"GPLS strategically allocates LSTA funds to support foundational services most desired by public libraries in Georgia. These include services in technology and broadband, statewide courier services, database subscriptions, and in developing strategic partnerships among a broad range of organizations. This strategy offers significantly greater value than could be achieved by individual libraries working independently."

-- Julie Walker, Vice Chancellor for Libraries and Archives, Georgia Public Library Service
 

Project Examples

Libraries Without Walls  
The Georgia Public Library Service used CARES Act funds to support a technology-oriented grant initiative that responded to the pandemic. Libraries could request Chromebooks, tech innovation, Wi-Fi expansion, or broadband infrastructure upgrades. Under this initiative, 63 projects were funded to 40 library systems across the state. These projects supported the purchase of 420 Chromebooks, 162 hotspots, and 124 licenses to support broadband infrastructure. The initiative streamlined purchasing through a central IT department and delivered needed technology to libraries at a time when they were adapting services from in-person to virtual.  
IMLS Funds: $290,049.41 
 
 

Communications
The Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) provided comprehensive communications and marketing tools for public library staff across Georgia to raise awareness of LSTA-funded services. During the project period GPLS updated toolkits related to Library Card Sign-Up Month, National Library Week, Georgia Archives Month, Preservation Week, and Summer Reading. GPLS also created two new toolkits for Family and Local History. Staff conducted 30 peer-to-peer consulting sessions for public libraries around the state, in addition to dozens more discussions by email. GPLS provided networking and professional learning opportunities through a listserv for over 200 library marketing staff, webinars, peer presentation opportunities, and workshops. These activities allowed GPLS to showcase the impact of other LSTA funded library programs.    
IMLS Funds: $240,690.78 
 
 

PINES Project
PINES is the library automation and lending network for public libraries in Georgia. PINES has over 300 member libraries with patrons in all 159 counties, including 1.9 million library cardholders. PINES created a statewide “borderless library” that provided equal access to information for all Georgians. Its courier service component, which is a cost-effective way to move library materials around the state, enriched and entertained users during a very isolated and lonely pandemic year. In a period of many obstacles, PINES exemplified the theme of “rethink and redirect.” As one example, GPLS redirected services around ever-changing health information provided at the national, federal, state and local levels.   
IMLS Funds: $1,061,607.40 

Review recent Grants to States projects from this state library in the State Program Report database.

Search the Awarded Grants Database for additional details about awards in this state or view the State Details Dashboard.

Five-Year Plan Highlights

Goal 1: Serve as trusted advisers to the library community.   

• Projects include: 
  • Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS) awareness of accessible services  
  • Statewide broadband network  
  • Technology support for libraries  
  • Early literacy programming  
  • Prime Time Family Reading Time®  
  • Summer Reading Program  

Goal 2: Develop a supportive community for Georgia’s public libraries.   

• Projects include: 
  • Statewide communications and communications support  
  • Georgia’s public library research and statistics program  
  • Professional collection, State Library  
  • IT help desk  
  • Technology Boot Camp  

Goal 3: Ensure equal access to information and technology.   

• Projects include: 
  • Public access computing  
  • Internal and external productivity support for library staff, including cloud-hosted services  
  • Information security  
  • Georgia Library Technology Center (information clearinghouse for IT administrators)  
  • Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS)-Atlanta Library  
  • GLS outreach  
  • Public Information Network for Electronic Services (PINES) development, including catalog enhancements, and fines-free solutions  
  • PINES courier service   
  • PINES student accounts  
  • PINES growth and expansion  
  • Group purchases for Georgia public library cataloging staff  
  • OCLC Group Services (cataloging and interlibrary loan services)  
  • Georgia Online Database (GOLD), the resource sharing network for Georgia’s libraries  
  • Archival Services and Digital Initiatives  
  • GALILEO digital library of Georgia  
  • Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers  
  • Statewide children’s digital book collection  
  • Strategic Partnerships Program  

Goal 4: Foster a culture of learning statewide.   

• Projects include: 
  • Technology loaner kits  
  • Technology education for libraries  
  • Technology presentations, staff days, and workshops  
  • Leadership Institute - PINNACLE Program  
  • Youth Services professional development  
  • PINES Learning Center (online training resources)  
  • Community Engagement Academy  
  • GLS Accessibility Conference  
  • Flexible web conferencing services for staff and patron training  
  • The Georgia Learning Center (training content for library staff)  
  • Virtual Southeast Collaborative Conference  
  • Regional Paraprofessional Day Conference  
  • Georgia Public Libraries Catalogers’ Conference  

IMLS Data Collection

State Library Administrative Agency Survey
The State Library Administrative Agency Survey (SLAA) provides descriptive data about state library agencies for all fifty states and the District of Columbia. To interact with the latest data, please visit the SLAA Survey Comparison Tool. 

Public Libraries Survey
The Public Libraries Survey (PLS) provides national descriptive data on the status of public libraries in the United States and its territories. Explore state profiles representing more than 9,000 public library systems and over 17,000 public library outlets.

Impact Videos