Each public library applying for accreditation must meet the following requirements and report to the agency on the status of each requirement annually:

1. (1) The library must have a website detailing current services and contact information, including a telephone number and email address.
2. (2) The library must have available technology to enable staff and the general public to access the Internet and print, copy, and scan materials.
3. (3) The library must have an integrated searchable catalog of its holdings available to the public online through the library's website.
4. (4) The library must offer to borrow materials through the statewide interlibrary loan system for eligible persons residing within the library's legal service area and offer to lend materials to other participating Texas libraries using the statewide interlibrary loan system. The library's governing authority may adopt local policies regarding collections available to lend, lending periods and renewals, patron eligibility, and other factors. Local policies must be available to the public.
5. (5) The library must have a strategic plan that is approved by its governing authority and reviewed and updated at least every five years. The library's strategic plan may be part of a larger plan from the governing authority.

6. (6) At a minimum, the library must maintain current and publicly available policies or procedures, approved by the library's governing or designated authority, addressing the following subjects:

   1. (A) Circulation;
   2. (B) Collection Development;
   3. (C) Technology Use; and
   4. (D) Information Security and Privacy.

Source Note:The provisions of this §1.77 adopted to be effective September 1, 2025, 50 TexReg 2765.