Compliance with public library standards in the state of Ohio

Abstract

This study explored whether voluntary state public library standards, intended to be applied to all libraries regardless of size, will be complied with to the same extent by smaller and larger libraries. Data were collected from 111 public library directors in the state of Ohio (73.5% response rate) through a self-administered mail questionnaire. An overall increase was reported between 1992 and 1995 in the percentage of public libraries complying with individual components of the Ohio Standards. A discernible pattern among specific categories of standards components was found with respect to compliance and usefulness as perceived by the director. Findings indicate that library size, as measured by population served and total income, is a factor in compliance with, and perceived usefulness of, two categories of standards components: Community Input, and Management. Library Size appeared to be unrelated to the Planning, Written Policy, and Output Measures. © 1998 Ablex Publishing Corporation All rights of reproduction in any form reserved.