Section 4: Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administers federal LSTA funds for libraries and museums, including the LSTA Grants to States Program, which is the largest grant program run by IMLS. The Grants to States program provides funds to state library administrative agencies using a population-based formula. The program has the benefit of building the capacity of states to develop statewide plans for library services. OLIS' Five-Year State Plan, as approved by the Library Board of Rhode Island, provides the framework for the use of federal LSTA funds in Rhode Island.

LSTA funds provide more than half of the budget for OLIS. Funds are used to support services and statewide initiatives; federal funds may also be awarded in some years as sub-grants through the Library of Rhode Island (LORI) grant program.

The following provides information about IMLS and LSTA funds in Rhode Island:

1. Institute of Museum and Library Services
2. LSTA Grants to States Program
3. OLIS Five-Year State Plan for Federal LSTA

Learn more about the IMLS on the IMLS web site