Fact Sheet
Library Services & Technology Act Federal Program for Libraries
FACT SHEET
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is a State Agency authorized to administer a $3.4 million federal program under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). Enacted in 1996, LSTA is a formula-based program that makes an allotment to each state based on population and the level of federal appropriation. This state-based program, reauthorized in 2003, is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and represents an opportunity for greater flexibility in state efforts to improve library services provided by all types of libraries. States must meet the matching and maintenance of effort requirements of the legislation, as well as submit a five-year plan for administering the program.
PURPOSE
- Consolidate Federal library service programs;
- Promote improvement in library services in all types of libraries in order to better serve the people of the United States;
- Facilitate access to resources in all types of libraries for the purpose of cultivating an educated and informed citizenry;
- Encourage resource sharing among all types of libraries for the purpose of achieving economical and efficient delivery of library services to the public.
STATE PLAN
In order to meet the requirements of the legislation, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must submit a plan that verifies the MBLC as the officially designated State library administrative agency with the fiscal and legal authority and capability to administer all aspects of this program. The plan must establish goals and specify priorities consistent with the purposes of the legislation. It must also describe activities consistent with these goals, the procedures to be used to carry them out, the methodology for evaluating the success of these activities in reaching the goals, a plan for administering the program, and the procedures to be used to involve libraries and library users throughout the state in policy decisions. The current plan, the Massachusetts Long-Range Plan, 2008-2012, was approved by the IMLS.
- Massachusetts residents, no matter where they live, will find and obtain the resources they need using an improved technological infrastructure that links all types of libraries and provides and coordinates shared electronic resources. Residents will have access to digitized images of unique and valuable resources, improved access tools, and properly preserved physical and electronic materials.
- Library users will have access to effective library and information services provided by well-trained and supported library staff.
- All Massachusetts residents will be better prepared to meet life’s challenges at school, in the workplace, and in their daily lives through access to programs and training that foster their development of information literacy skills and communication technology skills.
- Massachusetts children and young adults will have access to public and school libraries that are active partners in providing resources and learning opportunities that foster literacy from birth through the teen years.
- All Massachusetts residents will have equal access to library information, collections, and services regardless of their geographic location, cultural or socioeconomic background, and regardless of disability or limited functional literacy skills
- Massachusetts residents, regardless of age, will have access to lifelong learning resources and programs through their local libraries.
AUTHORIZATION
The Federal Library Services and Technology Act is authorized by P.L. 101-81.