The guidelines have been phased in over a three-year period. Libraries that meet the basic guidelines as described above will be accredited and eligible for state aid to public libraries and other grant programs available through the Nebraska Library Commission. The second twenty guidelines are provided for those who wish to achieve enhanced library service for their community. Any library that is not accredited can continue to make progress toward meeting public library guidelines and improving services to its community. These libraries will continue to receive consulting support and services from their library systems and from the Nebraska Library Commission.
All libraries are on a current three-year cycle for accreditation.
Libraries due accreditation approval in any one year will be notified by receipt of the application for Public Library Accreditation in July. Any library not currently accredited will be notified each year until they meet accreditation guideline approval. All accreditation forms will be due by September 1, of the fiscal year. If you meet the necessary number of guidelines, submit the application for accreditation by September 1 of the same year. Eligible libraries will receive their Certificates of Accreditation by October 1.