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Public Information and Communication

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 21, 2000

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Mary Jo Ryan
402-471-3434
800-307-2665

Library Commission Supports Information Technology and Library Service Improvements

Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner announced the award of $346,573 in library grants to fund library technology projects to improve public access to electronic information through Nebraska libraries, grants for Training and Continuing Education for library staff and board members, and library children's services grants. The grants will be distributed through the Library Commission to libraries and library organizations across the state. They are supported through federal and state funds

"We are dedicated to making the latest computer technology available to Nebraska libraries to help open up the world of information for citizens of all ages," Wagner said. $287,892 dispersed through the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), allocated by Congress and distributed to states annually, funds projects addressing LSTA goals according to Nebraska's long-range plan. LSTA fosters leadership, innovation, and lifetime learning through support of libraries and museums. Funds are administered in Nebraska by the Library Commission, furthering the vision and goals expressed in Libraries for the 21st Century: Nebraska Library Commission Library Services and Technology Act Five Year Plan (October 1, 1997-September 30, 2002). Grant awards to local libraries are matched with at least 25% of project funding supported by local funds. Libraries in twenty-five Nebraska communities, three consortia, and one institution will receive funding to improve information technology services and/or improve information access for underserved populations. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) manages this program on the federal level. For more information on IMLS, see www.imls.gov For descriptions of the grants see the Library Commission Website at nlc.nebraska.gov/libdev/lsta/lsta2000recipients.html

The Nebraska Library Commission also awarded Training and Continuing Education Grants to seventeen libraries in the amount of $43,681. These grants are awarded to projects designed to provide training and education for Nebraska library personnel, supporting skilled and knowledgeable information specialists to serve citizen information needs. These projects are funded through state funds allocated to help Nebraska libraries move toward achieving excellence in library service as a result of the Libraries for the 21st Century campaign. For descriptions of the grants see the Library Commission Website at nlc.nebraska.gov/libdev/continuingeducationgrants.html.

Twelve public libraries received $15,000 for special projects in the area of children's services. These grants contribute to the development, maintenance, and support of library services for children and young adults. For descriptions of the grants see the Library Commission Website at nlc.nebraska.gov/libdev/chgrants2000.html

As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, bringing together people and information.

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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission home page. Point your World Wide Web browser to nlc.nebraska.gov search on news releases. (See attached complete lists of library grant recipients and award amounts

 

Nebraska Library Commission Awards Training and Continuing Education Grants

Library Project Funding
Chadron Public Library Fall 2000 Tri-Conference $3,821
John Rogers Memorial Library (Dodge) Fall 2000 Tri-Conference $300
Fairfield Public Library Basic computer and Internet training $2,700
Keene Memorial Library (Fremont)Computer classes $3,242
Grand Island Public LibraryFamily Place Training Institute $4,900
Central Community College (Hastings)Classes at University of Nebraska-Kearney $720
Republican Valley Library System (Hastings)Customer service workshops$5,000
Holdrege Public Library SystemNeeds assessment and computer training $1,551
Lexington Public LibraryREFORMA Conference $1,052
Meadow Grove Public LibraryComputer classes $1,200
Nebraska Correctional LibrariesLibrary Soft automation training $1,720
Nebraska Regional Library SystemsTrustee workshops $5,000
North Platte Public Library Technology training $5,000
Omaha Public LibraryAll-Staff Development $5,000
Pierce Public LibraryFollett Circulation Plus training $700
Tilden Public LibraryComputer classes $1,275
Wauneta Public LibraryTraining to improve library services and programs $500

Library Commission Awards Grants for Excellence in Children's Library Services

Library Project Funding
Central City Public Library Mentoring Program $500
Columbus Public LibrarySummer reading for Spanish-speaking children$1,400
Hruska Public Library (David City) Materials for rural school children$1,000
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Public LibraryOutreach for Spanish-speaking families$1,000
Grand Island Public LibraryFamily Place training $2,000
Hastings Public LibraryEnrich literacy skills for Spanish-speaking families $1,700
Lexington Public LibrarySpanish-language story hour$1,000
Lyons Public LibraryOutreach activities for Spanish-speaking children$1,675
Madison County Library Association (Battle Creek, Madison, Meadow Grove Newman Grove, Tilden) Resource packets for At-Risk Rural children$2,000
Morton-James Public Library -Nebraska CityStorytime at the Head start Center $625
Scottsbluff Public LibraryMaterials for reluctant young adult readers$600
Wymore Public LibrarySummer school program for Primary children$1,500

Library Commission Awards LSTA Grants

Library Project Funding
Auburn Memorial Library Improved Access to Library Services $9,239
Blair Public Library Internet Enhancement$3,103
Creighton Public LibraryTechnology Upgrade $10,427
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Public Library Internet Connectivity Enhancement $12,093
Emerson Public LibraryTechnology Upgrade $1,853
Fairfield Public LibraryBasic Technology $4,849
Lydia Bruun Woods Memorial Library (Falls City) Internet Connectivity Enhancement $7,946
Grand Island Public LibraryImproved Access to Library Services $18,600
Hastings Public LibraryTechnology Upgrade $15,000
Kearney Public Library and Information CenterBasic Technology $12,550
Lexington Public LibraryTechnology Upgrade $6,930
Meadow Grove Public LibraryTechnology Upgrade $2,372
Morton-James Public Library (Nebraska City)Technology Upgrade $23,250
Goodall City Library (Ogallala) Technology Upgrade $2,400
Osceola Public LibraryTechnology Upgrade $2,433
Pierce Public LibraryBasic Technology $7,462
Shelby Public LibraryTechnology Upgrade $1,345
Shelton Township Library Internet Connectivity Enhancement $5,437
Springfield Public LibraryInternet Connectivity Enhancement $11,122
Stanton Public LibraryInternet Connectivity Enhancement $7,415
Stromsburg Public LibraryBasic Technology$4,272
Tilden Public LibraryTechnology Upgrade $7,263
Valley Public Library Internet Connectivity Enhancement $10,500
Verdigre Public LibraryTechnology Upgrade $1,790
Wauneta Public LibraryTechnology Upgrade $2,369
ONE Library Partnership Planning and Implementation Columbus Public Library, Norfolk Public Library, Northeast Community College consortium $67,000
Republican Valley Library System (RVLS) PartnershipCustomized Service-RVLS, Imperial Public Library, Hastings College partnership $4,400
Health and Human Services Library ConsortiumBasic Technology $23,625
Lincoln Correction Center Customized Service $847

For more information, contact Tessa Terry.