This article explores the historical relationships between libraries, policy, and politics in the United States. Far too often, policy and political discussions related to libraries have little historical context. While libraries have long viewed themselves as a pillar of democracy by supporting informed, educated, and engaged citizenry, political…

How do college students "really" conduct research for classroom assignments? In 2008, five large Illinois universities were awarded a Library Services and Technology Act Grant to try to answer that question. The resulting ongoing study has already yielded some eye-opening results. The findings suggest changes ranging from simple…

It's called GoLibrary in the United States and Bokomaten in its native Sweden. Patrons know it as Library-a-Go-Go in Contra Costa County, California, but whatever its name, the automated lending service this materials handling machine provides has proved a tremendous aid in addressing underserved segments of this sprawling community. It's not hard…

For over a half a century, State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) have played a key role in the development and delivery of library services in the United States. While the organization and responsibilities of these agencies vary from state to state, they have two things in common: state-level planning for library services and…

This report focuses on funding and services provided through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Grants to States program in the most recent full reporting years. IMLS grants to State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAA's) represent the single largest source of federal funding for the nation's libraries and are the only…

This report marks the third release of library statistics data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). It contains data on state library agencies in the 50 states and the District of Columbia for state fiscal year (FY) 2008. The data were collected through the State Library Agencies (StLA) Survey, the product of a cooperative…

This article details the work of Gail Staines, who is probably the only Mover & Shaker who lists the U.S.A. Equestrians Association among her professional memberships. But it is not that far a leap from what she does in her work as director of the Western New York Library Resources Council (WNYLRC), where she is responsible for making 98…

In preparation for its Five-Year Plan for the years 2008 through 2012, the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services has reviewed a variety of information resources, including studies, publications, surveys and stakeholder meetings, to assist in understanding the state, its people, its future and the potential role of libraries. This…

Describes external sources of funding for public libraries to establish and maintain their technology infrastructure, telecommunications services, and network-based resources and services. Highlights include LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act); the E-rate program; and the Bill and Melissa Gates Foundation U.S. Library Program. (LRW)

The brief history and background of the Library Association that sponsored the National Library Legislative Day in Washington is outlined. The specific issues, such as ESEA, the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), Copyright, and E-Rate, are discussed.

This handbook provides FY (fiscal year) 2002 guidelines developed by the Library of Michigan for applying for LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) funding. The first section provides an overview of the LSTA program. The second section gives the grant timeline for FY 2002. The third section outlines general application guidelines for all…

This handbook provides FY (fiscal year) 2002 guidelines developed by the Library of Michigan for administering LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) grants. The first section provides an overview of the LSTA program. The second section gives the grant timeline for FY 2002. The third section describes the award process, including award…

This handbook provides FY (fiscal year) 2000 guidelines developed by the Library of Michigan for applying for LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) subgrant funding. The handbook includes the following sections: (1) overview of the LSTA subgrant program; (2) general application guidelines for all funding areas; (3) required elements of the…

This handbook provides FY (fiscal year) 2001 guidelines developed by the Library of Michigan for applying for LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) subgrant funding. The handbook includes the following sections: (1) overview of the LSTA subgrant program; (2) general application guidelines for all funding areas; (3) budget category definitions…

This document reports request for a total of $271,246,000 for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for Fiscal Year 2008. Funds are designed to assist the Institute in expanding its leadership role in creating an informed and educated citizenry, and transmitting the values of American democracy. In recent years the Institute has…