Idaho Commission for Libraries

Publicly Funded Libraries
Privately Funded Libraries

Publicly Funded Libraries

Public Libraries

• The library is legally established and operating in compliance with Chapter 33-26 or 33-27 of the Idaho Code.

• The library has regular and published hours of operation

• The library has at least one paid staff member on duty in the library during the hours the library is open.

• The library has a completed "Idaho Public-District Library Annual Statistical Report Form" for the preceding fiscal year accepted by, and on file, at the State Commission.

• The library does not charge a fee to any resident of its legal service area for any basic library service. Basic library services include:

  • Usual and reasonable access during posted operating hours to the collections, Internet access and professional services that are ordinarily, traditionally, and routinely offered to the public in American public libraries.

  • Circulation of library materials, regardless of format.

  • Access to interlibrary loan services. Postage charges for interlibrary loans are assumed by the library, not the user.

  • Reference services, regardless of format.

School and Academic Libraries

• The school is accredited by the State Board of Education.

• The school district employs a certificated media generalist.

• The academic institution is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

All Publicly Funded Libraries (public, academic, school, special)

• The library is or is part of a legally established entity,

• The library collects, provides, and coordinates access to library materials,

• The library serves its clientele free of charge:

  • Academic library: its students and faculty

  • Public library: all residents of its legal service area (city limits for city libraries and district boundaries for district libraries)

  • School library: its students and faculty

  • Special library: dependent upon mission

Privately Funded Libraries (public, academic, school, special)

• The library is, or is part of, a legally established organization,

• The library collects, provides, and coordinates access to library materials, and has done so for at least 3 consecutive years,

• The library has regular and published hours of operation

• The library has at least one paid staff member on duty in the library during the hours the library is open.