Library Standards

Public library standards are specific criteria by which public libraries can be measured and evaluated. Such standards represent objective, observable measures that indicate the parameters of minimal, essential or optimal library service.

Georgia Public Library Standards – 2021 (PDF)

Library Laws

All of the files below are in PDF format; click the links to view. Or download a single combined PDF file of all library laws. Updated December, 2017

O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91 Georgia Security & Immigration Compliance Act
O.C.G.A. § 19-7-5 Child Abuse, Mandatory Reporting
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-305 County & Regional Public Libraries
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-320 Quality Basic Education Information Steering Committee; Identification of Data to Implement Quality Basic Education Program; State-wide Comprehensive Educational Information Network
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-39 Transfer of Functions & Personnel Relating to Public Libraries from the Technical College System of Georgia to Board of Regents
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-1 Policy as to Library Service
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-2 Powers and Duties of Board of Regents; Acceptance of Gifts; State Library Commission Abolished
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-3 Funds for Public Library Services
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-4 Reports of Libraries
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-5 Acceptable Use Policy for Internet Usage at Public Libraries
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-20 City Public Libraries: Establishment & Maintenance
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-21 City Public Libraries: Disbursement of Appropriations
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-22 City Public Libraries: Donations
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-23 City Public Libraries: Duties of Board of Trustees
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-24 City Public Libraries: Powers of the City
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-40 County & Regional Public Libraries: Establishment
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-41 County & Regional Public Libraries: Board of Trustees
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-42 County & Regional Public Libraries: Membership, Terms, Removal & Vacancies in Board of Trustees
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-43 County & Regional Public Libraries: Duties & Responsibilities of Board of Trustees
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-44 County & Regional Public Libraries: Compensation of Board of Trustees
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-45 County & Regional Public Libraries: Directors; Qualifications, Duties & Responsibilities
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-46 County & Regional Public Libraries: Reports
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-47 County & Regional Public Libraries: Constitutions & Bylaws for Library Boards
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-48 County & Regional Public Libraries: Ownership of Property Used for Library Purposes
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-49 County & Regional Public Libraries: Contracts & Agreements of Library Board
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-50 County & Regional Public Libraries: Bonding of Library Boards
O.C.G.A. §20-5-51 County & Regional Public Libraries: Dissolution of Library Systems
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-52 County & Regional Public Libraries: Unlawful Taking or Destruction of Materials
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-53 County & Regional Public Libraries: Failure to Return Materials
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-54 County & Regional Public Libraries: Concealing or Removing Books or Other Property
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-55 County & Regional Public Libraries: Civil Liability of Agents & Employees
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-56 County & Regional Public Libraries: Certification of Librarians
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-57 County & Regional Public Libraries: Forfeiture of State & Federal Aid
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-58 County & Regional Public Libraries: Existing Library Systems
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-59 County & Regional Public Libraries: Applicability
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-60 “State Library Agency” Defined
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-61 Interstate Library Compact
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-62 Limitations
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-63 Interstate Library Districts Lying Partly within this State
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-64 Appointment of Compact Administrator
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-65 Withdrawal from the Compact
O.C.G.A. § 24-12-30 Confidential Nature of Library Records (formerly O.C.G.A. § 24-9-46)
O.C.G.A. § 36-34-5.1 Municipal Corporations Authorized to Enter into Leases for Purposes of Providing Library Service
O.C.G.A. § 36-70-2 Planning:  Definitions
O.C.G.A. § 36-71-2 Development Impact Fees: Definitions
O.C.G.A. § 36-76-9 Expedited Franchising of Cable & Video Services: Demarcation Point Service Outlet; Service to Schools & Libraries
O.C.G.A. § 42-1-15 Restrictions on Residence of or Loitering by Registered Sex Offender
 O.C.G.A. § 43–24–1 Professions & Businesses; Librarians; Definitions
O.C.G.A. § 43–24–2 State Board for the Certification of Librarians; Creation; Membership; Appointment; Terms of Office; Expenses; Vacancies
O.C.G.A. § 43–24–3 Jurisdiction of Division Director
O.C.G.A. § 43–24–4 Only Licensed Librarians to be Employed; Exceptions
O.C.G.A. § 43–24–5 Certificates; Grades; Examinations
O.C.G.A. § 43–24–6 Applications for Certificates; Fees; Renewals; Duplicate Certificates
O.C.G.A. § 43–24–7 Continuing Education
Georgia Smokefree Air Act (O.C.G.A. §§ 31-12A-1 through 31-12A-13)
Open Meetings Act (O.C.G.A. §§ 50-14-1 through 50-14-6)
Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. §§ 50-18-70 through 50-18-74)