Grant Details

For more than 50 years, the LSTA Grants to States Program and its predecessors have supported the delivery of library services in the United States. Through the Grants to States program, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) provides federal LSTA funds to state libraries, including the State Library of Iowa, using a population-based formula. In Iowa, LSTA funds are used to support statewide library development initiatives and services such as:

• Summer library programs
• Developing the skills of Iowa library directors and staff
• Online reference databases such as Gale and other online resources
• Interlibrary loan network through State of Iowa Libraries Online (SILO)
• Iowa Center for the Book
• Standards for public libraries
• Iowa Publications Online
• State Data Center

The following goals for the improvement of library services in Iowa, have been identified in the State Library's Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Plan, FY18-22:

• Goal 1: Information Access - All Iowans have access to quality information resources and have the assistance needed to select and use the information to succeed personally, professionally, and academically. Projects include:
  • Tools that allow Iowans to find and access materials, including the State Library catalog
  • Digital library center though resources such as Iowa Heritage Digital Collection (IHDC) and Iowa Publications Online (IPO)
  • Access to a variety of e-resources
  • State Library services to state employees and the public
  • Collect and access statistical data on Iowa's libraries, population, and economy
• Goal 2: Institutional Capacity - All Iowans are served by excellent local libraries that are technologically advanced and that employ knowledgeable and community focused staff who incorporate the best professional practices to deliver high quality library services. Projects include:
  • Certification programs, continuing education and library accreditations that help library staff and trustees to provide improved service to Iowans
  • Increased library broadband for improved Internet access
  • Website hosting and support for Iowa libraries
  • Increase support for investment in library technology
  • Incentive program for libraries to focus on these priorities: technology, community partnerships, evaluation and performance measures, and literacy
  • Grants for libraries to evaluate their existing space and ensure accessible, welcoming, and functional buildings
  • Professional consulting on proper governance and management of Iowa libraries
  • Cooperative purchasing to maximize library budgets
  • Interlibrary loan program to provide libraries with a cost-effective framework for finding, requesting and borrowing items from other Iowa libraries
  • Platform for library staff to communicate with one another and with State Library staff
  • Training program for library staff and trustees to ensure effective library governance
  • Investigation of the development of library systems to strengthen library service to Iowans
• Goal 3: Lifelong Learning - All Iowans learn to be productive 21st century citizens. Projects include:
  • Information and tools needed for Iowa libraries to provide a summer reading program
  • Resource for sharing and collaborating on programming ideas for libraries
  • Community engagement opportunities
  • Job and career training
  • Library services that are inclusive of all members of the community
  • Help incorporating literacy and digital literacy into programming, such as All Iowa Reads (AIR) programs and materials