The State Library administers the LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) program, funded through the independent federal agency IMLS (Institute of Museum and Library Services).
LSTA funds are used in one of three ways. Some funds are used in–house for programs that further the goals of the Five – Year Plan, such as the Summer Reading Program. LSTA funds also support a variety of statewide initiatives, including statewide resource sharing (Ohio Libraries Share: MORE), the Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled program, library databases available to any Ohio citizen and the KnowItNow 24 –7 virtual reference services.
The remainder of the LSTA funds are distributed through the competitive grant programs: minigrants, full grants and disability grants. All grant opportunities are available on a yearly cycle. Announcement of grant availability is posted on library listservs and the timeline for each grant cycle can be found on the website.
For all competitive grants, a cash match of 25% of the total project cost is required. All types of libraries, public, school, academic, and special may apply for LSTA grants. Partnership and cooperative projects are especially encouraged.
Staff is available to assist applicants throughout the grant writing process.
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