Public Library Accreditation and Statistics

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) invited Texas public librarians to review and discuss a draft of minimum standards for library accreditation for local fiscal years 2025 onward during the first two weeks of May 2024.

Staff of the Library Development and Networking (LDN) division presented proposed revised standards that will govern public library accreditation starting with State fiscal year 2027.

Texas public librarians are asked to provide informal input before the rules are finalized for public comment through the Texas Register. There will be multiple opportunities for Texas public librarians to provide input and inform the process on everything from population assignments and local operating expenditures to operating hours and collection size.

Current Minimum Standards for Library Accreditation

Proposed Changes to Minimum Accreditation Standards [Texas Register, November 15, 2024]

Written comments on the proposal may be submitted via email at rules@tsl.texas.gov by December 30, 2024.

Proposed Changes to Minimum Accreditation Criteria: 2026 and Beyond (recording link)
Original Air Date: November 19, 2024 Slides; Rule Summary

Minimum Standards for Accreditation of Libraries in the Texas Administrative Code were last updated in 2014. After extensive discussion and review over the past six months, a proposal of updated standards has been drafted and submitted to the Library and Archives Commission. It will be released for public comment for thirty days before being adopted.  Join members of the LDN accreditation staff to review the proposed criteria and get advance notice on the new minimums that will be put in place.