Public Information and Communication
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 21, 1998
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Sally Snyder
402-471-4003
800-307-2665
Library Commission Supports Information Technology and Library Service Improvements
Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner announced the award of $226,635 in library grants to fund library technology projects to improve public access to electronic information through Nebraska libraries. "We are dedicated to making the latest computer technology available to Nebraska libraries to open up the world of information for citizens of all ages," Wagner said. The funds, made available through the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), allocated by Congress and distributed to states annually, address LSTA goals according to each state's long range plan. 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.
Public libraries in 22 Nebraska communities will receive funding to improve information technology services and/or improve information access for underserved populations through the Library Commission, Nebraska's state library agency. Additionally, two partnership projects were funded to promote collaboration among communities, helping citizens get fast, easy access to information materials. Two state agency library projects received funding to improve information access for the citizens they serve. (See attached complete list of library grant recipients and award amounts.)
Additional technology projects are planned for 1999. 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. 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 http://nlc.nebraska.gov/.
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1998 Library Services and Technology Grants Awarded to Nebraska Libraries
| Library | Grant Amount |
| Auburn Memorial Library | $20,981 |
| Bassett, Rock County Public Library | $12,262 |
| Battle Creek Public Library | $3,086 |
| Central City Library | $2,437 |
| Chadron Public Library | $4,575 |
| Columbus Public Library | $6,446 |
| Crete Public Library | $3,712 |
| Fairmont Public Library | $7,072 |
| Gibbon Public Library | $2,777 |
| Gothenburg Public Library | $19,100 |
| Grand Island, Edith Abbott Memorial Library | $15,000 |
| Hastings Public Library | $8,771 |
| Kearney Public Library and Information Center | $11,988 |
| Lincoln City Libraries | $17,436 |
| Lyons Public Library | $8,266 |
| Norfolk Public Library | $3,900 |
| Ogallala, Goodall City Library | $1,776 |
| Omaha Public Library | $20,445 |
| Stanton Public Library | $9,375 |
| Tecumseh Public Library | $13,759 |
| Tilden Public Library | $7,179 |
| York, Kilgore Memorial Library | $2,250 |
Southeast Library System Cooperative Project:
Nebraska City, Morton-James Public Library
Syracuse Public Library
Talmage Public Library | $3,300 |
Polk County Library Association:
Osceola Public Library
Polk Public Library
Shelby Public Library
Stromsburg Public Library | $4,706 |
| NE Department of Correctional Services Libraries | $12,436 |
| Health and Human Services Libraries Consortium | $3,600 |
| Total | $226,635 |
Nebraska Library Commission
The Atrium, 1200 N Street, Suite 120
Lincoln, NE 68508-2023
For more information please see the 1998 LSTA Grant Recipients and Project Descriptions, or the 1999 Timetable for LSTA Grants.