What does it take to start a library? Part 1
I was curious what it takes to start a library, and it there are any interesting laws that apply to libraries. Libraries are so very important, and I would like to explore more of what they look like in a technological future. Here is some of the useful information I found my research. I don't have a punchline for this yet, but I thought I should store what I have found thus far.
I'm looking at the laws for Massachusetts and Washington states, as I am in and from them respectively.
Firstly, the American Library Association has a pair of wonderful fact sheets on Setting Up a Library. This is where I started my search. Next I started looking for the relevant MA and WA law codes that define a library for that state, and how one may be created.
In Massachusetts, there are rules libraries must meet to be considered a public library and gain the benefits provided by the state. They include:
Operating hours for communities of size:
(a) under 2,000 10 including some evening hours (b) 2,000 - 4,999 15 including some evening hours (c) 5,000 - 9,999 25 including some evening hours (d) 10,000 - 14,999 40 some part of five days, including some evening hours (e) 15,000 - 24,999 50 some part of five days, including some evening hours (f) 25,000 - 49,999 59 open six days, including some morning, afternoon, and evening hours (g) 50,000 and over 63 open six days, including some morning, afternoon, and evening hours
Staff Requirements for communities of size:
(a) under 10,000: Chief Librarian: college graduate with special training either received or to be received within a five-year period by courses in the basic library techniques of administration, materials selection, cataloging and classification, and reference offered through a university or college, or by professionally qualified personnel instructing in institutions of higher education, the board of library commissioners or a regional library system, approved by the Board of Library Commissioners. Qualify for a certificate of subprofessional librarianship issued by the Board of Library Commissioners. (b) 10,000 and up: Chief Librarian: college graduate with a degree from an approved library school; experience in library work including supervisory experience; and a certificate of professional librarianship issued by the Board of Library Commissioners. It is understood that appointees in this category must be fully qualified upon appointment.
More info will come as I find time to type it up.