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 Impacts Related to COVID-19
See a list of Accreditation impacts related to COVID-19. In general, services suspended because of COVID-19 will not affect your accreditation status as long as they are restarted once the crisis has passed. Click on the above link to see a list of Accreditation issues related to the COVID-19.
Accreditation Application for FY25
All libraries with Accreditation or Tier Level expiration dates of June 30, 2024 need to reapply by February 28, 2024. Renewal materials will be available in early December, 2023.
New statuses for libraries that apply during that period will begin July 1, 2024.
Application Files
Online Application Form
The online application will be available in December, 2023. You can still login now and view previous year's reports.
Verification requirements for standards - FY25
Use this file to help determine what you will need to gather and submit to support your application. -- Coming December, 2023.
Supporting Documentation Upload Service - FY25
Use this link to upload your required files. It is best to submit all of your documents at the same time. Once you've competed the form, you'll be taken to the required Signature Page. -- Coming December, 2023.
Signature Page - FY25
All libraries submitting an application must also submit a Signature Page to certify accuracy. Use this link if you have already submitted all of your supporting documents, and only need to fill out the signature page. You will also be taken to this page when you complete the Supporting Docs upload sevice above. -- Coming December, 2023.
Print Application Form - FY25
Use the print application form as an offline aid only. All applications must be filed using the online form listed above. -- Coming December, 2023.
Supporting Documentation Checklist - FY25
This checklist is an aid to ensure all supporting documentation is submitted. This document is also included in the Print Application Form. -- Coming December, 2023.
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities - For Accreditation purposes.
Use these files to help with Accreditation Standard #80.
Updated 7/24/2023.
Other Helpful Files
Help Videos for Bibliostat Collect online software interface
These five short videos give an overview of the new Bibliostat Collect software. This software is used for the Accreditation Application form, the public library annual survey, the Direct State Aid report, and the Open Access report.
New Standards Overview
This was the handout for Scott Dermont's standards presentation at the 2016 Town Meetings.
Accreditation and Tier Status - FY24
Accreditation and Tier Status of all public libraries as of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
Prepping for Accreditation recordings and presentations
Recordings and slide presentations from the 7 Summer, Winter, and Fall Prepping for Accreditation online sessions.
