Library StandardsHow Library Standards help prove the value of Illinois Libraries

Hope Standifer

What are Standards?

• According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (2009) Standards are defined as “something set up and established by authority as a rule for the measure of quantity, weight, extent, value, or quality”.

Who is the Authority in Illinois

• The Illinois State Library does not govern Illinois libraries.

• In Illinois there are library consortiums/systems that help facilitate corporation between libraries in the state.

• Each library in the state are only governed by their library boards.

Why Should Library Standards be used?

• To make sure that all libraries will offer comparable services.

• To track improvement for library services.

• Because it’s easier for librarians to make their case to local governments when there are a set of standards on hand (McCook, 2004, p.96).

• Can be used to explain why libraries need to exist.

Illinois Library Association Standards

• Has twenty-four core standards.

• These core standards are then applied to these values : Administration PersonnelFacilitiesTechnologyAccessMarketing

Collection ManagementReference & Readers ServicesProgrammingILLNET membership responsibilities

Law in Illinois

Illinois ties library standards from the Illinois

Library Association to Illinois law: State law requires Illinois public libraries to “provide, as

determined by the State Librarian, library services which

either meet or show progress toward meeting the Illinois

library standards, as most recently adopted by the Illinois

Library Association.” [75 ILCS 10/8.1(1)] (as cited in

Illinois Library Association [ILA], 2009, p. iv).

How Illinois standards are used

• Used by library administration and library boards in their long range plans.

• Asking for increased funding if the library cannot meet standards with their current budget.

How are standards used In Michigan Libraries

• To promote libraries to communities.

• To give the libraries credibility.

• Used as an educational tool.

• Display successes with current financial support.

• Improve service throughout Michigan.

• Provide a mutual vision for library service.

• Basis for increased funding.

How these standards came about

• Quality Services Advisory Committee was formed in 2001.

• Quality Services Audit Checklist (QSAC)

• There are three levels that QSAC has for Michigan libraries to attain and those levels are: Essential, Enhanced and Excellent.

• Michigan based motivational standards for libraries across that state.

QSAC Levels

• Essential Level: This is the low cost basic level that every library should be able to achieve.

• Enhanced Level: This level requires more money and begins where the essential level leaves off.

• Excellent Level: This level is the highest and it requires the most money. It also is for a library that provides the superb customer service.

How to implement these measures

• Form a committeeSmall libraries: director, board member,

volunteer.Large libraries: director and representatives from

various departments/branches.

• Start with the essential level

• Work through the levels

• Work slowly

• Not quick like a bunny

What Michigan libraries get when they complete a QSAC level

• A certificate and a letter from the Library of Michigan.

• Libraries that complete essential, enhanced and excellent levels will be put on a list that is on the Library of Michigan website.

QSAC Questions

• Is this checklist tied to state funding?

• No extra money? Then why bother?

• Does the library have to accomplish every measure in the checklist?

Similarity between Illinois and Michigan Standards

• Standards in both states can be applied regardless of library size.

• Both have a have core standards.

• Neither are tied to state funding.

• Both had a number of committee meetings before standards were released to libraries.

• Both are flexible.

Differences

• Michigan does not discuss interlibrary loan responsibilities in depth.

• Michigan does not discuss programming in depth.

• Illinois does have a progressive checklists.• The Illinois standards are to be considered an

essential document under Illinois law and Illinois libraries must show that the are progressing toward achieving Illinois Standards

List of Michigan libraries on the various QSAC Levels

This video is from the Orion Township Public

Library. This library is on the Enhanced level of

QSAC.  

Conclusions

As seen with Michigan QSAC standards,

libraries in Illinois can use standards for promotion, as an educational tool, improve services, a shared vision for library services, credibility and reasoning for increased funding. Using standards in theses ways can make Illinois libraries exemplary examples to libraries around the country.

Questions

References

Elliot, D.S., Holt, G.E., Hayden, S.W., Holt, L.E. (2007). Measuring your library’s value.

Chicago: American Library Association.

Fisher, P.A., Pride, M.M. (2006). Blueprint for your library marketing plan. Chicago: American

Library Association.

Hernon, P., Whitman, J.R. (2001). Delivering satisfaction and service quality: A customer-based

approach for libraries. Chicago: American Library Association.

Karp, R.A. (Ed). (2002). Powerful Public Relations: A how-to guide for libraries. Chicago:

American Library Association.

References

Matthews, J.R. (2004). Measuring for results: The dimensions of public library effectiveness.

Westport, Connecticut: Libraries Unlimited.

Laughlin, S., & Wilson, R.(2008). The Quality Library: A guide to staff-driven improvement,

better efficiency, and happier customers. Chicago: American Library Association.

Reed, S.A., Nawalinski, B., Peterson, A. (2004). 101 + great ideas for libraries and friends:

Marketing, fundraising, friends development, and more! New York, NY: Neal-Schuman

Publishers, Inc.

Illinois Library Association. (2009). Serving our public 2.0: Standards for Illinois public

libraries. Chicago: Author.

References

McCook, K, P. (2004). Introduction to Public Librarianship. New York: Neal-Schulman

Publishers.

Michigan Department of Education. (September 23, 2008). QSAC - Quality Services

Audit Checklist. In Michigan Department of Education. Retrieved September 18, 2009,

from http://www.michigan.gov/documents/hal/lm_Enhanced_Quality

Measures_2007_205606_7.pdf.

Standards. (2009). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved November 13, 2009, from

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standards

References

Ztrawhcsg. (2008, February 8). GET REEL @ the LIBRARY [Video File].

Video posted to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYZpFj-6HOU