Spotlight on Library Legislation - What is the Library Services and Technology Act?
The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) is the only federal program exclusively for libraries.
LSTA was reauthorized under the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA) of 2010 (S. 3984) and signed by the president on December 22, 2010.
LSTA will be up for reauthorization again in 2015.
LSTA is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
State libraries use the funds to support statewide initiatives and also distribute the funds through subgrants or cooperative agreements to public, school, academic, research and special libraries.
LSTA consolidates federal library programs, while expanding services for learning and access to information resources in all types of libraries for individuals of all ages.
LSTA funding provides libraries with the resources needed to offer a range of programming including resume writing, family literacy events, learning how to access government information, and much more.
Every fiscal year, Congress provides funding for LSTA in the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.
The LSTA for 2014 will be funded at a level of $175,000,000.
