Library Services and Technology Act Grant Program - Federal Fiscal Year 2008

Action Required: Submission of Letter of Intent, Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grant Program by January 7, 2008.

This notification of the availability of grant funds is made for the purpose of: accepting letters of intent to apply for grant funds in two categories as designated in the new State of Minnesota LSTA Five-Year Plan; 2008-2012.

1- targeted areas of underserved populations and barrier free access to library services and programs, and

2- upgrades, improvements and enhancements to library automation and technology issues.

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), Division of State Library Services, is soliciting letters of intent from academic, public school/media centers, public and special libraries. Proposed projects selected for award will enhance, expand or create new library programs and services. MDE and State Library Services Division highly encourages all eligible parties to respond.

A total of $800,000 is available to fund competitive projects through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) federal program under the Museum and Library Services Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-81 CFDA #:45.310). Eligible applicants include all types of libraries (academic, public school, public and special) in Minnesota that are legally established, not for profit and full participating members of a designated regional public library system, multicounty multitype library cooperation system and/or library consortia (new or existing).

The 2008 LSTA grant award period is July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2009. Future opportunities for funding under this initiative may also be available at a later time.

Complete information, including the requirements concerning the Letter of Intent grant form may be obtained at – State Library Services Division http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Learning_Support/Library_Services/Grants_and_Aid/Library_Services_and_Technology_Act/LSTA_Grant_Forms/index.html

Forms and materials include:

1. Directions for Letter of Intent
2. Tips for Writing a Grant Proposal
3. The State of Minnesota LSTA Five-Year Plan 2008-2012
4. Eligible Applicant Requirements for Library Services and Technology Act Grant Program

To be considered for the full grant application process, applicants must submit a complete Letter of Intent by January 7, 2008, to James V. Wroblewski, LSTA Grant Coordinator, jym.wroblewski@state.mn.us.

If delivered to the Minnesota Department of Education, State Library Services Division, the Letter of Intent must be received by 4:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time, January 7, 2007; or the Letter of Intent must be postmarked or stamped by a delivery service by midnight, January 7, 2007. Submission requirements are listed on the Letter of Intent.

This notification of application materials does not obligate the state to make an award. The state reserves the right to cancel this notification if it is considered to be in the state’s best interest or if funding is terminated from the Minnesota Legislature or the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Additional information related to this grant program may also be found at:

http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Learning_Support/Library_Services/Grants_and_Aid/Library_Services_and_Technology_Act/index.html