(1) In a free and open society the mission of libraries is to be aware of individuals' need for knowledge and personal growth and to respond to those needs by providing access to the wisdom, experience and imagination of mankind.
(2) The state agency's criteria for determining the adequacy of library service to the public are:
(a) That ninety percent of the requests by library users for specific titles is available through their library in a manner that is satisfactory to the users.
(b) That ninety percent of the requests by library users for works by a particular author or creator is available through their library in a manner that is satisfactory to the users.
(c) That ninety percent of the requests by library users for materials on a specific subject is available through their library in a manner that is satisfactory to the users.
(d) That ninety percent of the requests by library users for information is answered through their library in a manner that is satisfactory to the users.
(e) That ninety percent of the people in a library's service area is aware of the kinds of services provided by their library.
(f) That the percentage of use by each demographic group as defined in the Library Services and Construction Act regulations is the same, +/- fifteen percent, based on the highest percentage of use.
The determination of adequacy is made by comparing these criteria with annual reports which by law must be submitted to the state agency by each public library.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
27.04.030(1). WSR 00-11-028, § 304-12-125, filed 5/9/00, effective 6/9/00. Statutory Authority: RCW
27.04.060. WSR 84-07-020 (Order 84-1), § 304-12-125, filed 3/14/84; Order 1-75, § 304-12-125, filed 7/21/75; Order 3542, § 304-12-125, filed 7/11/72; Order, § 304-12-125, filed 6/22/71.]