Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)

The Colorado State Library (CSL) receives federal funding through the Grants to States Program offered through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Projects from this program support the purposes and priorities outlined in the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

This program is the largest source of federal funding support for library services in the United States. Using a population based formula; more than $180 million is distributed among State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) every year.  SLAAs are located in each of the 50 states, The District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and Freely Associated States.

The LSTA requires each SLAA to submit a plan that details library services goals for a five-year period.  SLAAs must also conduct a five-year evaluation of library services based on that plan. These plans and evaluations are the foundation for improving practice and informing policy.

LSTA programs and use in Colorado (PDF): view and print this information page to learn more about how LSTA funds are used to directly benefit Colorado library services, staff, and residents.

The Colorado State Library has identified the following goals for the 2023-2027 Plan:

• LEARNING FOR ALL AGES: All Colorado residents will have access to library services that support formal educational achievement and inspire lifelong learning;
• SHARED RESOURCES: Colorado libraries will share resources, expertise, and systems statewide to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of library services to their diverse communities;
• PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Colorado library staff and leadership will continuously enhance their skills, advancing library services to Colorado residents; and
• SERVICES TO THE UNDERSERVED: Underserved Colorado residents will receive services from Colorado libraries that meet their individual needs.

Colorado State Library:

LSTA Five-Year Plan 2023-2027 (PDF)

• IMLS Five-Year Plan Acceptance Letter (PDF)

LSTA Five-Year Plan 2018-2022 (PDF)

Impact of LSTA American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grants (2021-2022) (PDF)

LSTA Comment and Complaint Procedure

Comments and complaints about fiscal, contractual, or ethical concerns regarding LSTA programs and funding will be forwarded to the LSTA Coordinator. The LSTA Coordinator will respond as is appropriate to the situation, either through a phone call, an email message or a formal letter. The Colorado State Library will accept complaints or questions from any Colorado resident or member of the Colorado library community.

If the person making the comment or complaint is not satisfied with the information provided by the LSTA Coordinator, the comment or complaint may be sent to the Assistant Commissioner at the Colorado Department of Education who will respond as appropriate to the situation. The Assistant Commissioner is the person of last resort for questions or complaints about the LSTA program.

For more information or assistance contact:
Jean Marie Heilig, LSTA Grant Coordinator
303-551-4711
Heilig_j@cde.state.co.us