The Library Services and Technology Act provides a significant level of funding for Texas. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission currently receives approximately $12 million annually. Through the Grants to States program, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) provides funds to State Library Administrative Agencies using a population-based formula. Each state must submit a five-year plan to IMLS for approval to receive these funds. Comments are needed from the Texas library community about a proposed framework for the plan.

State libraries may use the appropriation to support statewide initiatives and services. They also may distribute the funds through sub-grant competitions or cooperative agreements to public, academic, research, school, and special libraries in their state.

Measuring Success - Grants to States - LSTA Priorities

Each state has an IMLS-approved five-year plan outlining its programs. These programs support the LSTA priorities, which are to:

Expand services for learning and access to information and educational resources in a variety of formats, in all types of libraries, for individuals of all ages in order to support such individuals' needs for education, lifelong learning, workforce development, and digital literacy skills;

Establish or enhance electronic and other linkages and improved coordination among and between libraries and entities for the purpose of improving the quality of and access to library and information services;

Provide training and professional development, including continuing education, to enhance the skills of the current library workforce and leadership, and advance the delivery of library and information services;

Enhance efforts to recruit future professionals to the field of library and information services;

Develop public and private partnerships with other agencies and community-based organizations;

Target library services to individuals of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and to individuals with limited functional literacy or information skills;

Target library and information services to persons having difficulty using a library and to underserved urban and rural communities, including children (from birth through age 17) from families with incomes below the poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget and revised annually in accordance with section 9902(2) of title 42) applicable to a family of the size involved;

Develop library services that provide all users access to information through local, state, regional, national, and international collaborations and networks; and

Carry out other activities consistent with the purposes set forth in section 9121, as described in the SLAA's plan.