Native American Library Services: Enhancement Grants

The deadline to submit an application is May 2, 2011.

Enhancement Grants are competitive grants to support activities to advance the applicant library's operations to new levels of service for activities specifically identified in the Library Services and Technology Act. These competitive grants are intended to encourage the implementation of both mainstream and innovative library practices. Enhancement Grant guidelines are being published separately from the Basic Grant guidelines this year. An eligible Indian tribe must submit a Basic Grant application in the same fiscal year to be eligible to apply for an Enhancement Grant (see http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/nativeAmerican.shtm). The goals of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) supported by Enhancement grants are: (1) to expand services for learning and access to information and educational resources in a variety of formats, in all types of libraries, for individuals of all ages; (2) to develop library services that provide all users with access to information through local, state, regional, national, and international electronic networks; (3) to provide electronic and other linkages between and among all types of libraries; (4) to develop public and private partnerships with other agencies and community-based organizations; (5) to target library services to help increase access and ability to use information resources for individuals of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with limited functional literacy or information skills; and (6) to target library and information services to help increase access and ability to use information resources for persons having difficulty using a library and for underserved urban and rural communities, including children from birth to age 17 from families with incomes below the poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget). Enhancement Grant funds may be used only for costs directly related to the enhancement project, such as costs for salaries for library personnel, library materials (including books, journals, electronic resources, and equipment), library project supplies, furnishings, telecommunication services and equipment, and fees for participation in networks and consortia that provide the library with direct services. General office supplies are considered indirect costs and should not be requested as direct costs. Grant funds may not be used for construction, contributions to endowment funds, social activities, ceremonies, entertainment, or pre-grant costs. All listed expenses, including all cost sharing, must be incurred during the grant period. Government-wide cost principles apply. IMLS expects that funds will support projects that provide services to the public. If a tribe is requesting funding for services or materials to which access is restricted, it must submit its access policy with the application, explaining what percentage of materials would be restricted and providing a justification for the restricted access.

History of Funds:

In 2009, IMLS supported 208 tribes with the noncompetitive Native American Library Services Basic Grants and an additional 17 tribes with Enhancement Grants, for a total of $3.4 million. These grants funded a wide array of projects, from providing new services to outlying reservations communities; to promoting healthy lifestyles through new programs and materials; to creating pre-literacy programs for preschool children, their parents, and caregivers.

Average Award:

Varies

Name: Alison Freese, Senior Program Officer

Department: Institute of Museum and Library Services

Street: 1800 M Street, NW, 9th Floor

City: Washington

Zip: 20036-5802

Email: afreese@imls.gov