Public Library Structure and Organization in the United States

Book excerpt: This report is the fifth in a series that constitutes a comprehensive evaluation of the public library statistics program carried out annually by the Federal State Cooperative System for Public Library Data (FSCS). The evaluation aims to revise and promote the FSCS classification structure that divides library organizations into municipal, school district, county, regional, and many other categories. This report, in particular, provides reference information about the legal structure and organization of public libraries within the 50 states and the District of Columbia. After giving an overview of the FSCS categories and difficulties arising from a lack of standardized application, the report proceeds alphabetically state by state listing what categories of libraries can lawfully be established in that state and discussing any special circumstances. (BEW)