Accreditation and Standards

The Standards and Accreditation Program exists to encourage the ongoing development of high quality public library services in Iowa. In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards is the manual for the State Library of Iowa’s standards program. Iowa’s voluntary public library standards program was established to give public libraries a tool to identify strengths and areas for improvement. It is also used to document the condition of public library service in Iowa, to distribute Direct State Aid funding, and to meet statutory requirements.

Accreditation Application for FY26

All libraries with Accreditation or Tier Level expiration dates of June 30, 2025 need to reapply by February 28, 2025. Renewal materials will be available in December, 2024. Libraries that need to apply will receive an email message with instructions. New statuses for libraries that apply during that period will begin July 1, 2025.  

How to Complete the Accreditation Application

1. Gather Information: Use Verification Requirements for Standards FY26 to help determine what you will need to gather and submit. Available in December, 2024.
2. Log in and Complete the Application: The Online Application Form uses the same Bibliostat Collect software as our annual survey. You can currently login and view your application from previous years. The FY26 application will be available in December, 2024.  Use the Print Application Form as an offline aid only. All Applications must be filed using the online form.
3. Gather and Upload Supporting Documents: Use the Supporting Documentation Upload Service to ensure all supporting documentation is submitted. These documents are necessary to meet certain standards. Available in December, 2024.
   • It is best to send in all documentation at the same time. Contact Toni Blair  if you need an alternative way to send in your files.
4. Complete the Accreditation Application Signature Page: After submitting the application, the Library Director and Board President must complete the Signature Page certifying that the data is correct to the best of their knowledge. Available in December, 2024.

1. Application submitted in Bibliostat.
2. Supporting documents uploaded.
3. Signature page filed with both required signatures. 
    

Need further assistance?

• Contact Toni Blair for any help with your user name or password.
• Watch the presentations from the seven Prepping for Accreditation online sessions.
• Review the new Help Document for the Bibliostat Collect software. Collect is the software used for the Accreditation Application form.
• Access the ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities. Use these files to help with Standard #80.
• View the New Standards Overview presented by Scott Dermont at the 2016 Town Meetings.
• View the Accreditation and Tier status of all public libraries as of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.