Standards for Public Library Services to Children in Massachusetts
Please send your comments on this standard to: Kathy Moran-Wallace at kathymoranwallace@yahoo.com

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PHILOSOPHY OF SERVICE

       In accordance with the principles expressed in the Library Bill of Rights and Free Access to Libraries for Minors (Intellectual Freedom Manual, 6^th edition, American Library Association, 2001), every child in Massachusetts is entitled to a free, readily accessible and specialized program of public library service. The essential goals of public library service to children are to introduce them to the love of reading and literature and to help them become capable, critical users of information and technology. Children must have access on an equal basis with adults to all the services and materials the library provides including access to new electronic technologies as they develop. The vitality of the entire library and the wide range of user needs are best served when children’s services functions fully in the total complement of library services. To ensure a high quality of service, each library must:

• Establish a separate space for children’s services.

• Employ at least one qualified librarian who is responsible for services to children.

• Provide a collection of diverse materials in various formats.

• Develop and provide information services for children.

• Plan and implement a variety of programs which excite children about literature, information, technology, and promote library use.

• Continually publicize the resources and services of the children’s department.

• Cooperate with other community agencies serving children.

• Implement the Massachusetts Library Association Salary Schedule

• Allocate sufficient funding to accomplish the above aims.