Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)
Program Description
The Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Bureau of Library Development, Division of Library Improvement administers federal LSTA grant funds that are used to support statewide projects and also competitive grants to libraries. Public, academic (college), school, institution, special libraries and library consortiums that meet eligibility criteria may apply for grants when federal funding is available.
This is a competitive grant program. Final grant decisions endeavor to balance funded projects according to geographical distribution within the state and types of library.
Funding Source:
Funds are available from the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through a program called the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). IMLS awards grants to states with an approved Five-Year Plan. Pennsylvania's LSTA Five-Year Plan (PDF) includes goals allowing the Office of Commonwealth Libraries to assist libraries in linking to each other or to other information resources, to encourage the development of consortia, and to increase information access for persons who have difficulty gaining it.
Grant Program Name: Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) NETShare competitive grant program
Deadline: Applications are usually due late summer to early fall.
Restrictions on Funding:
Funding may not be used for construction or renovation, projects that have already begun, or operating expenses.
Timelines:
Timeline for 2012 Grant Year (PDF)
Timeline for 2011 Grant Year (PDF)
Timeline for 2010 Grant Year (PDF)
Application Information:
LSTA applications become available to all types of libraries and library agencies in the spring. Announcement of availability will be posted to all Commonwealth Libraries email groups.
Applications are to be completed online and submitted to the Bureau of Library Development via the Pennsylvania Department of Education eGrant website at eGrants.ed.state.pa.us. A limited number of regional workshops for proposal development are scheduled upon request.
View the Powerpoint presentation of the grant writing workshop for LSTA applications for 2011 projects.
Application Guidelines:
2012
Digitization (PDF)
Digitization (Word)
K-12 Library Collection Development (PDF)
K-12 Library Collection Development (Word)
Major Innovation (PDF)
Major Innovation (Word)
Mini Innovation "Try It" (PDF)
Mini Innovation "Try It" (Word)
Public Library Collection Development (PDF)
Public Library Collection Development (Word)
Technology Component (PDF)
Technology Component (Word)
2011
Digitization (PDF)
Digitization (Word)
K-12 Library Collection Development (PDF)
K-12 Library Collection Development (Word)
Major Innovation (PDF)
Major Innovation (Word)
Mini Innovation Access (PDF)
Mini Innovation Access (Word)
Public Library Collection Development (PDF)
Public Library Collection Development (Word)
Technology Components (PDF)
Technology Components (Word)
Previously Funded Projects:
Successful projects in the past have provided library users with Internet access, automated functions in public libraries, expanded library services for older adults, provided assistive technology for information access, improved reference services, funded statewide summer reading programs for children, and improved services to preschoolers and their caregivers.
Fiscal Year 2011 LSTA Competitively Funded Projects (PDF)
Fiscal Year 2010 LSTA Competitively Funded Projects (PDF)
Fiscal Year 2009 LSTA Competitively Funded Projects (PDF)
More Previously Funded Projects
Guidelines for Implementing LSTA Projects:
Each grantee will be expected to manage their grant according to guidelines from the Office of Commonwealth Libraries.
LSTA Grant Implementation Guidelines (PDF)
Report Forms for 2012 LSTA Projects:
2012 LSTA Quarterly Report Form (Word)
2012 LSTA Final Report Form (Word)
