Review Teams
All applications will be reviewed and ranked by a team of independent reviewers, including:
- A librarian who has been through the MPLCP process
- A current or former municipal official with experience in municipal finance
- A construction professional with experience in public buildings
- An MBLC staff member not involved in the MPLCP
A site visit of the existing facility and proposed sites by at least one review team member will be part of the review process (see 605 CMR 6.07(2)).
Review Criteria
For Standard Grants:
Applications will be reviewed for compliance with the requirements and evaluative criteria set forth below. Applications will be reviewed, ranked, and recommended for funding based on the following evaluative criteria:
- Documentation of the need for the project, including a description of present conditions and how they negatively impact library services
- Need factor as determined by using 2023 State Equalized Evaluation (EQV)* and 2023 Department of Revenue income figures
- Evidence that the Applicant is able to support the proposed program of library service
- Evidence that existing facility conditions are not the result of an inadequate maintenance program, including ongoing problems related to building security, patron and staff safety, appearance, site conditions, and building, mechanical, and structural elements
- Compliance with the requirements and guidelines outlined in the Program Notice
- Notes and explanations for special conditions pertaining to the project or the municipality
- The extent to which the Library Building Program is based upon the library's strategic plan and/or the municipal strategic plan and capital plan, and has involved the efforts of and input from library staff, library trustees, library users, municipal staff, elected officials, and other community representatives
- The extent to which the Library Building Program addresses the impediment of service experienced in the current facility and the ability to flexibly serve the community for at least 30 years
- Demonstrated community readiness and support for a major capital project
- Evidence of the financial capacity to fund a major capital project
- Feasibility of proposed sites to support the Library Building Program
For Small Population Grants:
Applications will be reviewed for compliance with the requirements and evaluative criteria set forth below. Applications will be reviewed, ranked, and recommended for funding based on the following evaluative criteria:
- Documentation of the need for the project, including a description of present conditions and how they negatively impact library services
- Need factor as determined by using 2023 State Equalized Evaluation (EQV)* and 2023 Department of Revenue income figures;
- Evidence that existing facility conditions are not the result of an inadequate maintenance program, including ongoing problems related to building security, patron and staff safety, appearance, site conditions, and building, mechanical, and structural elements
- Compliance with the requirements and guidelines outlined in the Program Notice
- Notes and explanations for special conditions pertaining to the project or the municipality
- Demonstrated community readiness and support for a major capital project
- Evidence of the financial capacity to fund a major capital project
