The NJ State Library (NJSL) is one of New Jersey’s biggest resource treasures. Founded in 1796, NJSL is the third oldest state library in the nation and serves the Garden State’s population of nearly 8.8 million people through the State’s network of libraries and directly through the NJ State Research Library and through the New Jersey Talking Book and Braille Center (TBBC).
The State Library’s programs of service are primarily funded by New Jersey State tax dollars. However, federal funds administered through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) are significant as well. As the State Library Administrative Agency (SLAA) for New Jersey, NJSL is responsible for carrying out the provisions of LSTA in New Jersey. The Library Services and Technology Act of 2010 (LSTA) is a section of the Museum and Library Services Act that is designed to promote access to information resources provided by all types of libraries.
The LSTA program is administered on the Federal level by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Under the requirements of the legislation, IMLS provides funds to State Library Administrative Agencies using a population-based formula. In order to be eligible to receive LSTA funds, each SLAA must submit a five-year plan that outlines how the state agency intends to utilize the Federal funds in accordance with nine purposes enumerated in the LSTA language. The five-year plan must include a needs assessment as well as goals, activities, and processes that will be used to evaluate the state agency’s progress toward its goals.
For more information on the Grants to States program, click here to visit the IMLS website.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this website do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.