Overview
Using federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the MBLC develops grant opportunities for public, school, academic, and special libraries that go beyond what local funding can do.
The MBLC uses LSTA funds to offer a variety of programs, services, and partially fund 13 of the MBLC’s 23 staff members supporting those programs and services. The MBLC also uses federal funding to provide statewide library services like research databases and a consumer website where residents can access library resources, and to support the statewide eBook program.
The MBLC develops a comprehensive five-year long range plan detailing how federal funds will be used in Massachusetts libraries. This plan is submitted to the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The State Advisory Council on Libraries, a group representing various types of libraries as well as library users, provides valuable advice to staff and Commissioners on LSTA programs and the allocation of grant funds.
Learn more about how the MBLC uses federal funding to improve library services in the Commonwealth.