Indiana Administrative Code Title 590 - INDIANA LIBRARY AND HISTORICAL BOARD
Here’s a clearer breakdown of Title 590 – Indiana Library & Historical Board:
1. 🎓 Board Structure & Authority
Overseen by the Indiana Library & Historical Board, a five-member panel appointed by the Governor.
Appointments include recommendations from key bodies:
State Board of Education
Indiana Library Federation
Indiana Historical Society
Indiana Library Trustee Association
Members serve 4-year terms, unpaid but reimbursed for expenses (codes.findlaw.com).
The board develops plans—like construction or service expansion—and manages state/federal library and historical funding .
2. Public Library Access Card (PLAC) Program
All Indiana libraries must issue the Public Library Access Card (PLAC) to residents (casetext.com).
It contains the cardholder’s name, address, home library, and expiration date (casetext.com).
Non-residents may obtain a PLAC by paying ≥ $25 plus per-capita costs; colleges can use local cards or apply for PLACs to borrow elsewhere (casetext.com).
Lost or stolen cards can be replaced for a state-set fee .
3. Librarian Certification (Article 5)
Establishes mandatory professional certification for library staff doing ≥ 75% professional work (continuinged.isl.in.gov).
Certificate 1 is required for directors in libraries serving ≥ 40,000 population and other specified roles (casetext.com).
Requirements for Certificate 1 include:
Accredited bachelor’s degree
ALA‑accredited master’s degree
Either 10 years of library experience, or 6 years including 3 years administration (casetext.com).
These rules took effect January 1, 2023
4. Standards for State Funding (Article 6)
To qualify for state/federal aid, public libraries must meet multiple standards (casetext.com):
Governance & HR:
Boards must hire certified directors, maintain bylaws, conflict-of-interest policies, job classifications, salary schedules, and written personnel policies (docest.com).
Facility & Accessibility:
Must comply with ADA, building, health, and safety codes (casetext.com).
Hours & Services:
Minimum public service hours:
Class A (pop. ≥ ?): 55 hrs/week
B: 40 hrs/week
C: 20 hrs/week (reddit.com, casetext.com).
Offer 12 programs/year, children’s reading program (6 weeks), reference, digital access, public computers & Wi-Fi, printing/copying, online catalog, reciprocal lending, accessible formats (e.g., Braille) (casetext.com).
Reporting & Accountability:
Expend ≥ 8% of spending on collections; file annual reports certifying standards met.
Non-compliance may lead to funding withdrawal; waivers are possible under appeal (casetext.com).
5. Historical Department Duties
The board also governs the Indiana Historical Bureau and its programs—like publishing the Indiana History Bulletin, supporting county history societies, and managing historical collections (in.gov).
🔍 Why This Matters
Title 590 ensures Indiana libraries are professional, accessible, accountable, and coordinated from governance to certification. It supports statewide programs (like PLAC), preserves historical services, and sets standards for library operations and funding.
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