As required by IMLS, CSL hired an independent evaluator to assess the state library’s progress in meeting the goals set forth in its LSTA Five-Year Plan for fiscal years 2013-2017. This plan describes the goals and activities funded through the state’s LSTA allotment, about $2 million per year, complemented by matching funds from the state. The evaluation, conducted by QualityMetrics, was submitted to IMLS in March 2017.
Excerpt from the Evaluation Summary:
“DLD has made all the right choices in a very difficult environment. The closing of one of their facilities was a key strategic decision that would allow them to transform and continue to thrive in the future. Similarly, some of the objectives that were not pursued were guided by the principle of focusing resources on institutional capacity building and access to resources. If there is a phrase to characterize their strategy that phrase is ”building on our strengths.” From supporting statewide services like the databases, the shared catalog, and delivery system to supporting sub‐grants, an ambitious program of professional development and a network of partnerships, DLD is strengthening the capacity of libraries in CT to create a better future for them. Elements of distinction are noteworthy in the superb work the consultants provide through training, workshops, and reference questions and consultations. A systematic effort is taking place so sub‐grants highlight outcomes and emphasize impact captured in the agencies reporting documents.”
QualityMetrics conducted evaluations for 23 states, giving them a unique nationwide perspective on the Grants to States program. Their full evaluation report is available online.
More information about the IMLS Grants to States program and LSTA funding is available online.
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds are provided through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s approximately 120,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. The mission of IMLS is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Their grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. The use of LSTA funds in Connecticut is administered according to the Five-Year Plan (2018-2022) submitted to IMLS in June 2017.
The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), a section of the Museum and Library Services Act of 2003, promotes access to information resources provided by all types of libraries. Through the legislation, the Institute of Museum and Library Services provides funds to State Library Agencies using a population-based formula. State libraries may use the appropriation to support statewide initiatives and services; they also may distribute the funds through subgrants.
Each state has a five-year plan outlining its programs (see box to left titled "LSTA and IMLS"). These programs support the LSTA purposes (updated in 2018) as well as the Grants to States goals.
Combined with funding from the State of Connecticut, LSTA funds support much of the statewide library infrastructure that few in the community consider. LSTA allows these things to be funded:
1. Instructors for continuing education classes in locations around the state
2. Critical portions of researchIT CT and findIT CT, the statewide library catalog
3. Library service for the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped4. deliverIT CT vans and drivers that deliver 1.5 million library items per year
5. The Summer Reading Program with 68,000 participants
6. Service Center collections that help serve over 450,000 state residents through local libraries
8. The Connecticut Public Library Annual Report and statistics, which the State Library Data Coordinator reports to the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Comments and complaints about fiscal, contractual, or ethical concerns regarding LSTA programs and funding will be forwarded to the LSTA Coordinator. The LSTA Coordinator will confer with CSL Division of Library Development and IMLS staff as needed. The LSTA Coordinator will respond as appropriate either through a phone call, an email message or a formal letter. The State Library will accept complaints or questions from any Connecticut resident or member of the Connecticut library community.
If the person making the comment or complaint is not satisfied with the information provided by the LSTA Coordinator, the comment or complaint will be sent to the DLD Director who will respond as appropriate to the situation.
If the person making the comment or complaint is not satisfied with the information provided by the DLD Director, the comment or complaint will be sent to the State Librarian who will respond as appropriate to the situation. The State Librarian is the person of last resort for complaints about the state LSTA program.
For more information or assistance contact:
Christine Gauvreau, LSTA Coordinator
786 South Main St.
Middletown, CT 06457
860-704-2224
christine.gauvreau@ct.gov
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