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Nebraska Library Commission Website

Library Improvement Grants

(formerly Library Services and Technology Act Grants)

Each year the Library Commission awards federal funds to libraries through a competitive grant process. These funds are provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, with funds administered through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). The purpose of the Library Improvement Grants is to facilitate growth and development of library programs and services in Nebraska public and institutional libraries, by supplementing local funding with federal funds designated for these purposes.

In keeping with the goals of the Library Services and Technology Act, these Library Improvement Grants are intended to help libraries meet the goals of the Nebraska Library Commission's 2008-2012 Long Range Plan. In order to be funded projects must meet one or more of the six "LSTA Purposes" listed on page 7 of the Long Range Plan or below:

  1. Expanding services for learning and access to information and educational resources in a variety of formats, in all types of libraries, for individuals of all ages;
  2. Developing library services that provide all users access to information through local, state, regional, national, and international electronic networks;
  3. Providing electronic and other linkages among and between all types of libraries;
  4. Developing public and private partnerships with other agencies and community based organizations;
  5. Targeting library services to individuals of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to individuals with disabilities, and to individuals with limited functional literacy or information skills; and
  6. Targeting library and information services to persons having difficulty using a library and to underserved urban and rural communities, including children (from birth through age 17) from families with incomes below the poverty line as defined by the Office of Management and Budget and revised annually in accordance with 42 USC Sec. 9902 (2) applicable to a family of the size involved.

    20 USC § 9141. GRANTS TO STATES

We invite all eligible entities to submit project proposals for funding.

Eligible entities:
  • Accredited Nebraska public libraries
  • Identified institutional libraries (see list)
  • Nebraska Regional Library Systems
Other organizations can partner with an eligible entity for purposes of submitting a grant application for a collaborative project.

What is required of the applicant?
  • Local 10% cash match.
  • Grant recipients will meet all requirements outlined in the grant award documents, including crediting the Nebraska Library Commission and the Institute of Museum and Library Services in grant-related publications.
  • IMLS Guidance: The IMLS requires compliance with CIPA by libraries receiving federal grant funds from the Library Commission. IMLS requires that E-Rate discounts (or equivalent discounts) must be applied for by libraries requesting funds to purchase computers to access the Internet or to pay for direct costs of accessing the Internet. This Certification form must be printed, signed, and mailed to the Library Commission with the grant application.
  • New 2013 Grant recipients must follow the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 with regard to technology. Please review IMLS Advisory: E-books Reader Lending Programs, and note that IMLS encourages libraries to keep these laws in mind when acquiring new public access technologies.
Federal funds are distributed to the Library Commission as authorized by the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), and administered through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Federal agency that strengthens museums and libraries to benefit the public.

Table of LIG Grant Web Pages:
    (Deadline for 2011 Library Improvement Grants: Print applications must be postmarked or hand delivered by 5 pm (CT) on
January 7, 2011.
    Online applications will be accepted up through 11:59 PM (CT) on January 7, 2011. Recipients will be announced February 17, 2011.)

Library Improvement Grant Application(Print - PDF)
Library Improvement Grant Application (Online)
Library Improvement Internet Safety Certification needed for both Print & Online Applications (PDF)
Library Improvement Grant Dates
Library Improvement Grant Eligibility & General Guidelines
Library Improvement Grant Message from the Director
Library Improvement Grant Scoring Sheet (PDF)
Library Improvement Grant Applications Received

Final Project Report (same form for any grant year)

Grant Recipients (LSTA 1998-2007 and Library Improvement Grants 2008-)
For more information, contact Richard Miller.