The New Jersey 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 State Library Information Center (SLIC) 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.

LSTA Five-Year Plan

• New Jersey State Library Library Services and Technology Act 2023-2027 Strategic Plan (PDF)
• NJSL 2018-2022 Five-Year Evaluation Report (PDF)
• New Jersey State Library Library Services and Technology Act Five Year Plan 2018-2022 (PDF)
• New Jersey State Library Library Services and Technology Act Five Year Plan 2013-2017 (PDF)
• LSTA five-year plan evaluation 2013-2017 (PDF)
• New Jersey State Library Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Five-Year Plan 2007-2012 (Word)
• LSTA five-year plan evaluation 2008-2012 (PDF)

LSTA Budget

NJSL is awarded an annual contract under IMLS’s Grants to States program in order to carry out the goals of LSTA. This grant, which is formula-driven based on population, is awarded annually each October 1st with a two-year timeframe to spend the funds. This means that in any one fiscal year, NJSL can have up to three LSTA grants running concurrently. For example, in Fiscal Year 2022, which runs from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, the State Library finished up the LSTA Grant Year 2020 (which ran from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2021), is operating under Grant Year 2021 which ends September 30, 2022, and was awarded Grant Year 2022 funds, which must be used by September 30, 2023. IMLS allows up to 4% of each grant to be used for general and administrative purposes. Any unspent LSTA funds must be returned to IMLS at the end of each grant year.

• To see the estimated Grant Year 21 budget, click here.
• For more information on the Grants to States program, click here to visit the IMLS website.
• For more information about the LSTA Advisory Council, click here.

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.