Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)
Forecasted
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) supports Louisiana libraries through literacy programs, staff development, shared resources, and technology to improve information access and community engagement.
Funder: State Library of Louisiana
Due Dates: —
Funding Amounts: Historically about $2.4 million annually for Louisiana’s statewide program
Summary: Federal LSTA funds support Louisiana library services through literacy programs, staff development, shared resources, technology support, and accessible services.
Key Information: Funding supports libraries and library systems, not individual researchers; Louisiana’s five-year plan emphasizes statewide initiatives.
Description
The State Library of Louisiana administers Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Part of the Museum and Library Services Act, LSTA promotes improvements in library services, access to information, and resource sharing for economical and efficient public service. IMLS distributes these federal funds to state library agencies using a population-based formula.
Louisiana primarily uses its allocation for statewide initiatives, including literacy and summer reading programs, professional development for library directors and staff, online databases, interlibrary loan and delivery, and services for people with visual or physical disabilities. The state’s 2023–2027 five-year plan organizes this work around three goals: enhancing access to information, improving library services, and strengthening community engagement. It also supports preservation of Louisiana collections, broadband and technology assistance, and partnerships that expand library access.
