LSTA Purposes and Goals

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has identified four purposes and six priorities for the use of the Library and Services Technology Act (LSTA) funds.

LSTA Purposes

Consolidate Federal Library Services
Consolidate Federal library service programs.
Improve Library Service
Promote improvement in library service in all types of libraries in order to better serve the people of the United States.
Cultivate an Educated and Informed Citizenry
Facilitate access to resources in all types of libraries for the purpose of cultivating an educated and informed citizenry.
Encourage Resource Sharing
Encourage resource sharing among all types of libraries for the purposed of achieving economical and efficient delivery of library services to the public.

Expanding Services for Learning
Expand services for learning and access to information and educational resources in a variety of formats, in all types of libraries, for individuals of all ages.
Developing a Strong Technology Infrastructure
Develop library services that provide all users access to information through local, state, regional, national, and international electronic networks.
Providing Online Access to Materials
Provide electronic and other linkages between and among all types of libraries.
Developing Partnerships
Develop public and private partnerships with other agencies and community-based organizations.
Supporting an Educated and Informed Citizenry
Target library services to individuals of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to individuals with disabilities, and to individuals with limited functional literacy or information skills.
Serving the Underserved
Target library and information services to persons having difficulty using a library and to underserved urban and rural communities, including children from families with incomes below the poverty line.