How Pennsylvania Libraries are Governed

Rev 05 2018

• • • Understanding organizational structure and governance will help guide you in making decisions on obtaining funding, managing operations and providing service to your patrons. But fIrst: The definition of a Public Library …..

FSCS** defines a public library as follows: A public library is established under state enabling laws or regulations to serve the residents of a community, district, or region. A public library is an entity that provides at least the following: 1) an organized collection of printed or other library materials, or a combination thereof 2) a paid staff to provide and interpret such materials as required to meet the informational, cultural, recreational, and/lor educational needs of a clientele; 3) an established schedule in which services of the staff are available to clientele; and 4) the facilities necessary to support such a collection, staff and schedule. Note: State law determines whether an entity is a public library. Ref: https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/publiclibrarystructureorg3-1996_0.pdf **FSCS-Federal State Cooperative System--a formal system whereby the state and federal governments work together to collect public library information and statistics. Established by law, with full participation by the National Center for Education Statistics, state library agencies, and the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science. The full title is the Federal State Cooperative System for Public Library Data.

The Chester County Library System (CCLS) ● Formed in 1965 as a federated system to improve library service to all residents in the County. ● A federated system means each member library is an independent library with their own board of trustees and not a branch of the Chester County Library. ● The System is bound together by a negotiated membership agreement.

● CCLS consists of 16 full member libraries, two of which have one branch each. ○ Paoli Library is a branch of the Tredyffrin Public Library. ○ Henrietta Hankin Branch Library is a branch of the Chester County Library, Exton. This organizational design allows for effective and efficient sharing of resources to ensure quality library service for the citizens of the county

All libraries in the System must make their collections and services available on an equal basis to all who live, work, own property or attend school in Chester County. Hmm .. What is a District Member Libraries center?

a District center is …. A library that is …. ● Designated by the State Librarian with the approval of the Advisory Council on Library Development. ● Receives District Center Aid from the State for the purpose of making resources and services available free to all residents of the district. ● Provides and coordinates supplementary services to libraries within the district. These libraries become a part of the district library center system

Main areas of responsibility for each member library board of Trustees: • Advocacy • Employ Library Director • Fiscal Responsibility • Fund Raising • Library Governance • Policies • Public Relations

The System Advisory Council (SAC) is a group created to advise the Chester County Library System (CCLS) Board on integrated library services for all citizens of Chester County. Participation in the SAC is not only required but is also important to help further the vision and mission of the library system.

Each library in the System is represented on the System Advisory Council (SAC) by the Library Director or Branch Manager and one Trustee. • Bylaws address the rotation of SAC officers. • Each member library receives one vote. • The SAC meets quarterly.

THE SAC … ● Develops, reviews and recommends plans, policies, services, and programs for the Chester County Library System. ● Reviews and recommends to the CCLS Board the Membership Agreement and the Funding Formula. ● Reviews the District Center Aid and County Coordination Aid budgets. ● Serves as a legislative advocacy network. ● Encourages continuing education opportunities for CCLS member library staff and trustees.



LAstly, a look at the Structure and organization of public libraries in Pennsylvania

The Library Code

The Public Library Code The Public Library Code, passed November 1, 2012, is a revision of the Library Code

Title 22 of the Pennsylvania Code contains the regulations that implement The Library Code. These regulations detail the following: ● Basic and Minimum Standards ● System Standards ● District Library Center Standards ● Certification Regulations The full details of the code and Regulations can be found at: http://www.statelibrary.pa.gov/Libraries/LawsRegulations/Pages/Pennsylvania-Code-and-Regulations.aspx

Public libraries in Pennsylvania are authorized under Title 24 of the Pennsylvania Statutes Annotated. The following types of libraries may be found in the state: Local Public Libraries: These libraries may be formed by any municipality, township, or school district or by a deed, gift or testamentary provision, or as nonprofit ( 501c3) corporations. ● Governed by a board of directors. ● Funding may be provided by a voter-approved referendum, fees and charges, and a combination of federal, state and local appropriations. County Libraries: These libraries are organized under the same provisions as local public libraries to serve the residents of an entire county. ● Local funding comes from the county government but municipalities within the county may provide additional support. Municipal Libraries: Municipal authorities may provide library services. They are created by ordinance of a county, municipality, township, or combination of the above. ● Governed by a board appointed by the creating government(s) which contribute 15% or more of the yearly income of the library from all municipal sources ( Title 22 section 141.21(2)(i)(B)).

How it all fits together: Dimensions of Library Service

Branch Branch Note: CCLS = Chester County Library System How it all fits together: CHester County! 501c3 501c3 501c3 501c3 501c3 501c3 501c3 501c3 501c3 501c3 501c3 501c3 501c3 County Library, Local Library and a District Center Library Municipal Library Component of School District

Offices and Governing Bodies: Pennsylvania Libraries General Assembly The Department of Governor Education The Office of Governor’s Commonwealth Libraries Advisory Council on Library Development The Bureau of The Bureau of Library State Library Development

Offices and Governing Bodies: Pennsylvania Libraries General Assembly The Department of Education The Office of Commonwealth Libraries The Bureau of The Bureau of Library State Library Development

Offices and Governing Bodies: Pennsylvania Libraries General Assembly The Department of Education The Office of Commonwealth Libraries The Bureau of The Bureau of Library State Library Development

Offices and Governing Bodies: Pennsylvania Libraries General Assembly The Department of Education The Office of Commonwealth Libraries The Bureau of The Bureau of Library State Library Development

Offices and Governing Bodies: Pennsylvania Libraries General Assembly The Department of Education The Office of Commonwealth Libraries The Bureau of The Bureau of Library State Library Development

Offices and Governing Bodies: Pennsylvania Libraries General Assembly The Department of Education The Office of Commonwealth Libraries The Bureau of The Bureau of Library State Library Development

Offices and Governing Bodies: Pennsylvania Libraries Governor Governor’s Advisory Council on Library Development

Offices and Governing Bodies: Pennsylvania Libraries General Assembly The Department of Governor Education The Office of Governor’s Commonwealth Libraries Advisory Council on Library Development The Bureau of The Bureau of Library State Library Understanding the offices and governing Development bodies overseeing libraries in Pennsylvania will help guide you in your advocacy, outreach and funding campaigns.

• • • CongratulAtions - you’ve completed the ‘ How Pennsylvania Libraries are Governed’ Module! The information you have learned will help you in funding and managing your library and Provide outstanding service to your community!