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Full Finding Aid -
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Administrative History -
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Access Terms
Administrative History
Individual public libraries in New York can incorporate by applying to the Board of Regents for charters. Provisional charters, which are approved for specified periods of time and absolute charters, which are permanent, provide the libraries with legal identities. Libraries can also apply to the Commissioner of the State Education Department (SED) for registration by meeting SED's standards. These standards require libraries to maintain written bylaws, have a plan of service, prepare an annual report, have board-approved operational policies, maintain minimum weekly hours based on the population served, employ an SED certified professional librarian as director, and meet other SED requirements (8 NYCRR 90.2).
The registration records in this series verify that the libraries meet these standards, although the series does not contain the actual bylaws, plans of service, annual reports or other required documents. Registration is a one-time action required by SED for public libraries to receive and spend public money.
The New York State Archives is part of the Office of Cultural Education, an office of the New York State Education Department.
To report technical problems with this web site, please contact the New York State Archives at ARCHINFO@mail.nysed.gov