State Librarian Announces Federal Approval of New York Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Plan
September 29, 2017
State Librarian Announces Federal Approval of New York Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Plan
Assistant Commissioner for Libraries and State Librarian Bernard A. Margolis announced today that the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has approved New York State’s Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Five-Year Plan (FY 2018 - FY 2022). The new Plan takes effect October 1, 2017. An approved Plan is one of the requirements for the receipt of the $8 million in annual federal funding for library services allocated to New York under the LSTA Grants to the States Program.
The IMLS letter of approval and the new Plan are now available on the State Library’s web site.
The new Five-Year Plan describes New York’s statewide library infrastructure, which includes the New York State Library, 73 State-supported library systems and some 7,000 local libraries. The Plan also summarizes the library service needs identified for the State and the ways in which the State Library plans to use federal Library Services and Technology Act funds to meet those needs. The Plan details the goals, activities, and key output and outcome targets for the next five years.
“Federal LSTA funds are critically important to the effective delivery of library services to New Yorkers of all ages,” said Margolis. “As State Librarian, I appreciate the hard work of our internal LSTA Five-Year Plan Leadership Team in coordinating the development of this new Plan. The LSTA Committee of the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries (RAC) provided expert guidance and key stakeholders in the library community offered input and advice on critical library service needs. The State Library looks forward to continuing our collaboration with New York’s libraries, library systems and other partner organizations to implement this exciting new Plan.”
For questions about the Five-Year Plan please contact Amy Heebner, LSTA Coordinator, Division of Library Development, New York State Library at amy.heebner@nysed.gov or 518-474-7890.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services, now celebrating its 20th Anniversary, is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s approximately 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Its mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Its grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov .
The New York State Library has served New Yorkers, state government and researchers from throughout the United States for almost 200 years. In its leadership role, the State Library works in partnership with the State’s 73 library systems to bring cost-effective, high-quality library services to the millions who use New York’s 7,000 libraries. Staff experts from the State Library’s Division of Library Development work with librarians, trustees, school administrators, public officials and local leaders to solve problems and find new ways of supporting the development and improvement of public, school, academic and special libraries across New York. Policy development, consulting services, grants management and coordination of statewide library services help New York’s libraries take full advantage of state, federal and private funding programs. One of the nation’s leading library development agencies and research libraries, the New York State Library is located in Albany, New York and is a program of the State Education Department. To learn more, visit http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/ .