FY04 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Competitive Grants Awarded

The following FY04 LSTA grants were recently awarded to Iowa libraries and agencies. 

Cedar Falls Public Library and Waterloo Public Library.   “Gray Matters” is a project designed for active senior citizens and seniors who live in retirement/nursing homes.  The project will provide aids and devices that will enhance visits to the libraries by seniors, including motorized carts and special walkers.  Project coordinators will also initiate monthly memory stimulation classes at nursing/retirement homes through the use of Bi-Folkal kits, also known as reminiscence programming, and will provide book discussion groups at various senior outreach sites.   A special web site outlining all the libraries’ programs and services for seniors will also be developed.  $20,000

Central Iowa Library Service Area and Heartland Area Education Agency.  “Building Iowa’s Future – One Library at a Time” is designed to assist schools and public libraries that are contemplating building projects.  A web site will be developed that provides 360-degree views of new or remodeled libraries, as well as information that can be used when libraries are developing a remodeling or construction plan, or a space planning review.  It will provide information on “what works” in libraries, with photographs of before and after construction/remodeling projects and how they relate to library programs, services and best practice.  Library administrators considering new projects will be able to visit libraries “virtually” before deciding which ones to visit in person.  The project is designed to “Tell the Library Story” about what is new in construction projects and how other libraries have solved facilities problems.  $11,896

Southwest, Northwest and Central Iowa Library Service Areas, Loess Hills Area Education Agency 13, Atlantic Public Library, Southwestern Community College and Dordt College.  “In the Know:  Information Literacy for Iowans” will be developed to help Iowans find, evaluate and use information effectively by teaching librarians good information literacy skills.  A multi-type team of 12 representatives will develop a series of tools for librarians in all types of libraries to use in teaching their patrons these skills.  The tools will be made available on a web site created as part of the project.  Train the Trainer sessions will be held in at least five libraries in each participating Library Service Area.  $8,102