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The standards serve as an important tool in measuring a library's success in fulfilling its stated mission and <br />role in the community. This document is intended to spark debate, discussion, evaluation, planning, and <br />action in all public libraries. The following principles guided the development: <br />1. Consider the public library's role in sustaining a civilized society. <br />2. Value the public library's role as a community learning institution. <br />3. Understand the public library's role as a reflection of cultural heritage. <br />4. Recognize the diversity and uniqueness of libraries across the state. <br />5. Understand the needs of the communities that libraries serve. <br />6. Value intellectual freedom and access for all to information. <br />7. Acknowledge the skills, talents, and contributions of library staff. <br />Goals <br />The goals of the standards are to: <br />1. Promote quality library service to all Coloradans. <br />2. Inform community users about what they can expect from their library. <br />3. Assist library staff in connecting with the communities they serve. <br />4. Provide an authoritative document to which library administrators and supporters may refer when <br />justifying requests for funds. <br />5. Assist library leaders in planning, administration, and professional development. <br />The Colorado public library standards serve as models for services, resources, and information that are <br />available in libraries across the state. They are not meant to stand by themselves; rather, they are intended <br />to enhance local planning efforts crafted to identify service goals that will allow the library to respond to <br />the unique interests and opportunities in its community while achieving a consistent standard of library <br />offerings across the state. <br />The Standards and Colorado Library Law <br />Public libraries are established and maintained according to the provisions of the Colorado Library Lawl <br />(§24-90-101 et seq) which provides a basic definition of a public library. This definition is used to <br />determine eligibility for state funding for library materials, or when libraries receive funding or other <br />services from the State Library. It is also used to determine which libraries are required to provide <br />statistical data in compliance with state and federal requirements. <br />1 http://www.cdestate.co.us/cdelib/LibrarvLaw/Index.htm <br />