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Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)

LSTA Five Year Plan 2023-27
LSTA Program Evaluation

Federal funds play a critical role in supporting library services across Oklahoma. The U.S. Congress appropriates funds, which are distributed to states and territories through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Grants to States Program. In recent years, Oklahoma has received an annual grant of over $2 million to initiate and enhance library and information services statewide.

ODL develops a five-year LSTA plan, which guides the use of these federal funds. The current plan covers the period from 2023 to 2027 and was approved by both the ODL Board and IMLS, following the independent evaluation of the 2017-2022 program.

The LSTA program, part of the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA), is up for Congressional reauthorization every five years, with the current authorization set to expire on September 30, 2025. To ensure continued support for library services, ODL representatives meet annually with Oklahoma's Congressional leaders to emphasize the importance of federal funding for libraries in the state.

Stories of IMLS Funds at Work in Every District
Leveraging LSTA Funds for Community Impact

FFY23 LSTA Projects

Since the creation of the original Library Services Act in the 1950s to today’s LSTA program, Oklahomans have recorded landmark benefits from federal library funding.

Project: Resource Sharing

  • Statewide EBSCO Access provides access to nearly 50 databases for all public, school, and academic libraries, ensuring all Oklahomans have access to essential research and learning resources. In FFY23, Oklahomans conducted nearly 118 million searches in EBSCO.
  • Statewide Brainfuse Access offers an online learning platform with live tutoring, career assistance, and veteran support services, available to all Oklahomans through their local public library.
  • Interlibrary Loan (ILL) facilitates resource sharing across the state by providing an electronic lending platform and cataloging access for participating public libraries. This project also funds a statewide subscription to FirstSearch and WorldCat.
  • Materials Acquisition for Institutions supplies professionally selected books and materials to correctional and juvenile facility libraries, supporting education and rehabilitation efforts statewide.
  • The E-Media Grant expands digital collections for municipal, system, and tribal libraries by supporting a statewide consortium, increasing access to e-books, audiobooks and other digital resources. In FFY23, the statewide consortium, which includes over 90 libraries statewide, had over 1.2 million checkouts.

Project: Youth Services
Youth Services supports library services for children and teens (ages 0-18) through professional development, summer reading materials, and targeted grants to combat the "summer slide."

One key initiative, Transforming Teen Services provided training for 54 library staff from 24 municipal libraries, four library systems, and ODL. Participants gained a deeper understanding of teen development and connected learning, empowering them to create more engaging programs. The training also helped staff “think like a teen,” improving how they design services that resonate with this age group.

Project: Technology and Digital Literacy
In FFY23, 42 libraries replaced 120 outdated computers and other essential devices, improving functionality for customers, especially in rural areas. Nine libraries strengthened broadband infrastructure with routers, firewalls, and wireless access points, overcoming structural challenges in aging buildings to expand WiFi coverage. Several rural libraries also introduced makerspaces with tools like 3D printers and laser cutters, receiving positive community feedback on new programming and digital access.

  • Category Two - E-Rate Grants help eligible libraries cover non-discounted costs of internal network equipment (up to $4,000 per library), with priority given to libraries with budgets under $500,000.
  • Technology and Digital Literacy Grants provide funding to update technology, enhance digital literacy, and address the digital divide.

Project: Websites for Public Libraries
Websites for Public Libraries provides affordable, mobile-friendly websites via Google Sites, eliminating server maintenance costs and improving 24/7 digital access for customers, including seniors and individuals with mobility challenges. Currently, the project serves over 60 libraries.

In FFY23, ODL focused on improving performance and long-term sustainability for library websites. The migration of 60 library websites to a dedicated server resolved speed and reliability issues, while ongoing maintenance ensured functionality. 

Project: Library Annual Report
The Annual Report project ensures compliance with IMLS, determines state aid eligibility, and provides data-driven insights for libraries and ODL. In FFY23, published data tables and a Tableau dashboard empowered libraries to analyze their own metrics, strengthening advocacy and reducing reliance on the State Data Coordinator (SDC). 

Project: Health Literacy
Health Literacy supports programs that promote wellness, nutrition, and physical activity, strengthening libraries as trusted community resources. In FFY23, over 26,761 participants engaged in programs tailored to local health needs. 

  • Story Trails Grants established community walking trails with literacy elements.
  • Health Program Grants funded interactive wellness activities. Programs included fitness classes, cooking demonstrations, health monitoring, and partnerships with local organizations, including the Oklahoma City Ballet.

Project: Citizenship and Civic Engagement
This project supports libraries in assisting immigrants on their path to citizenship and fostering civic participation. Libraries can apply for grant funding, with additional professional development opportunities available.

In FFY23, 61 immigrants became U.S. citizens with library and literacy program support. 3,467 classes and tutoring sessions provided citizenship instruction, English language learning, and mock interviews for participants from 42 countries. Libraries strengthened partnerships, expanded outreach, and celebrated successes through citizenship ceremonies and recognition displays. Participants reported improved job prospects, digital literacy skills, and increased civic engagement, with one student even honored as a Health Hero after gaining citizenship.

Project: Read Across Oklahoma
Read Across Oklahoma promotes early childhood literacy by providing books to children and inviting Kindergarten through 2nd grade classes to the main event at the Oklahoma City Zoo. At the event, students enjoy a field trip to the zoo, can receive free books, and listen to an Oklahoma author read a children's book.

In FFY23, 1,507 children from 28 schools attended the in-person event at the zoo, with nearly 400 virtual views. Children experienced their first visit to the zoo while participating in literacy activities. Each child received a copy of The Forgetful Elephant, which was incorporated into classroom projects on perseverance and self-belief. 

Project: Professional Development
ODL supports ongoing growth for Oklahoma library staff through a variety of opportunities, including:

  • The Oklahoma Certification Program for Public Librarians
  • Grants for regional and state conferences
  • Technology and library skills training
  • Video Conference Maintenance Funds, ensuring equipment maintenance for ODL’s videoconferencing used for library training and meetings.

Explore the IMLS database to see how ODL has utilized Oklahoma’s federal library funding over the years. Select "Oklahoma" and choose a federal fiscal year (FFY) to view individual projects. Reports are available for FFY2014 through FFY2022. Since LSTA funds operate on a two-year grant cycle, the FFY2023 report will be released in mid-2025.

Last Modified on Apr 09, 2025
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