White Awards Nearly $4 Million In Library Services And Technology Act Grants
SPRINGFIELD — Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded 249 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants totaling nearly $4 million to help libraries enhance their collections, foster stronger community relationships, develop digital imaging projects and implement innovative new library programs and initiatives.
"LSTA grants are some of the best examples of Illinois libraries continuing to provide new and innovative services to patrons," White said. "Our libraries have been very creative in proposing new programs and initiatives to deal with specific issues in their local communities, particularly in the area of expanding or enhancing services to underserved populations. As State Librarian, I am proud to be able to provide these important funds to our librarians each year so that they may continue to enrich the lives of Illinois citizens."
White cited several examples of creative programs that will be funded by FY2006 LSTA grants:
- The Glen Carbon Centennial Library is teaming up with the Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce and Lewis and Clark Community College to present a series of leadership workshops by nationally known, highly respected thinkers and practitioners in the business world, and the ensuing creation of a Leadership Institute.
- The Marion Carnegie Library is implememting the "Southern Illinois Japanese Friendship Program" to create a collection of Japanese language materials for both adults and children in the library. The target population is Japanese employees and their families living in Marion. These individuals are employed primarily by Aisin Manufacturing which has three facilities in the Marion Area.
- The Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Indian Trails Public Library District and the Skokie Public Library formed a partnership to develop "Library Express." By delivering reserved and Interlibrary Loan materials, this project will provide an opportunity to enhance convenience and ease of use for busy patrons. The partners will undertake service variations in terms of delivery method and one or two way returns.
- "Art and Architecture in Illinois Libraries", a project developed at Booth Library at Eastern Illinois Univeristy, creates a database of information concerning art and architecture in Illinois public, academic, and research libraries. Currently no such resource exists for scholars and the public. Booth Library will collect data about library buildings, art in libraries and their architects and artists through research; surveys; and visits to libraries, archives, and other agencies. From diverse Illinois landscapes to distinguished sculptures, from Carnegie structures to modern additions-library art is an integral part of our cultural heritage. Project outputs include a web-based catalog and a traveling exhibit of selected images.
- Metadata will be created to maximize electronic access to the Native American collection at the McLean County Museum of History. This collection will be provided to the Illinois Digital Archives, the McLean County Museum of History and Milner Library at Illinois State University for Internet dissemination. A link to the collection will be posted on An Adventure of the American Mind (AAM) website and promoted during K-12 teacher training sessions offered through AAM.
White said this year's grants were awarded in four categories:
- Libraries Leading the Way Through Partnerships--Nationwide, Illinois libraries are recognized for establishing creative and innovative partnerships to provide diverse programming, quality services, and opportunities for training. These grants offer several options for Illinois libraries to excel in these endeavors and to expand them through partnerships.
- Digital Imaging Grant Awards-Digital imaging projects allow libraries to create Internet-ready electronic versions of their materials and collections, specifically Illinois-related historical and cultural materials. Applicants were encouraged to develop grants that would help Illinois citizens recognize the value of digitized Native American materials.
- Weed & Feed--Libraries are enhancing their circulating non-fiction collections in the selected areas of general knowledge, philosophy & psychology, natural sciences & mathematics and technology and medicine to provide current and accurate library materials for Illinois citizens.
- Creative Use of Libraries-These grants are designed to 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 Illinois State Library administers LSTA grants with funds distributed by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. Public, school, academic and special libraries and regional library Systems are all eligible to receive the grants.
(A list of grant recipients is attached.) - PDF
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