1. The Library Board monitors the quality and level of service responses for the library and advocates for adequate space to carry out services.

2. The library staff and the Library Board review library space needs of the service population at least every five years as part of the total library planning process that results in a formal written document of facility needs. Facility needs are determined based on population size, density, growth projections, and distance from existing facilities.

3. Every library system has at least one full-service library facility with a minimum gross square footage of 16,000 square feet regardless of population served. Library systems serving more than 25,000 people provide library facilities totaling not less than 0.65 square feet per capita, with at least one facility of not less than 16,000 square feet.

4. Public libraries provide space to accommodate the multiplicity of public electronic workstations and associated services.

5. In planning for remodeled, replacement or new library facilities; a written building program is developed by the library management and a Library Building Committee with public input.

6. Major library construction projects require the services of architects and other necessary specialists, such as library building, interiors and library technology consultants.

7. Adequate public parking is essential for the success of a library facility. Available public parking represents at least one parking space for every 200 square feet of gross square footage of the facility. Additional space for parking is needed if the library provides public activity rooms, story time rooms, computer rooms, conference rooms, or other special purpose faciilities.

8. Library facilities of 25,000 square feet or less are on one floor to reduce supervision, maintenance, and operational costs.

9. Proper heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems maintain relative humidity levels of 45% to 55% year round for library facilities. Stricter standards are required for special collections. Lighting standards meet standards for libraries.

10. Modern library facilities are dependent on computer technology to support internal operations and to provide public electronic information services with access to the Internet. A demark or telecommunication room is provided to manage incoming cabling and house routers, hubs and other telecommunication equipment for the distribution of electronic communication throughout the library.

11. All library facilities meet local, state and national building codes for fire, safety, sanitation, handicapped access.

TECHNOLOGY

1. The library system provides public access to electronic information (Internet, CD/ROM products, online databases and the like) at each library location. Electronic information services are available at all hours that the library is open.

2. Each library facility has at least one computer workstation for every 2,500 people in its designated service area. At least 50 square feet are allotted for each public workstation. Each library has one printer for each stand-alone computer workstation or at least one networked printer for every five computers.

3. Cataloging and circulation functions are automated according to State Library of North Carolina technical standards (Minimum Standards for Library Automation in North Carolina [http://statelibrary.dcr.state.nc.us/lsta/minstds810.pdf] and OCLC batchload Guide (Technical Information for Batchloading: Algorithms, Tape, and Record Requirements [http://www.oclc.org/oclc/man/7123bach/app-b.htm]).

4. Each library system has a library website describing the services of the library system and containing links to selected related sites.

5. All newly purchased hardware and software in the library meet current Minimum Specifications for New Purchases [http://statelibrary.dcr.state.nc.us/ld/minspec.htm] set by the State Library of North Carolina and are replaced according to State Library guidelines [http://statelibrary.dcr.state.nc.us/hottopic/techplan/equipol.htm].

6. At least one full-time computer technician is designated for every 50 computer workstations and related printers and peripherals.

7. A systems manager is assigned to each library system.

8. Each library facility has at least one staff member designated and trained to communicate with computer technicians and to perform basic troubleshooting.

9. Library staff have appropriate training in basic computer use, computer operating systems and all electronic formats available to the public and for staff use. Quarterly technology updates are provided for library staff.

10. Budgetary provisions are made for ongoing computer training for the staff.

11. In-house training experts are selected and trained.

12. The library has a technology plan that represents both current and future technology projects. Projects planned for the next two to five years are identified in the plan.

13. A policy on technology upgrades and replacements is adopted with funds budgeted for this purpose.

14. The technology plan is reviewed and updated yearly to evaluate progress and to determine goals and objectives for the coming year.

15. A technology committee is appointed to plan and oversee all library technologies.