Queensland public library standards and guidelines
These standards and guidelines are designed to assist Queensland public library staff and local governments in the planning and development of their library services. The Public Library Standards Steering Group drives the ongoing review and development of the standards and guidelines.
1 Library management standards - To provide the community with a library service that is equitable, cost effective and efficient.
2 Staffing standard [new window 
50 kb] - To provide the minimum requirement for overall staffing and qualified staff levels to ensure consistency of service delivery across local government. Revised May 2008.
3 Opening hours standards - To open at times which enable the community to make the most effective use of the library service. Draft standard [new window 50 kb] currently under review.
4 Library building standards - To provide a physical facility which will serve the identified needs of the community. The building should be attractive, efficiently designed, flexible, functional and expandable. Revised July 2004.
5 Mobile library standard [new window 71 kb]- To provide standards and guidelines for a public library service delivered via a specially designed and equipped vehicle. Mobile libraries extend library service to clients without convenient access to a static library, providing a comparable level of service. Revised June 2009.
6 Library collections standard [new window 81 kb]- To provide standards and guidelines for the development and management of library collections which meet the information, education, recreation and cultural needs of the community, and support the development of lifelong learning. Revised June 2009.
7 Interlibrary loans standards - To facilitate access by the local community to resources held in other Australian library and information services collections.
8 Local studies collection standards - To maintain or provide access to a collection which documents the historical development of the local community.
9 Reference collection standards - To provide resources and services appropriate to the information needs of the community.
10 Specialist service standards - The following sub-sections address a range of possible specialisations or potential priorities within the public library sector.
10.1 Literacy service standards - To actively promote and support programs for members of the community with identified literacy needs.
10.2 Multicultural services standard [new window
10.3 Disability services standard [new window
10.4 Young peoples services standard [new window
10.5 Library services for Aboriginal People and Torres Strait Islanders standards - To actively consult and negotiate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to promote library and information literacy and to catalyse the development of public library services.
11 Technology standard - [new window 61 kb] - To provide a framework for the efficient and effective use of technology as an integral feature of the public library so that optimum service can be provided. To provide all library sites, staff and users access to technology as required. Revised December 2008.
12 Resource Description standard [new window 43 kb] - To provide a framework for access to library collections, through the bibliographic control of library materials and the interchange of bibliographic data. Revised October 2008.
13 Shared Facilities standard [new window 52 kb] - To provide the minimum requirements for operating a public library service within a shared environment. Revised December 2008.
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Guidelines and Toolkit for Shared Facilities best practice [new window 21 kb] December 2008.
14 Standards for Country Lending Service libraries - The basic requirements for the operation of a library within the Country Lending Service are prescribed by the Country Lending Service Agreement made between participating Local Governments and the Library Board of Queensland. The Agreement outlines the responsibilities of both parties. The following standards are based on the general provisions of the Agreement. Revised July 2004.
Appendix one - Bibliography
Appendix two - ALIA policy statements
Last updated: 25th June 2009
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