A collection development policy is more than just a list of rules about purchasing books, media, and digital resources. It’s a practical expression of a library’s mission—showing how values and goals are translated into day-to-day decisions about which materials to provide.
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) recently updated its minimum standards for public library accreditation. These changes, outlined in the Texas Administrative Code, officially went into effect on September 1, 2025 and will first be applied with the 2026 Annual Report.
Among the revisions is a new requirement that every library maintain written policies covering:
- Circulation
- Collection development
- Technology use
- Information security and privacy
To help libraries prepare, TSLAC has shared guidance and resources for meeting these new standards.