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The State Library is now accepting applications from Iowa public libraries for grants of up to $10,000 for technology upgrades in the library. The 2019 LSTA Technology Grants are tied to public libraries’ participation in the Edge program and provide an opportunity for libraries to implement their Edge action plans to create new programs using technology, update their existing technological infrastructure, or launch new services using technology.
The State Library is offering this funding in support of libraries that complete the Edge Assessment and Edge Action Plan by May 31, 2019.
Video Overview
Click here for Video Overview, a 16-minute video explaining the grant program basics.
Informational Webinars
April 18, 2019 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Link to Webinar Room
May 3, 2019 from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Link to Webinar Room
FAQs
Who is eligible?
Public libraries that meet eligibility requirements for Enrich Iowa and have:
- Completed the Edge Assessment and
- Developed an Action Plan of priorities using the Edge website. (See illustration; click to make bigger)
All eligible public libraries may apply. The goal of the 2019 LSTA Technology Grant program is to help public libraries that have identified areas of improvement using the Edge Assessment and have developed an Action Plan based on that assessment to meet the public access needs of their communities.
The grants are competitive and will be scored. Groups of libraries may apply for a single project, program or service. The grant will provide up to $10,000 for each library in the group.
Because only public libraries participate in Edge, only public libraries are eligible. State agency libraries, special libraries, academic libraries, and K-12 school libraries are not eligible.
A Note about Edge. Iowa libraries are caught in a Edge transition from 1.0 and 2.0:
If you registered and finished the assessment in 1.0:
Continue with the legacy Edge website 1.0 -> legacyplatform.libraryedge.org/
*Finalize the action plan.
If you registered and are in progress with the assessment in 1.0:
Continue with the assessment on the legacy Edge website, 1.0 legacyplatform.libraryedge.org/
*complete your assessment
*submit the assessment
*develop the action plan
If you have registered your account in 1.0 but have not started the assessment:
Re-register for an account in new Edge 2.0 platform.libraryedge.org/
*Complete the assessment
*Submit the assessment
*Develop the action plan
If you have not registered your account (as of April 10, 2019):
Register for an account in new Edge 2.0 platform.libraryedge.org/
*Complete the assessment
*Submit the assessment
*Develop the action plan
How much money is available?
Libraries are eligible for reimbursement of up to $10,000 for the purchase of hardware, peripherals, software and supplies that support the improvement of public access technology identified by the Edge Assessment; added warranties and subscriptions are not allowable.
How will the LSTA Technology Grant program work?
Libraries will select one or more Edge Benchmarks to address from their Action Plan and submit an online application to the State Library by May 31, 2019, 11:30 p.m. The agency will review the applications and notify applicants via email of funding decisions by June 15, 2019. After grant agreements have been distributed AND all parties have signed the grant agreement, approved expenditures may begin. A single LSTA Reimbursement Request must be submitted no later than September 30, 2019; a final report is due by November 1, 2019.
What can I buy?
All purchases must relate to improving one or more specific Edge Benchmark on the library's Action Plan. computer hardware, such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, monitors, printers, software, servers or routers, assistive equipment, presentation and multimedia hardware, and accessories related to the items to be purchased are all allowable. You can also use grant funds for network assessment and remediation and Broadband connectivity upgrades. Ongoing subscriptions, warranties, licenses and month-to-month Internet fees, are not allowed. Some of these things may be subject to compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act.
The Iowa Department for the Blind offers an Aids and Devices Store stocked with assistive tools and devices for individuals with low or no vision. They also offer links and contact information for other vendors that offer additional types of equipment. Assistive technology equipment could be purchased from the store as part of the grant if the library chooses to implement that benchmark.
Other Requirements
Reimbursements Only: The grants are reimbursements only. The library of city must have funds to make the purchases. Purchases must be made by September 30. All invoices, receipts, bills of sale, etc. must have a date before September 30, 2019, and be paid by the library. Proof of purchase and payment is required for reimbursement.
CIPA: Because this grant funding is coming from the State Library's LSTA federal funding, library compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) must be verified. A library must have a technology protection measure in place if grant money will be used for any equipment connected to the Internet. See more information here.
Application & Scoring
Grant Application Form
Applications must be submitted by May 31, 2019 at 11:30 p.m.
Application Evaluation Criteria
Questions?
For questions related to the Edge Assessment or Action Plan contact your District Consultant or Marie Harms.
For questions related to the grant application, contact Marie Harms
The 2019 LSTA Technology Grants are made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.