For detailed sample plans and policies, please visit The Public Library Albuquerque and Bernalillo County’s policy webpage.
Planning documents provide libraries with direction and consistency, as well as a vision for the future. They help ensure the current needs of the community are addressed with proper funding and staff. As your library begins to work on the planning documents, keep in mind that the Community Analysis & Needs Assessment should direct all other plans & policies.
Required Plans & Policies
Per the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) 4.5.2, recognized New Mexico Public libraries are required to have on file with the New Mexico State Library (NMSL) the following plans & policies:
- Community Analysis & Needs Assessment (reviewed, updated, and filed with the NMSL at least every five (5) years),
- Collection Development Policy (reviewed, updated, and filed with the NMSL at least every five (5) years),
- Strategic Plan(reviewed, updated, and filed with the NMSL at least every three (3) years).
To be eligible for State Aid, full public libraries must have on file with the New Mexico State Library (NMSL) the above plans & policies. For a recognized developing public library to move to full public library status, they must submit a Community Analysis & Needs Assessment, a Collection Development Policy, and a Strategic Plan to the NMSL for approval before becoming eligible for an increased State Grants-in-Aid allocation.
Plans & Policies Guides and Templates
- Community Analysis and Needs Assessment Information and Community Analysis and Needs Assessment Template
- Collection Development (more information coming soon)
- Strategic Plan Workbook and Strategic Plan Template
Send plans & policies to:
- Via E-mail: SL.development@dca.nm.gov
- Via USPS Mail: New Mexico State Library
Attn: Development Bureau
1209 Camino Carlos Rey
Santa Fe, NM 87507
For questions about the required plans & policies contact the Library Development Bureau, 1-800-340-3890 / SL.development@dca.nm.gov