Wisconsin Public Library Standards. Bulletin No. 95120.

A locally developed long-range plan is the key to effective library service, and can account for circumstances unique to the service area that could not be anticipated from a statewide or national perspective. These standards are meant to guide Wisconsin libraries in structuring their own locally-focused planning efforts. Standards in the following areas are suggested: governance and administration, including planning, funding, and public relations; staffing; collections; services; and access and facilities, including both physical access and access to information. Quantitative output measures like reference completion rate and document delivery are recommended, and are combined with traditional input-oriented measures such as volumes held per capita and hours open. Each section contains a checklist of service minimums (which depend on local conditions and the role of the library within the community) for evaluation. Libraries may use these lists to assure minimum recommendations are met in all areas; to apply the standards in the context of their community role and mission, thereby identifying special roles that require additional effort in some areas; or to apply the standards in a broader, locally-based planning process. Appendices include eight sample public library role descriptions. Contains 150 references. (MAS)