Ontario Public Library Guidelines, a developmental tool for public libraries were developed to improve the quality of public library service across the province. The Guidelines benefit public libraries of all sizes and are particularly useful to small, rural, county and First Nations public libraries. The Guidelines have four goals: to improve Ontario-wide public library infrastructure to connect libraries and enhance local service; to ensure a uniform and strong public library infrastructure; to make available a comprehensive improvement process for public libraries that do not meet Guidelines requirements; and to provide an accreditation process that recognizes the achievement of public libraries that meet Guidelines requirements.

Guidelines can provide a framework for library development, assistance to public library planning processes, improved accountability to taxpayers, equity of access to information for the public and secured funding. To earn a certificate of accreditation, a library undergoes an audit by its peers which considers some 127 guideline points dealing with subjects ranging from policy to planning, resources and services. A score of 90% is required to obtain accreditation under this program. Accreditation is voluntary.

In 2007, public libraries that received Accreditation or Re-Accreditation (and that met or exceeded Guidelines requirements) are Brockville, Dryden, Haldimand County, Innisfil, Lincoln, and Thunder Bay. Accredited public libraries not only demonstrate that they meet provincial standards for public library services, they also act as leaders in raising the level of public library service across the province. The Minister of Culture, and the Chair of the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries (FOPL) sign Certificates of Accreditation. Accredited public libraries also receive plaques. The Accreditation is in place for 5 years.

The Ontario Public Library Guidelines program was developed, and it directed, by the Ontario public library community. The Ontario Public Library Guidelines Monitoring and Accreditation Council that directs the Guidelines program includes representatives from Ontario public library organizations, the Ontario Library Service agencies, and the Ministry, and is chaired by an Ontario public library community representative. Guidelines are reviewed to ensure standards continue to meet public library needs and reflect public library services, and are updated approximately every 3 to 4 years.