MBLC Approves Preservation Assessment Grants
April 02, 2020
Matthew Perry
Outreach Coordinator
1-800-952-7403 x240
matthew.s.perry@state.ma.us
At its March board meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) approved four LSTA Preservation Assessment Grants. These grants fund an outside consultant to conduct institutional preservation assessments that include a site visit and the delivery of a written report.
“Preservation of materials is important for all institutions, but many don’t know where to start” said Robert Favini, Head of Library Advisory & Development at the MBLC. “This grant helps libraries take stock of what they have and provides them with a roadmap to take on a preservation project.”
The following grants were approved:
Porter Memorial Library, Blandford - $4,200
Griswold Memorial Library, Colrain - $4,200
Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, Hamilton - $4,200
Wellesley High School, Wellesley - $4,200
Commissioner Mary Kronholm of Blandford abstained from voting.
This is the first of two Preservation Assessment grants that will be given out this year. The next deadline for the grant application is currently June 1, 2020, but that date may change as the situation regarding the COVID-19 virus evolves.
The preservation assessment is one of many direct library grants that is offered by the MBLC. Others include services to Teens and Tweens, STEM and STEAM, and Citizenship services. For more information about the grant program, visit the LSTA grants page on the MBLC website.
In addition to direct library grants, the MBLC uses federal LSTA funding to support statewide library services and resources including the Commonwealth Catalog, preservation and disaster recovery in cultural institutions, online research databases in conjunction with the Massachusetts Library System, statewide eBook and audiobooks, and the statewide library resource website for residents. Federal funding also assists small libraries in participating in one of the state's nine automated library networks that improve technology in local libraries and make automated library services efficient and affordable.
The MBLC’s LSTA program is developed and reviewed by MBLC staff working in collaboration with the State Advisory Council on Libraries, a council of library users and librarians from public, academic, school, institutional an special libraries, as well as libraries serving persons with disabilities. More information about LSTA is available on the MBLC website.
About MBLC
The Board of Library Commissioners (mass.gov/mblc) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation. It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing. It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.