Queensland public library standards and guidelines
These standards are designed as baseline measures for public library managers and for local government throughout Queensland. As the expectations and the requirements of the community change over time, the standards and guidelines will undoubtedly be revised to reflect the changing social, political and economic environment.
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.
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 standards - To provide a public library service via a specially designed and equipped vehicle to those people who do not have convenient access to a local static public library.
6 Stock acquisition and discard rate standards - To ensure the community has access to appropriate library materials in a variety of formats including print, electronic and microform. To develop selection and acquisition procedures which ensure that materials are available to the community as soon as possible. Revised July 2004.
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 Services for people with a disability - standards - To provide barrier-free access to library services and resources for people with disabilities.
10.4 Young people's services standards - To provide access to materials and services which meet the identified needs of young people in the community.
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 standards - 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 July 2004 - currently under review.
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 Joint-use public / school library standards - To provide minimum standards to ensure that public library services are maintained in any co-operative arrangement for joint-use library services between the Education Department and Local Government authorities. Currently under review.
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
Appendix three - Glossary of terms
Last updated: 14th October 2008
Creatively linking Queenslanders to information, knowledge and each other
