or 402-471-3175.

July 1, 2013 has arrived, and, as promised, the on-line application form to apply for public library accreditation is now active.  Go here to begin the application process: http://nlc.nebraska.gov/libaccred/.

Fifty Nebraska public libraries are due for reaccreditation in 2013. Forty additional public libraries (in the Dollars for Data category) that submitted their annual statistics for the Public Libraries Survey are also eligible to apply for accreditation. These two groups of libraries have received an e-mail today with details on how to initiate and go through the process.

Workshops on how to write a strategic plan — a requirement in order to apply for accreditation — are occurring or have occurred in each regional library System area. Stragegic planning templates, explanatory videos, and how-to guides are also available at the above link. Libraries may contact their System Administrator for additional information.

For questions concerning the public library accreditation process, contact Richard Miller — (800)307-2665; (402)471-3175.