The ALA Policy Manual (55) defines standards as, “policies which describe shared values and principles of performance for a library.” Standards documents:
Tend to be comprehensive, covering a broad scope of programs and services provided by a library.
May define both qualitative and quantitative criteria.
Present goals toward which the profession aspires.
May include statements expressed in relative terms; that is, by relating library performance to norms derived from a reference population.
Set criteria for the decisions and actions of those concerned with the planning and administering and accrediting of library services.