Ala. Admin. Code r. 520-2-2-.03
Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024
Section 520-2-2-.03 - Library Establishment, Policy And Service RequirementsTo qualify for state aid, public libraries (whether or not they are members of systems) and public library systems must comply with the appropriate requirements as follows.
(1) A public library and a public library system must be legally established according to Code of Ala. 1975, §§11-90-(1-4). A copy of the ordinance or resolution establishing the public library and copies of public library system contracts must be on file with the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS).(2) In order to receive state aid, a library board must:(a) employ a qualified library director;(b) notify APLS of official board appointments and the terms to be served within 30 days of the appointment;(c) designate at least two board members to complete APLS trustee training (effective 2021);(d) meet a minimum of four times a year;(e) have written bylaws governing its functions;(f) approve written policies for the public library which cover the following: 3. Personnel, including memberships in professional organizations, attendance at professional meetings, grievance procedures, job descriptions, performance evaluations, etc.4. Cooperation with other libraries6. Materials selection policies7. Regular services and special services to groups, the handicapped, nonresident borrowers, shut-ins, etc.8. Overdue fines and other fees and charges(g) approve a written five-year, long-range program of public library service which will be reviewed each year and updated as needed. The program should include as a minimum but not limited to: 1. The community's information needs and services3. Collection development4. Facilities development5. Technology development(h) approve a written disaster/emergency plan which will be reviewed each year and updated as needed.(3) All Directors, Board members, and/or designated staff of public libraries must attend at least two APLS-sponsored meetings per year either on-site or by videoconference. Eligible meetings include quarterly Administrators' Meetings (October, January, April, July) and the Children and Teen Services Annual Conference (i.e. "Summer Reading Kick-off"). Other eligible meetings are at the discretion of the APLS Director.(4) The public library must not deny service to anyone on the basis of age, race, sex or creed.(5) A public library must be open to serve the public at least the specified number of hours per week based on the following scale: MINIMUM HOURS OPEN | POPULATION SERVED |
50 | over 100,000 |
45 | 50,000 - 99,999 |
40 | 25,000 - 49,999 |
30 | 10,000 - 24,999 |
20 | 5,000 - 9,999 |
16 | under 5,000 |
(6) If a public library system headquarters provides direct patron services on-site (as opposed to extension services provided off-site), the system headquarters must be open the number of hours required in (5) above, based on the population of the county in which the system headquarters is physically located.(7) Each library must strive to have a well-balanced collection of not less than one volume per capita and not less than 1.5 currently useful items per capita. The term "item" is intended to include print and non-print materials.Ala. Admin. Code r. 520-2-2-.03
Filed March 30, 1992. Amended: Filed May 20, 2005; effective June 24, 2005. Repealed and New Rule: Filed December 18, 2006; effective January 22, 2007. Repealed and New Rule: Filed September 21, 2009; effective October 26, 2009. Repealed and New Rule: Filed October 13, 2011; effective November 17, 2011. Repealed and New Rule: Filed May 16, 2012; effective June 20, 2012.Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXVII, Issue No. 03, December 28, 2018, eff. 1/24/2019.Author: Nancy C. Pack, Director
Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§41-8-(1-10).
The amended version of this section by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XLII, Issue No. 08, May 31, 2024, filed May 17, 2024 is not yet available.