13 Tex. Admin. Code § 1.71 - [Effective 9/1/2025] Definitions
The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
(1)
Accreditation--means the process by which a library is accredited by the Texas
State Library and Archives Commission as having met the standards in this
subchapter. Accreditation is not required but determines the eligibility of
public libraries to receive state assistance through programs and services of
the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
(2) Agency--means the Texas State Library and
Archives Commission as an agency of the state of Texas, including the staff,
collections, archives, operations, programs, and property of the Texas State
Library and Archives Commission.
(3) Commission--means the seven-member
governing body of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
(4) Continuing education--means professional
development activities for library directors that are instructional, free of
lobbying, and relevant to the operation of a library. Activities may include
workshops, appropriate conference sessions, online training, and
courses.
(5) Library collection
item--means any item in the library's catalog that may be circulated, including
books, e-books, audio and e-audio books, video and e-video items,
non-traditional educational items such as kits, instruments, and equipment, and
locally licensed databases or other informational items as determined by
professional library standards.
(6)
Library operating hours--means the number of unique hours the library is open
to the public as set by local governing authorities based on and subject to
local considerations, including need and budget.
(7) Local fiscal year--means the 12-month
period used by a local entity for budgeting and operations. For accreditation
purposes, it is the fiscal year in which January 1 of the requested year
falls.
(8) Per capita--means the
locally funded operating expenditures of the library divided by the library's
assigned population under §
1.72 of this title (relating to
Legal Service Area).
(9)
Professional librarian--means a person holding a master's degree or comparable
certification in library or information studies from an accredited
program.
(10) Public library--means
a library that is operated by a single public entity or board, that is freely
open to all persons under identical conditions, that receives its financial
support in whole or part from public funds, and that provides the following at
a minimum:
(A) An organized collection of
print or other library materials, or a combination thereof;
(B) At least one public access
computer;
(C) Paid or contracted
staff;
(D) An established schedule
in which services of the staff are available to the public; and
(E) The facilities necessary to support such
a collection, staff, and schedule.
(11) State fiscal year--means the 12-month
period beginning September 1 and ending August 31.
Notes
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