FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2007

Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

IMLS Seeks Contractor to Study Formula-based Grants to State Libraries

Deadline: September 14, 2007

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is seeking a contractor to analyze characteristics, trends, and impacts of library services provided under its annual, formula-based Grants to States (2002 to 2007) and to place this program in the larger context of library services.

Also known as "LSTA" grants (for Library Services and Technology Act), the program has played a significant role in the development of library service in the United States for more than 50 years and is the largest source of federal funding for the nation’s libraries.

The contractor will deliver a report that describes the program’s scope, value, and trends, and profiles each grantee's activities in the five-year period. The contractor will also examine five to ten significant themes of special interest to the public, such as libraries' health information networks, academic support of K-12 students in public libraries, early childhood education, teen programs, economic development, services to new immigrants, or libraries as centers of civic engagement. Key documents for the analysis will include the states’ five-year plans, annual grant reports, and five-year evaluation reports for each state, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia between 2002 and 2007.

The study will begin October 1, 2007, with the final report due July 7, 2008. See the full solicitation at Fed Biz Opps. For further information, please contact IMLS Contracting Officer William Johnson, wjohnson@imls.gov or 202-653-4769.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.