Libraries

Public Library Standards - 7th ed. revision

The Wisconsin Public Library Standards program encourages the ongoing development of quality library service by providing public libraries with a tool to identify strengths, recognize areas for improvement, and assist in gaining community support. In October 2025, the Wisconsin Bureau of Libraries embarked on a project to review and revise Wisconsin's public library standards to meet the changing needs of the library community. 

Updates about the project will be provided here to allow library staff, trustees, and members of the public to view the project's progress and provide feedback about updates to the standards. For questions or more information, contact State Librarian Ben Miller or Public Library Administration Consultant Teresa Schmidt. 

Wisconsin Public Library Standards Project planning documents

2025 Project charter

Steering committee and other volunteer job descriptions

Standards project workgroups and workgroup purpose statements

Standards Project communications

WAPL 2025 presentation: Reflecting on Wisconsin's Public Library Standards: Reimagining a stronger future together 

WLA 2025 presentation: Embracing Change: Rethinking public library standards 

Libraries for Everyone blog post: WI Public Library Standards Steering Committee Work Begins, December 11, 2025 

Steering Committee members

Martha Bauer, Schreiner Memorial Library, Lancaster
Nancy Bell, Ripon Public Library
Rebecca Buchmann, Door County Library
Nick Demske, Racine Public Library & SRLAAW
Brendan Dooley, U.S.S. Liberty Public Library in Grafton
Darryl Eschete, Oshkosh Public Library
Kristie Hauer, Nicolet Federated Library System
Jamie Healy-Plotkin, UW-Madison iSchool & COLAND
Kristina Kelley-Johnson, Somerset Public Library
Emily Kornak, Lake Geneva Public Library
Kayla Mathson, Independence Public Library
Brooke Newberry, La Crosse Public Library
John Thompson, IFLS Library System

Steering Committee meetings, 2025-2026
Teresa Schmidt