The Library Infrastructure Facility Improvement (LIFI) grant is entering the first phase of assessments. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is inviting a select number of small rural public libraries in Texas who reported slow speeds on TSLAC’s annual Texas Public Library Speed Test to receive a free IT assessment that will determine technology and connectivity needs for an upcoming grant opportunity. We have partnered with vendor Apollo Information Systems out of Round Rock, Texas, to perform the assessments. The Library Digital Opportunity team at TSLAC had a kick-off meeting with Apollo on October 15, and project manager Karin Ruppelius had this to say: “We are eager to get started and want to ensure libraries that we will have open channels of communications to get the optimal results on these assessments.”
The assessments will begin immediately and continue through March of 2025. These libraries can use the assessments to help them apply for grant funding in the next phase of LIFI. An assessment is not a requirement for participating in the grant, so other Texas public libraries are encouraged to apply when TSLAC opens the application window in spring 2025.
What is LIFI?
The TSLAC Library Infrastructure Facility Improvement (LIFI) Grant Program is designed to help public libraries receive funding for infrastructure construction projects related to laying fiber, physical accommodation for broadband, and expanded and improved physical space. The projects are aimed to bolster telehealth, job training, or classroom labs. TSLAC received $7.8 million to fund improvements to libraries serving historically disadvantaged Texas communities.
The grant is funded by the US Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF). The funds were made available to address a critical need that resulted from or was made apparent or exacerbated by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
What is the Grant for?
There are two main goals for the grant phase coming in spring 2025. The first goal is to increase library internet speeds, and the second is to improve facility access to library technology services within the building to directly enable work, education, and health monitoring.
Goal 1 (Connectivity) Eligible Items:
- fiber, trenching and related construction
- internal connections
- networking equipment
- cabling
- electrical work (to improve internet)
Goal 2 (Facility) Eligible Items:
- light remodeling construction such as:
- electrical work
- moveable walls
- expanded physical space including classrooms (education), job interview rooms (work), telehealth rooms (health monitoring)
Note: Ineligible expenses include website hosting, software purchases, and furniture.
A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will be made available in 2025.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to the LDO team at LDO@tsl.texas.gov or subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates.
