Standards for Library Services to People in Institutions

Abstract

ANYAUTHOR.WHO PROPOSES to examine in one article the topic of standards for institutional library services must admit at the start that nothing more than an overview can be offered. The diversity of the institutions from state to state, changes in how society at large views these institutions and their residents, and differing approaches by state library agencies-these and other factors militate against any simple description of library standards related to institutional libraries. This article will begin with a review of the various types of institu-tions which exist. Next i t will consider some of the national, state and local standards which exist for each type of institution, as well as cover guidelines or goals which are sometimes used in lieu of standards. In addition, standards used by state library agencies in their institutional library planning will be discussed. A consideration of the particular problems associated with standardization of standards in institutions will follow. Finally, observations will be made about some of the positive and negative aspects of current standards, and conclusions will be drawn concerning the effective use of standards in the institutional library setting. Growing Diversity Many of us can remember from our childhood the various names we had for institutions where “abnormal ” people were placed-the “nut house, ” the “funny farm, ” the “pen. ” These institutions may have

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