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State Library of Louisiana Guide to Services
A look at the services we provide to the public, libraries, and state employees, agencies, and lawmakers (PDF).
Special Services
Louisiana Hotlines is published quarterly by the State Library of Louisiana, Talking Books and Braille Library (TBBL).
Reference
Useful Web Links
A list of useful web sites selected by the State Library’s reference librarians.
Genealogy
Searching for Your Louisiana Ancestors on Microfilm (PDF)
This is a guide to the genealogy collection in the State Library of Louisiana. All genealogy books and microform are listed in the library’s online catalog and are available for borrowing through interlibrary loan.
Recorder of Documents
Louisiana Public Document Depository Program
Louisiana law requires that state agencies submit copies of their publications to the Recorder of Documents, located within the State Library, for distribution to depository libraries throughout the state via the Louisiana Public Document Depository Program. This page includes information for state agencies, depository libraries, and the general public.
Public Library Information
Handbook for Louisiana Library Directors (PDF)
This handbook was compiled to serve as a practical guide for Louisiana library directors, to illustrate how and why administrative tasks are generally performed in order to provide something concrete to apply to a library's unique situations.
LoanSHARK Cataloging Guidelines
For catalog records to work well in a library’s catalog, it is important that they all follow the same descriptive standards. This is even more critical when the catalog is a union database, such as LoanSHARK. The following are some cataloging and record handling tips that will increase the chances of your library record’s merging with others that describe the same item.
Standards for Louisiana Public Libraries, 2010 (PDF)
The standards in this document were developed during a 12-month period and are intended to be used by directors, staff, and library boards to improve the quality of library service to the residents of Louisiana.
Library Laws of Louisiana
Library Laws of Louisiana 2024 (PDF)
Emergency response
Public Librarians’ Response To Hurricanes 2010 (PDF)
State of the State Library
Statistical Reports: Public Libraries in Louisiana
Louisiana Public Library Statistics: Facts about Louisiana's Public Libraries and Their Economic Impact on the State
Other Publications
Orientation Manual for Louisiana Library Directors and Trustees (PDF)