Public Library Standards Revision

Purpose of Standards

To establish a baseline of service so that all RI residents have equitable access to libraries.

Committee Formation

In late fall of 2023, the Library Board of Rhode Island (LBRI) sought to bring together a representative group of public library directors and LBRI board members to form a committee that would be tasked with revisions to the Minimum Standards and Regulations for Rhode Island Public Libraries, which had last been revised in 2013.  

Committee Charge

The Public Library Standards Committee is charged with reviewing the current standards and determining to what extent those standards may need revision, from minor revisions to a major rewrite. The committee was encouraged to review compliance with the current standards, assess waivers granted to libraries unable to meet certain standards, and consider utilization of libraries by the public, including changes in library services, use patterns, and patron expectations.

When the committee has finished their review, they will bring their recommendations to the LBRI for their review. Once the LBRI approves the proposed standards, the Office of Library & Information Services (OLIS) will work with the Department of Administration Division of Legal Services to bring the proposed standards through the state's Rulemaking Process to establish them as regulations.

OLIS is authorized to develop standards and regulations for public library development and other purposes under R.I. Gen. Laws § 29-3.1-7(8)(ii), and the LBRI is authorized to approve, adopt, and require enforcement of standards and regulations for public library development and other purposes under R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 29-3.1-4.1(b)(3) and 29-3.1-4(b)(7)(ii). 

Process

The Committee met multiple times throughout 2024, splitting into two sub-committees to review different parts of the standards, including library governance, policies, facilities, staffing, and services. The sub-committees reconvened to look at the work as a whole to eliminate redundancies and refine the language for clarity.

The draft was reviewed by the LBRI at its meetings in November and December 2024. At the direction of the LBRI, OLIS will present the draft to public library directors for review and input at several sessions in January 2025 before the final draft is approved for rulemaking.

Committee Members

The Committee included members of the LBRI and representatives of large, medium, and small libraries, including municipal and non-municipal libraries.

  • Laurel Clark, Committee Chair (Director, South Kingstown Public Library)
  • Catherine Damiani, Committee Vice Chair (Director, Tiverton Public Library)
  • John Bucci (LBRI, representing library users)
  • Melody Drnach (LBRI, Chair, representing library users)
  • Aaron Coutu-Jones (LBRI; Director, Warwick Public Library)
  • Heather Field (Director, Ashaway Free Library)
  • Ed Garcia (Director, Cranston Public Library)
  • Chris LaRoux (LBRI; Trustee, East Providence Public Library)
  • Leslie Page (LBRI; Director, Woonsocket Harris Public Library)
  • Cheryl Space (LBRI; Director, Community Libraries of Providence)
  • Michelle Steever (LBRI; School Librarian, East Greenwich High School)
  • Tien Tran (LBRI; Director, Exeter Public Library)
  • Karen Mellor (OLIS)
  • Kelly Metzger (OLIS, staff to the committee)

Documents

Draft of revised standards (January 3, 2025)

Minimum Standards and Regulations for RI Public Libraries (2013)