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LIBRARY SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY ACT

The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant program is open to all types of libraries in Ohio. Grant funds may be used to purchase items which will assist a library in meeting one of the two broad based purposes of LSTA: 1) technological innovation and electronic linkages, and 2) services to the underserved. Eligible public, school, academic, research, or special libraries may initiate grant proposals. Three types of competitive grants are available minigrants, disability grants and full grants. In addition there is a restricted grant program to automate school library media centers.

The State Library of Ohio worked closely with a fifteen member Advisory Council which is broadly representative of the Ohio library community to develop a Five-Year Plan (2002-2007) for the use of LSTA funds in Ohio. Based on the evaluation of the 1998-2002 Five-Year Plan it was determined that while much progress has been made in addressing the original six needs in the Plan, they continue to be relevant. These needs were and continue to be: Strengthening ties between OPLIN, OhioLINK and INFOhio; Statewide Resource Sharing (ILL and Delivery); Automation of Non-automated Libraries; Encouraging Library Cooperation; Training and Technical Support; and Services to Underserved Populations.

Grant Programs
• Innovative Technology: to provide access to library services and resources using new, innovative or cutting edge technologies, to provide links to other educational, social or informational services or providers and to provide technology for full participation in statewide resource sharing.
• Staff Development and Training: to provide technology literacy training on all levels to staff and to the user public.
• Services to Targeted Populations: to provide services to targeted populations including, but not limited to, people of diverse geographic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, persons with limited functional literacy and information skills, and those individuals having difficulty using a library.
• Services to Youth: to provide services to children in poverty and those children from families with incomes below the poverty line.

A financial match of 25% of the total project cost is required for all grant programs.
Detailed information on the LSTA grant program, including criteria and eligibility requirements, grant guidelines, and examples of previously funded projects can be found at http://winslo.state.oh.us/publib/lsta98.html
Questions regarding LSTA should be addressed to Missy Lodge, Head, Library Programs and Development at 800-686-1532, 614-644-6914 or mlodge@sloma.state.oh.us