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About LSTA

2018-2022 LSTA Five-Year Plan

As part of the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ (IMLS) Grants to States program, the Office of Commonwealth Libraries’ (OCL) must submit a five-year plan for approval. The plan addresses needs that align with LSTA’s purposes and priorities. 

OCL’s approved 2018-2022 LSTA Five-Year Plan (PDF) has five goals.  Beginning with the highest priority goal, they are:

  • Lifelong Learning and Literacy: Develop and improve services and collaborations with community organizations in all types of libraries for individuals of all ages in order to support their needs for lifelong learning and literacy competencies in areas such as basic, civic and social, digital, financial, health, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
  • Digital Library Services: Increase and improve Pennsylvanians’ access, knowledge, and ability to use and share digital library services, resources, and content.
  • Training and Support: Support and enhance the skills of library staff and leadership, advance the delivery of library services, and improve public libraries’ engagement with local community members through continuing education, professional development and the provision of statistical and analytical tools as well as research.
  • Underserved and Populations with Special Needs: Develop and improve services and community organization collaborations in all types of libraries for underserved populations or for Pennsylvanians who have difficulty using libraries, especially those who live in poverty or who have a disability.
  • Workforce Development: Develop and improve workforce development services and community organization collaborations in all types of libraries for individuals of all ages.

2013-2017 LSTA Five-Year Plan Evaluation

As part of IMLS’ Grants to States program, OCL is required to evaluate its success in achieving its five-year plan goals.  An independent evaluator was engaged to conduct this evaluation:

    Previously Funded Projects

    The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) program improves residents’ lives every day in Pennsylvania.  Through LSTA:

    • Preschoolers borrow books and attend LSTA-funded early learning programs to help them be ready for school.
    • School-age children use LSTA-funded online resources and participate in summer learning programs that improve their academic success.
    • Students and researchers find and use rare, digitized historic Pennsylvania newspapers and documents on the Internet.
    • Adults use LSTA-funded high-speed Internet connections and online resources to learn new skills, find jobs, and obtain government services.
    • Librarians learn new technology and management skills at LSTA-funded workshops.
    • Library boards use LSTA funds to leverage local funds, create partnerships and provide new services.

    Previously funded projects can be found on the public view of our federal report via imls.gov. There, you can filter the search by various categories listed on the left side of the screen. Results can be printed and/or exported to a CSV file.

    A detailed explanation of how OCL spends LSTA funds:

    About IMLS

    Institute of Museum and Library Services LogoIMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s approximately 120,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Its mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Its grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive.

    To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow IMLS on Facebook and Twitter.