Standards for vision science librarians: 2026 review and revisions

The Association of Vision Science Librarians (AVSL) is an international organization composed of professional librarians, or persons acting in that capacity, whose collections include vision-related materials and/or whose patrons include vision scientists. Since 1976, AVSL has defined standards for vision science libraries in all capacities, including optometry, ophthalmology, academia, industry, and beyond. As the most recent Standards for Vision Science Libraries was published in 2014, an AVSL member committee was formed in 2024 to review the Standards and consider what a revision should include. Over the course of several months, committee members collaborated with one another, held discussions with other AVSL members, and reviewed current literature. What resulted is a revised set of Standards that aims to address the significant changes that have taken place not only within the field of librarianship, but with the information needs of the vision science professions as well. These updated Standards place the focus on the librarian rather than the library, as many librarian positions that once focused solely on vision science are now expected to manage several disciplines. The aim of this revision is to serve as a starting point for any librarian working with vision science materials and/or serving vision scientist patrons who wishes to develop their knowledge base and skills in this particular field of health sciences librarianship.