Fast Fact Sheet: Native American Library Services - Basic Grants and Basic Grants with Education/Assessment Option (2011)

Vital Statistics

Number of awards made: 215
Number of applicants: 219

Total amount awarded: $1,531,000
Total amount requested: $1,570,000

Program Statement

IMLS' Native American Library Services grant programs provide opportunities for improved library services to an important, but often underserved, part of the nation's community of library users. The program offers three categories of grants to established libraries serving the needs of Indian tribal communities and Alaska Native Villages: Basic Grants, Basic Grants with Education/Assessment Option grants (both non-competitive grants), and Enhancement grants (competitive).

Today IMLS makes grants in the Basic and Basic Grants with Education/Assessment Option categories. Basic grants help support core library operations. The Basic grants made today will help buy library materials, fund salaries and training, and provide Internet connectivity and computers.

The Education/Assessment Option is supplemental to the Basic Grant. It is also noncompetitive and must be requested. The purpose of the Education/Assessment Option is to provide funding for library staff to attend continuing education courses and/or training workshops on- or offsite; for library staff to attend or give presentations at conferences related to library services; and/or to hire a consultant for an onsite professional library assessment.

Quote

"Tribal libraries play a vital role in ensuring the educational and cultural preservation of their communities. This funding helps American Indian and Alaska Native libraries to maintain and expand their core services."

- IMLS Director Susan Hildreth

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 123,000 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.