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About Accreditation & Standards
The Accreditation and Standards program supports the development of high-quality libraries in Iowa. The State Library established this program to:
- Give public libraries a tool to identify strengths and areas for improvement
- Document the condition of public library service in Iowa
- Create a formula to distribute Direct State Aid funding
Iowa code requires the State Library to manage a Standards program. The current handbook for the program is In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards.
Back to topAccess the Current Standards
In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards, 6th Edition
The link opens a PDF version of the manual. This document may be updated on a frequent basis, and was updated on 11/8/2024. Please discard all previous drafts or editions.
Achieving Library Tier Status or Accreditation
Each standard included in In Service to Iowa corresponds to a Tier Status:
- A Tier 1 library meets at least 29 specified Standards.
- A Tier 2 library meets at least 41 specified Standards.
- A Tier 3 library is considered fully accredited, meeting at least 67 Standards.
A library unable to meet all Tier 1 requirements will be considered Tier 0 regardless of how many Tier 2 or Tier 3 standards are met, and will not be eligible for Direct State Aid funding.
Accreditation certificates are issued by the State Library in June of each year. Accreditation is valid for three years.
Back to topFY27 Accreditation & Tier Status Cycle
The State Library has launched a new application for Tier Status and Accreditation. The application is now completed in WhoFi Question Sets and can be accessed with your library’s WhoFi username and password. Questions about accessing WhoFi or issues related to Question Sets should be directed to WhoFi Support at support@whofi.com.
Libraries that are up for renewal should have received an email from Gary Krob with more information; if your library’s status renewal is not due this year but you are interested in applying to move up a Tier Status, contact Gary Krob at gary.krob@iowa.gov or 515-281-6618.
The deadline to complete your Accreditation & Tier Status Application is Feb. 28, 2026.
As a reminder, last year the Accreditation cycle was deferred by one year for all libraries due to State Library staff changes. View your library’s current Tier Status and due date: Iowa Library Directory FY25 Tier Status.
Application Process
Find out more about the steps required to complete the Accreditation & Tier Status application process.
Accreditation Resources
- List of Accreditation or Tier Status for All Iowa Public Libraries
- Verification Requirements for Accreditation Application
- Printable Accreditation Application Form
Video Series: Prepping for Accreditation
Back to topADA Checklists for Existing Facilities
Standard 80 states: The library board and director shall review at least one of the four priorities from the ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities at least every three years. To meet this standard:
- The library board must review at least one of the four priority checklists
- The board review date of at least one of the four priority checklists must be February 1, 2022 or later
- The library must submit a completed copy of at least one of four priority checklists to the State Library
Download a PDF of each checklist below. Complete the checklist, then scan and upload the completed checklist with the supporting documentation for your library's Accreditation Application.
Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services
This program or resource is made possible in part by the IMLS under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of Iowa.