If any information in a guide is discovered to be incorrect or needs to be changed or in the event that a new resource is discovered, and it should be added to a guide, please fill out this form.
This guide was developed by district consultant librarians in conjunction with the Bureau of Library Development (BLD) in the Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL). The guide is a tool to assist consulting staff with their day-to-day work and as a resource for common questions and key work of consultants across the state.
If any information in a LibGuide is discovered to be incorrect or needs to be changed or in the event that a new resource is discovered, and it should be added to a guide, please fill out this form: https://forms.office.com/g/9682KBhefh.
Brief definition clarification - when the term "Statute" is used, it is referencing the Law written by the General Assembly and generally starts with 93XX. When the term "Regulation(s)" is used, it is referencing the material that operationalizes the law (Statute) and is promulgated by the agency (PA Department of Education/OCL) and generally starts with 13X or 14X. When the term "Policy" is used, it is referencing clarifications, interpretations, processes, and procedures, developed by the Governor's Advisory Council (GAC) and/or OCL to assist in compliance with the requirements of regulation.
The Public Library Code (Statute) requires the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to appoint a State Librarian to serve as its Deputy Secretary for Libraries who has specific powers and duties as outlined in 24 Pa. C.S. § 9311. The Statute also establishes the GAC on Library Development and a system of financial aid for public libraries that meet requirements established by the Statute and Regulations.
Regulatory or policy language, when read in tandem with the Public Library Code, may conflict with language contained in the Statute. When this occurs, the statutory language contained in the Public Library Code always controls and takes precedence. In the absence of any statutory language, regulatory language that conflicts with policy takes precedence. Put simply, in situations where there is conflict between standards, the following hierarchy is to be followed in determining which standard applies: Public Library Code Statutes → Pennsylvania Code Regulations → Governor’s Advisory Council Guidelines and Office of Commonwealth Libraries Policy.
The provisions of the Statute are the state laws that govern state aided libraries and their boards in Pennsylvania. It includes:
The Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) is appointed by the governor and:
Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL).
Statewide Library Resource Centers (SLRCs)
District Library Centers - this section is particularly important for consultants.
Federated Library System
State Aid to Libraries
County Coordination Aid
The Pennsylvania Code (Regulations) contains the state's library regulations found at §§ 131 - 143. These regulations explain how to implement the statutory provisions contained in the Statute found at §§ 9301-9376. The regulations include library standards, certification and continuing education requirements, and requirements for the submission of plans for the use of state aid.
This information was developed as a response to the library field’s perception, collected through a survey, of what are and are not the responsibilities of the Bureau of Library Development (BLD). Due to some confusion, this chart is intended to clarify what BLD does and does not do. It was created in 2024 based on the information at that time.
Dos | Don'ts |
---|---|
BLD does require reports from libraries. | BLD is not a document repository. * |
BLD does advise libraries on library law and best practices. | BLD does not enforce all library laws. ** |
BLD does administer grants. | BLD does not provide general legal advice. |
BLD does provide professional development / continuing education opportunities. | BLD does not govern local library decisions. |
BLD does establish and hold libraries accountable to standards related to state aid. | BLD does not lobby (advocate) for libraries. *** |
BLD does publish library statistics. |
*BLD is required to follow state government document retention policies. It is the responsibility of the local library to keep their own historical documents and records. The State Library (BSL or Bureau of the State Library) does retain government files that are required in its role as a state agency and federal repository, but those are separate policies and requirements.
** Compliance associated with State Aid standards and the receipt of state and federal funds are enforceable. BLD cannot enforce other laws related to libraries, such as non-profit laws.
***While BLD promotes the value of libraries, it cannot advocate (meaning lobby) for libraries with the government. That is a unique role of professional organizations like the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA). This is both a federal and state directive.