FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

March 31, 2005

Randy Nehrt
Pat McGuckin

White Says Library Grant Applications Now Available

SPRINGFIELD — Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has announced that libraries may begin applying for FY 2006 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants to develop projects that provide and focus on library service, new initiatives and library activities.

White said grant applications, descriptions of the grants, requirements and other information are available online at the Illinois State Library's website.

"Each year I am proud to award LSTA grants with funds the Illinois State Library receives from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)," White said. "These funds encourage and reward creativity and innovation. Over the years, LSTA grants have resulted in wonderfully creative new programs in our state's more than 4,000 libraries. Our librarians are always looking to the future, and looking for new ways to educate, entertain and enlighten our patrons and these grants help provide our libraries with some of the financial resources they need."

Illinois libraries use LSTA grants in areas such as enhancing their collections, fostering stronger community relationships, developing digital imaging projects and implementing new library programs and initiatives. The grants are available to academic, school, public and special libraries, regional library systems and library consortia.

"I strongly encourage libraries to apply for these competitive grant offerings," White said. "I applaud the men and women who work in our libraries for their dedication, creativity and commitment to maintaining our libraries as instruments of lifelong learning."

White said this year's grant offerings cover four areas:

• CUOL: Creative Use Of Libraries-These grants will address user or community needs with new library services. Applications will reflect creative and imaginative approaches, methods, and/or library services that are new to the community and necessary to meet the needs of the target audience. The maximum grant award available is $150,000.
• Libraries Leading the Way Through Partnerships--Nationwide, Illinois libraries are recognized for establishing creative and innovative partnerships for providing diverse programming, quality services, and opportunities for training. This grant offers several options for Illinois libraries to excel in these endeavors and to expand them through partnerships. Libraries and their partners may show leadership in developing new and innovative services that respond to library issues concerning minorities, ethnic groups and/or cultural diversification to broaden the concept of community. The maximum grant available is $75,000.
• Digital Imaging-These grants allow libraries to create Internet-ready electronic versions of their materials and collections, specifically Illinois-related historical and cultural materials. This grant cycle has an emphasis on materials related to Native Americans, but projects in all subject areas are acceptable. Grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 will be awarded.
• Weed and Feed-This grant will allow libraries to enhance their circulating non-fiction collections in selected categories. Libraries are encouraged to use this opportunity to evaluate their collection and "weed" or eliminate specific sections of the collection if appropriate. Cooperative collection management for a group of libraries with common goals is encouraged. Grants of between $400 and $4,000 per participating library are available.