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Bookmobile Funding

Public libraries and the services they offer are a basic need in life.  In rural Nevada, they often serve as the only means of obtaining educational and recreational materials. This where bookmobiles come in.

The state provides support to three bookmobiles throughout Nevada: Elko-Lander-Eureka County Bookmobile, Humboldt County Bookmobile, and Lincoln County Bookmobile.  To learn more about these bookmobiles see the reports below. 

• 2015 Bookmobile Executive Summary & Impact Statement
• 2011-2015 State Bookmobile Snapshot

Collection Development Funding

The Nevada State Legislature has allocated funds for the public libraries in the State Collection Development Grant Program. The first allocation, $250,000 in the 1995 session, was intended for the rural areas only. These funds are distributed to public libraries in Nevada, based on their own local spending for collection development. Utilizing the formula based on these expenditures (NRS 378.087), the smaller libraries receive a greater proportionate amount than the libraries with the larger budgets.
 

State Collection Development Grant Reports

To learn how the state's public libraries utilize those funds, check out the following maps and for complete information, see their reports. 

FY 2014-2015 Grant Program Executive Summary & Impact Statement

FY 2014-2015 Grant Program Report

FY 18 Evaluations

Nevada State Allocation Dynamic Map, 2010-2011

Nevada State Allocation Dynamic Map, 2008-2009

Historical Distribution of State Collection Development Funds to Public Libraries

State Allocations

• 2017 session allocated $650,452
• 2015 session allocated $270,452
• 2013 session allocated $252,197
• 2011 session allocated $252,631
• 2009 session allocated $670,000
• 2007 session allocated $1,200,000

Reports and Documents

E-Rate

The Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund (E-Rate) is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and provides discounts to assist school and libraries to obtain affordable telecommunications, Internet access, and advanced technologies. Schools and libraries can apply annually for discounts of from 20-90% on telecommunications services, Internet access and internal connections. The E-Rate program can be a source of additional funds for Nevada public libraries, and the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records encourages all public libraries to apply for E-Rate. Libraries must meet the Minimum Public Library Standards for Nevada to be eligible for E-Rate.

Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
Libraries receiving e-rate assistance for products and services that provide access to the Internet must comply with the requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act. These products and services include Category One Internet access and all Category Two services – internal connections, managed internal broadband services, and basic maintenance of internal connections.

Applicants must certify compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) to be eligible for Schools and Libraries (E-rate) Program discounts on Category One internet access and all Category Two services – internal connections, managed internal broadband services, and basic maintenance of internal connections. The relevant authority with responsibility for administration of the eligible school or library (the Administrative Authority) must certify that the school or library is enforcing an internet safety policy that includes measures to block or filter internet access for both minors and adults to certain visual depictions.

CIPA requirements include three items: an Internet safety policy, a technology protection measure (filtering), and a public notice and hearing or meeting.

Information on various filter types and options can be found here:

In general, school and library authorities must certify that:

1. They have complied with the requirements of CIPA;
2. They are undertaking actions, including any necessary procurement procedures, to comply with the requirements of CIPA;
3. Or, CIPA does not apply because they are receiving discounts for telecommunications services only.

Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT)
OSIT was established with two major goals related to STEM and broadband:

• STEM: To coordinate and align efforts by K-12 and higher education, workforce development, and employers to improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and STEM workforce development so that Nevada’s workforce can meet the demands of its growing economy.
• Broadband: To coordinate the planning, mapping, and procurement of broadband to ensure connectivity across Nevada for schools, libraries, hospitals, clinics and communities meets national standards.

The Nevada Connect Kids Initiative was created to increase broadband Internet access, adoption, and use across the state. As part of the Initiative, Governor Sandoval announced an investment of $2 million for a state matching fund to ensure schools have the infrastructure they need to access high-speed broadband.

The Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology will administer and manage the fund in order to draw down additional federal funding to assist school districts and libraries with their network upgrades.

E-Rate Central is an e-rate consulting firm dedicated to simplifying the e-rate program for schools and libraries. OSIT has contracted with E-Rate Central to assist schools and libraries in applying for e-rate.

Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC)
Schools & Libraries (E-Rate) Program includes E-Rate program information, tools and resources including how to get started, acronyms and forms, eligibility, how to apply, and samples and examples.

E-Rate Central publishes newsletters and webinars periodically. Click below to read the latest newsletter or view a webinar.

Library Statistics

The Nevada State Library collects, edits, and disseminates statistical information on public libraries in the state. This information is shared with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and is part of a national effort to collect library data.

To access the 2021 Nevada Public Library Survey / Statistical Report tool:

• https://collectconnect.baker-taylor.com/login.aspx 

Instructions for the interface can be found here and also by clicking on Help in the upper right corner once logged into the survey.

Login using the same username and password as last year. If you need your library’s username and password, contact Sherrie Cairo at 775-684-3339 or NSLAPR-Admin@admin.nv.gov. 

Help/instructions are available for almost every question on the survey. Just click the gray question mark  next to each data field. Download a full set of line-by-line instructions here. Alternately, a full set of instructions is available at the Instructions​ link in the upper right menu of every screen in the survey tool, but don't hesitate to contact Sherrie if you have any problems or questions!

A complete copy of the FY2020 Survey can be found here in case it might be helpful.

CHANGES FOR FY2020:

New questions regarding COVID-19 closures, response, programs, and services will be found at the end of the 2020 survey, as well as two questions that will be asked at the branch level (for libraries with more than one public service outlet).

For purposes of this survey, we will define the period of the pandemic as starting on March 12, 2020, the date of Governor Steve Sisolak's Declaration of Emergency, and going through the end of the reporting year, June 30, 2020. 

Additional questions have been added in the programming section to incorporate all programming done this year - in-person, virtual live, and virtual recorded. Please read the instructions carefully and answer the questions to the best of your ability, but don't worry too much about the numbers. The programming statistics are going to be problematic for all libraries this year.

As in the past, some answers are pre-filled. In Section 6.6, Successful Retrieval of Electronic Information, statewide database statistics have been pre-filled; you will need to add successful retrieval information for your locally owned or consortially owned databases. (As shown on the spreadsheet of database statistics, statewide databases are World Book, Learning Express, ABC-CLIO, Teaching Books and Ebsco. Your library may own additional Ebsco databases - such as Novelist or AutoMate - that you purchased separately.) As you know, vendors provide use statistics in a variety of ways. For the databases you own, report the statistic or combination of statistics that most accurately describes how the user examined or downloaded the content. The number of logins, searches or sessions would not typically meet the definition as they are not retrievals, but for some databases, such as language databases, sessions would be an appropriate measure to count. Use your best judgment in determining which statistic to report.

It can be difficult to determine how to count downloadable materials from services such as Overdrive, Freegal and Kanopy. This flowchart (adapted from one developed by the Washington State Library) may be helpful, but again, don't hesitate to ask if you have questions.

Full data from the FY2019 Public Library Survey is available on the spreadsheet below:

Information from previous fiscal years has been compiled into tables available in PDF format (below).

For the full Public Library Survey Annual Report (including state profiles) from IMLS, 

FY16

FY17

Public Librarian Certification

Reasons to become certified include improving library services; increasing customer satisfaction; upgrading quality of libraries, enhancing employees' abilities; increasing knowledge and skills; staying abreast of new technology; and meeting Nevada library standards.

The legal authority for certification of a librarian in a public library is detailed in the Nevada Revised Statutes 379.0073 and requirements are outlined in the Nevada Administrative Code 379. This program is targeted to employees of public libraries serving a population under 50,000 and public libraries which do not have a person with a MLS degree performing duties as administrator, reference, and children's librarian. It applies only to public libraries in Nevada and is not transferrable to other locations. The program of certification is not applicable to people who hold a master's degree in library science from an ALA accredited institution.

Nevada Revised Statute 379: Public Libraries 

Nevada Administrative Code 379: Public Libraries 

Before beginning the certification program, please notify Library Development at NSLAPR of your intent.

Who may be certified?

Upon approval by the local library board, this program provides for certification of a librarian in a Nevada public library. To be certified by the State Library, Archives and Public Records Administrator as a librarian, you must: 

1. Submit a completed application accompanied by copies of academic transcripts and a letter of recommendation.

2. Have a bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of library experience; an associate's degree and at least 4 years of library experience; or a high school diploma or GED and at least 7 years of library experience. 

3. Provide verification of required years of experience.

4. Pass a criminal background check.

An applicant must be a citizen of the United States or have filed a valid declaration to become a citizen or a valid petition for naturalization (NRS 391.060).
 

What is required?

To become certified in Nevada, applicants must have completed at least 21 semester hours of credit from an accredited college or university which includes 3 semester hours of instruction in each of the following subjects offered at UNR, or equivalent level: 

• Administration of a Library 

• Bibliography and Reference 

• Cataloging and Classification of Materials 

• Technology in the Library 

• Literature for Children and Young Adults 

• Selection of Library Materials 

• A course in the History and Organization of Libraries 

All required courses taken for certification as a public librarian in Nevada must be at the 400/600 college/university level. These requirements cannot be satisfied by courses offered by a college/university as continuing education credit (CEUs) or at the 100/200/300 college/university level.  It is recommended that students complete English 101 and/or 102 before enrolling in the above courses. Some courses are available through distance learning platforms. 

All credits must be earned through a regionally accredited college/university, approved state, or foreign institution. Foreign transcripts much be evaluated for degree equivalency by an approved evaluator before certification is made.

Please see the Library Certification Application Checklist below which outlines all the requirements. The checklist should be initialed and returned with application packet.

How do I apply to the UNR library certification program?

Registration is by application only. You may register for courses or receive information on upcoming courses in the certification series by contacting UNR (see below).

University of Nevada, Reno - Library Certification Programs
Dawna Snyder
1-800-233-8928; 775-684-4046 (Reno)
Email: dawnas@unr.edu

Prospective students are advised to consult with administrators in the libraries in which they are employed, or contemplating employment, before enrolling in the program. They are also advised to contact the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records Library Development staff before enrolling.
 

Recertification Requirements

A certificate as a librarian is valid for three years after the date on which it is issued. To renew the certificate you must submit to the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records proof (before the expiration date on the certificate) of satisfactory completion of:  

   (a) 3 semester credits for courses of continuing education approved by the Public Library Board of Trustees, or  

   (b) 5 units of continuing education established by a continuing education division of the University of Nevada in Reno or Las Vegas, or  

   (c) Any combination of (a) and (b) 

1 semester hour credit at NSHE = 15 contact hours 

1 continuing education unit at NSHE = 10 contact hours
 

Conditional Certification

The State Library, Archives and Public Records Administrator may issue a conditional certificate if an applicant has proof of completion of 15 semester hours of credit in courses required for certification of a librarian in a public library.

Public Library Minimum Standards

Minimum Public Library Standards for Nevada 

1. The library must be legally established and operated in compliance with NRS 379, NAC 379, NRS 380.153 and NAC 380.010 including having written by-laws and policies for the management of the library board of trustees and the library. See Notes.
2. The library board of trustees shall have a written master plan designed to extend five years into the future and which must be made current at least every two years. The plan and its updates are filed with the Nevada State Library, Archives & Public Records by January 31 of the year following their adoption by the library board (NRS 397.003).
3. The library collects, provides, and coordinates access to library materials that are organized according to a nationally accepted classification system; the library ensures access to legal materials (NRS 380.153, NAC 380.010) through collections, online resources, or collaborative agreements with other agencies.
4. The library must have a completed annual statistical report for the preceding fiscal year accepted by, and on file with, the Nevada State Library, Archives & Public Records by December 31 to be made available in a timely manner for national reporting.
5. The library has regular and published hours of operation with a “system” wide average of twenty hours per identified branch/outlet per week including some night and/or weekend hours. See Notes.
6. The library consists of a specific space designated for providing library services with the facilities, equipment, and staff necessary to enable public access to information. See Notes.
7. The Library Board of Trustees shall select from one of three listed options as a means by which to validate and document the library’s efforts to maintain a collection appropriate to community needs. The option selected by a jurisdiction may be revised each year. See Notes.
   • Option I: Meet or exceed at 90% - The five-year average of amounts spent on collections.
   • Option II: Meet or exceed at 30% - Amount spent on collections divided by Total Services and Supplies budget.
   • Option III: Meet or exceed at 10% - Adjusted total operating budget divided by collection budget. Exclude from TOB rent for facility(s), motor pool/vehicle charges, technology = Adjusted TOB
8. Librarian certification for staff:
   • Population (legal service area): 1,000-14,999. Public library jurisdictions shall have a library director who holds the credential of certified librarian from the State of Nevada (NAC 379.010).
   • Population (legal service area): 15,000-49,999. Public library jurisdictions shall have a library director who holds the credential of certified librarian from the State of Nevada (NAC 379.010). Any additional staff holding a full-time library position performing the duties of reference and/or children’s services shall hold the credential of certified librarian from the State of Nevada (NAC 379.010).
   • Population (legal service area): 50,000 or more. Public library jurisdictions shall have a library director who holds a master’s degree in library or information science from a college or university accredited by the American Library Association. Any additional staff in the position of librarian or other full-time professional library position performing the duties of reference and/or children’s services shall hold the credential of MLS and/or certified librarian from the State of Nevada (NAC 379.010).
   • Any public Library Board of Trustees that has declined to adopt NAC 379.010, Section 1 and whose librarians are not exempted under NAC 379.010, Section 2 may bring their library into compliance with this standard by adopting a good faith effort to meet the standards for public library employees delineated in NAC 379.020. See Notes.
9. Public libraries shall agree to lend circulating materials in accordance with the state-wide interlibrary loan program Information Nevada. Postage charges for interlibrary loans are assumed by the library, not the user.
10. Public libraries shall extend to Nevada library card holders the same lending privilege received by their card holders. Nevada card holders will not be charged a non-resident fee when borrowing from any Nevada public library.
11. Public libraries not meeting one or more of the above standards shall submit a “Request for Waiver of Minimum Standards” form to NSLAPR which includes the reason for the waiver, the action taken to comply with the standard, and the projected date for compliance with the standard. See Notes.

​Amended 9/22/15

Notes 
The notes are an integral part of the Minimum Public Library Standards for Nevada and are included as explanatory information.

Minimum Standard 1

• Written by-laws are adopted by the board, available in the library for review, and submitted to the appropriate local governmental entity, i.e., County Commission or City Council/Supervisors. They are reviewed, revised, re-adopted, and filed with the appropriate local authority at least every five years.
• Written policies for operation of the library include, but are not limited to, selection of materials and request for reconsideration; personnel; facility use; interlibrary loan; circulation; public internet access; collection development; and confidentiality. Policies are available in the library for review. The policies are reviewed, revised and re-adopted at least every five years.

Minimum Standard 5

• Hours of service should be offered in relation to local community needs as determined by the Library Board of Trustees and the hours and days selected for service should reflect the maximum potential use. An annual review of the hours and days selected for service shall be conducted by the Library Board of Trustees as part of the local budget process.
• A system-wide average of hours opened is calculated by using the total number of hours the entire library jurisdiction is open divided by the reported number of library branches or outlets within the jurisdiction.

Minimum Standard 6

• Library buildings shall meet community needs as determined by the Library Board of Trustees and shall be compliant with local, state and federal regulations.

Minimum Standard 7

• If Options I, II, III are adopted, the annual statistics entry may be modified by NSLAPR to more easily capture the required data.
• Definitions of line items are determined by the accounting practices of the local jurisdiction. The local jurisdiction will identify and memorialize which line item(s) are defined by the words: rent(s) for facility(s), motor pool/vehicle charges, technology.
• The selected option shall be determined during the budget process each year, prior to the adoption of the budget for the forthcoming fiscal year. The option selected shall be documented and will be in effect during the term of the forthcoming fiscal year.
• Preface: The NSLAPR Administrator shall have the authority to declare any given year one of “extraordinary circumstances” Such declaration would allow for the automatic waiver of standards for individual library jurisdictions in order to accommodate unprecedented or unforeseeable changes in the economy, natural disasters, or other unavoidable problems.

Minimum Standard 8.d

• This good faith effort may be achieved by inclusion of a Continuing Education component in the required 5-Year Plan (NRS 397.003). This component will include the manner in which library employees who do not hold Master’s Degrees will be educated and/or trained in those competencies delineated in NAC 379.020 and will be appropriate to the size of the population served and the resources available.
• Successful compliance with good faith efforts made to satisfy this standard does not confer certification upon participating library employees.

Minimum Standard 11

• The “Request for Waiver of Minimum Standards” form shall be completed by the applicant library, signed by the Library Board, and submitted to the Administrator of the Nevada State Library and Archives by the last Friday in January of each year.
• The NSLAPR Administrator shall grant or deny the waiver within thirty days of receipt and return a signed copy of the form to the applicant library.
• Granted waivers shall be filed by NSLAPR as an addendum to the master plan of the applicant library.
• NSLAPR shall provide a summary report of waivers requested and whether approved or denied to State Council of Libraries and Literacy at the first meeting of the year subsequent to February 28.
• A Request for Waiver will be evaluated by the NSLAPR Administrator on a good faith basis: has the applicant library presented a plan to come into compliance with the applicable standard(s) that is achievable within a defined period of time.