Library Services and Technology Act
Encyclopedia
The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) was signed on October 1, 1996 by United States
President Bill Clinton
. LSTA is a United States federal library grant program. Its roots come from the Library Services Act that was first enacted in 1956. LSTA replaced the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA)
that was first enacted in 1962. The new act was developed by the American Library Association (ALA)
and other library groups.
Many changes occurred with the passage of LSTA. The original act, Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA)
, allocated funds for construction of buildings, but LSTA has an emphasis on technology. The new priority is the creation of technological infrastructure. Another change that occurred with the passage of LSCA was the responsibility of library services. This responsibility was originally a part of the Department of Education
. It was moved to the newly created, independent federal agency called the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
The range of libraries served also changed with the enactment of LSTA. Originally, public libraries were primarily served by LSCA. With the passage of LSTA, all types of libraries are served, including public, school, academic, and special.
Not all initiatives under LSCA have changed with the enactment of LSTA, still supporting priorities like services to the underserved and rural areas.
LSCA is a federally funded state based program generally administered by the state library of each state. Specific funding categories are set by each state based on a long range plan filed with Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
President Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton
William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
. LSTA is a United States federal library grant program. Its roots come from the Library Services Act that was first enacted in 1956. LSTA replaced the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA)
Library Services and Construction Act
The Library Services and Construction Act, enacted in 1962 by the U.S. Congress, provides federal assistance to libraries in the United States for the purpose of improving or implementing library services or undertaking construction projects.-Aim:...
that was first enacted in 1962. The new act was developed by the American Library Association (ALA)
American Library Association
The American Library Association is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes libraries and library education internationally. It is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 62,000 members....
and other library groups.
Many changes occurred with the passage of LSTA. The original act, Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA)
Library Services and Construction Act
The Library Services and Construction Act, enacted in 1962 by the U.S. Congress, provides federal assistance to libraries in the United States for the purpose of improving or implementing library services or undertaking construction projects.-Aim:...
, allocated funds for construction of buildings, but LSTA has an emphasis on technology. The new priority is the creation of technological infrastructure. Another change that occurred with the passage of LSCA was the responsibility of library services. This responsibility was originally a part of the Department of Education
United States Department of Education
The United States Department of Education, also referred to as ED or the ED for Education Department, is a Cabinet-level department of the United States government...
. It was moved to the newly created, independent federal agency called the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is an independent agency of the United States federal government established in 1996. It is the main source of federal support for libraries and museums within the United States, having the mission to "create strong libraries and museums that connect...
The range of libraries served also changed with the enactment of LSTA. Originally, public libraries were primarily served by LSCA. With the passage of LSTA, all types of libraries are served, including public, school, academic, and special.
Not all initiatives under LSCA have changed with the enactment of LSTA, still supporting priorities like services to the underserved and rural areas.
LSCA is a federally funded state based program generally administered by the state library of each state. Specific funding categories are set by each state based on a long range plan filed with Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is an independent agency of the United States federal government established in 1996. It is the main source of federal support for libraries and museums within the United States, having the mission to "create strong libraries and museums that connect...