LSTA: Planning and Assessment Grants

LSTA: Planning and Assessment Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records
Amount: Up to US $50,000
Last Updated: April 03, 2026

Summary

The LSTA Planning and Assessment Grants program supports libraries across Nevada to enhance their services and meet community needs through strategic planning and assessment activities. Through funding allocations, libraries can develop data-driven strategies, improve resource sharing, and strengthen partnerships, ensuring equitable access to information and services for diverse populations. This initiative aims to empower libraries to effectively address challenges while fostering continuous improvement in library services statewide.

Overview

NOTE: Optional fist draft is due 06/12/26. ABOUT LSTA The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) (20 U.S.C. § 9121) Grants to States (20 U.S.C. § 9141) program is the only federal program exclusively for libraries. Using a population based formula, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) distributes LSTA funds to State Library Administrative Agencies to support LSTA's Purposes and Priorities. FEDERAL LSTA PURPOSES AND PRIORITIES (20 U.S.C. § 9121) 1. Enhance coordination among Federal programs that relate to library, education, and information services. 2. Promote continuous improvement in library services in all types of libraries in order to better serve the people of the United States. 3. Facilitate access to resources in all types of libraries for the purpose of cultivating an educated and informed citizenry. 4. Encourage resource sharing among all types of libraries for the purpose of achieving economical and efficient delivery of library services to the public. 5. Promote literacy, education, and lifelong learning, including by building learning partnerships with school libraries in our Nation's schools, including tribal schools, and developing resources, capabilities, and programs in support of State, tribal, and local efforts to offer a well-rounded educational experience to all students. 6. Enable libraries to develop services that meet the needs of communities throughout the Nation, including people of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, residents of rural and urban areas, Native Americans, military families, veterans, and caregivers. 7. Enable libraries to serve as anchor institutions to support community revitalization through enhancing and expanding the services and resources provided by libraries, including those services and resources relating to workforce development, economic and business development, critical thinking skills, health information, digital literacy skills, financial literacy and other types of literacy skills, and new and emerging technology. 8. Enhance the skills of the current library workforce and recruit future professionals, including those from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, to the field of library and information services. 9. Ensure the preservation of knowledge and library collections in all formats and enable libraries to serve their communities during disasters. 10. Enhance the role of libraries within the information infrastructure of the United States in order to support research, education, and innovation. 11. Promote library services that provide users with access to information through national, State, local, regional, and international collaborations and networks. 12. Encourage, support, and disseminate model programs of library and museum collaboration. GRANTS TO STATES PURPOSES AND PRIORITIES (20 U.S.C. § 9141) 1. Expand services for learning and access to information and educational resources in a variety of formats (including new and emerging technology), in all types of libraries, for individuals of all ages in order to support such individuals' needs for education, lifelong learning, workforce development, economic and business development, health information, critical thinking skills, digital literacy skills, and financial literacy and other types of literacy skills. 2. Establish or enhance electronic and other linkages and improved coordination among and between libraries and entities, as described in 20 U.S.C. § 9134(b)(6), for the purpose of improving the quality of and access to library and information services. 3. (A) Provide training and professional development, including continuing education, to enhance the skills of the current library workforce and leadership, and advance the delivery of library and information services; and (B) Enhance efforts to recruit future professionals, including those from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, to the field of library and information services. 4. Develop public and private partnerships with other agencies, tribes, and community-based organizations. 5. Target library services to individuals of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to individuals with disabilities, and to individuals with limited functional literacy or information skills. 6. Target library and information services to persons having difficulty using a library and to underserved urban and rural communities, including children (from birth through age 17) from families with incomes below the poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget and revised annually in accordance with section 9902(2) of title 42) applicable to a family of the size involved. 7. Develop library services that provide all users access to information through local, State, regional, national, and international collaborations and networks. 8. Carry out other activities consistent with the purposes set forth in 20 U.S.C. § 9121, as described in the State library administrative agency's plan. 2023-2027 Projects Projects Aligned to Goal 1: Planning and Assessment Strengthen Nevada libraries’ ability to identify and respond to community needs through planning and assessment. Project 1: Library Data Capture Audience may include but is not limited to: Library staff, library boards.Purpose: To provide software and related services for facilitating the capture of library data. Activities may include but are not limited to: Procure library data software such as wifi counting and survey software; assist libraries in the set up and use of software; provide on-going guidance, technical assistance, and vendor liaison support; provide statewide coordination; compile and publish relevant statistics; tracking and assessment of program activities and outputs.Funding allocations may include but are not limited to: Staff salary and benefits, procured software, vendor services, travel.Timeline: Activities conducted regularly throughout the 5-year plan period, annual assessments.Outcomes: Library staff will have access to relevant data that can be applied to make informed decisions on library activities and expenditures and articulate the effectiveness of library services. Project 2: Planning & Assessment Resource Collection Audience may include but is not limited to: Library staff.Purpose: To develop a collection of resources to include items such as templates, best practice guides, and related materials to assist libraries in planning and assessment activities.Activities may include but are not limited to: Develop materials, procure materials, crowdsource existing materials from libraries and partners, develop a repository for resources, notify libraries of methods to access materials, tracking and assessment of program activities and outputs.Funding allocations may include but are not limited to: Staff salary and benefits, procured resources, repository, travel. Timeline: Activities conducted regularly throughout the 5-year plan period with annual assessments.Outcomes: Access to materials will support library staff in developing effective strategic plans, programs/projects, informative needs assessments, and accurate analysis of library data. Project 3: Planning & Assessment Grants Audience may include but is not limited to: Library staff.Purpose: To subaward LSTA funds to libraries for planning and assessment activities such as strategic planning, needs assessments, and program/project development and assessments.Activities may include but are not limited to: Develop subaward program criteria, documents, application processes, and management processes; award grants; monitor grantees; annual closeout activities; assessment of grant program activities and outputs. Funding allocations may include but are not limited to: Staff salary and benefits, grant management software, subaward-funded planning and assessment activities. Timeline: Activities conducted throughout the 5-year plan period with annual assessments.Outcomes: Libraries will be equipped to direct resources and engage in programs and activities that are well-designed, achievable, strategic, and meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. To be eligible to receive LSTA funds, all applicant libraries, library consortia, and library organizations must certify to the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records (NSLAPR) that they meet the following applicable eligibility criteria:Public, School, Academic, and Special/Research LibrariesIs supported by public revenues (51% or more) or is a non-profit institution or agency. Makes the collection accessible to its primary clientele organized according to a professionally accepted classification system.Participates in resource sharing through the Information Nevada program.Serves its primary clientele free of charge. Has a fixed location with regular, published hours of operation.Has one or more designated and trained library staff.Has an annual budget with funds reserved for library materials and services.Has a current, written long range or strategic plan addressing library services that is available for review.Submits all reports required by NSLAPR in a complete, accurate and timely manner.The applicant or participating library must also meet the following requirements:Public Libraries: Must meet the Minimum Standards for Public Libraries.School Libraries: The school district employs at least one certified library/media specialist. Academic Libraries: Be accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.Tribal LibrariesBe recognized and supported by a tribal government in Nevada. Be able to document an existing library that meets, at a minimum, three basic criteria: (1) regularly scheduled hours(2) staff (3) materials available for library usersLibrary ConsortiaBe a Nevada local, regional, or statewide cooperative of library entities which provides for the systematic and effective coordination of resources of school, public, academic, and/or special libraries and information centers, for improved services for the clientele of such library entities [20 U.S.C. 9122(2)].Has a formal organized structure that includes governance, membership, long range planning and regular funding components.Has among its members one or more libraries that meet library eligibility requirements as stated above.Non-profit Library Related OrganizationsBe a non-profit entity registered with the Nevada Secretary of State.Has tax exempt status under the Internal Revenue Section 501(C)3.Has a formal organized structure that includes governance, membership, long range planning and regular funding components.SUBGRANT PROJECT REQUIREMENTSLSTA funded projects must operate in compliance with 2 CFR 200, Grants and Agreements. Each library jurisdiction, prior to being issued an award agreement, must sign a set of federal certifications, and complete a Risk Assessment form.Certifications are updated annually, however a summary of the Certifications is available in Appendix B.Matching Funds of at least 10% are required unless otherwise noted. Matching funds may be local cash or in-kind contributions and must be documented.Project Artifacts. Starting in 2023, all subgrantees will be required to submit at least one project photograph, flyer, screenshot, press release, etc. with the project final report to document project implementation.Generally AllowedAdvertising & public relations 421Materials and supplies costs, including costs of computing devices 453Advisory councils 422Memberships, subscriptions, and professional activity costs 454Audit services 425Plant and security costs 457Bonding costs 427Professional service costs 459Collections of improper payments 428Proposal costs 460Compensation-personal services 430Publication and printing costs 461Compensation -fringe benefits 431Recruiting costs 463Conferences 432Relocation costs of employees 464Contingency provisions 433Rental costs of real property and equipment 465Depreciation 436Specialized service facilities 468Employee health and welfare costs 437Taxes (Including Value Added Tax) 470Equipment and other capital expenditures 439Termination costs 471Gains and losses on disposition of depreciable assets 443 Training and education costs 472Insurance and indemnification 447Transportation costs 473Intellectual property 448Travel costs 474Maintenance and repair costs 452Trustees 475Exceptions or restrictions to the rule that are frequently applicable.

Ineligibility

LSTA may not supplant local funding responsibilities (staff, operations, etc.) or replace lost funding, and is not for ongoing operational costs (including staff salaries) or construction.This means that you may not apply for funding of library goods, services, equipment, travel, or (non-permanent staff) salaries unless these items are not associated with operating costs and are essential to project implementation and target audience outcomes.Generally Not AllowedAlcoholic beverages 423Interest 449Bad debts 426Lobbying 450Contributions and donations 434Losses on other awards or contracts 451Defense and prosecution of criminal and civil proceedings, claims, appeals and patent infringements 435Organization costs 455Entertainment costs 438Participant support costs 456Fines, penalties, damages and other settlements 441Pre-award costs 458Fund raising and investment management costs 442Rearrangement and reconversion costs 462General costs of government 444Selling and marketing costs 467Goods or services for personal use 445Student activity costs 469Idle facilities and idle capacity 446*Exceptions or restrictions to the rule that are frequently applicable.