In the United States, individual states have different means of determining and distributing funding. This influences library service and access to information particularly as it pertains to critical Internet access. Funding and service trends have changed, especially as it relates to public libraries, with some modifications working to their…

In comments submitted April 7, 2014, the Alliance for Excellent Education called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to modernize the federal E-rate program in order to lay the foundation for expanding the program through increased funding. These comments are in response to an E-rate Public Notice issued by the FCC on March 6, 2014…

While connecting the nation's schools and libraries to the internet by modernizing and expanding the federal E-rate program currently dominates education technology efforts, a new report from the Alliance for Excellent Education urges that adequate broadband access be accompanied by a comprehensive "digital infrastructure" that unlocks…

The author suggests that a critical review and evaluation of LSCA is needed. He contends that demonstration, research, and experimental projects are not what is needed today; rather, there is need for additional funding for books, library materials, and staff. A suggested remedy is increased federal assistance through per capita support grants.…

This report provides background--including information on structure, funding levels, program evaluation and issues--on federal programs which provide financial or material assistance to public, school, and college libraries. Federal library grant programs are covered in the following categories: (1) aid to public libraries under the Library…

The text of oversight hearings on proposals to extend the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) includes presentations on the operation of programs authorized under the act. The measure, initially passed in 1964, has provided library services for those without access to them; these included the handicapped, hospitalized, disadvantaged…

Considers role of states as middlemen between federal government and local public libraries in administration of Library Services and Construction Act funds. An audit of Illinois state library agencies, 1970 federal mandates, state control of federal funds, and state library agencies' use of funds are discussed. Eight references are cited. (EJS)

This document presents the policy guidelines to be observed by the New York State Library in the administration of Federal Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) funds. The first section is a general policy statement which covers priorities; the relationship between federal and state programs; the application review process; eligibility for…

Comments on a study of major significance entitled "Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Federal Funding of PUblic Libraries," which was prepared for NCLIS by Government Studies and Systems Inc. in 1976. This report serves as an effective background document for discussion of issues and policies. (JPF)

Guidelines detail the procedures for applications and proposals for project grants under Title I and III of the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA)--grants intended to expand public library services, aid libraries for the institutionalized and handicapped, and support efforts at interlibrary cooperation. The guidelines provide: (1)…

This statement presents the results of work to date on federal programs that can be used to fund telecommunications and information technology for public and private elementary and secondary schools (grades K-12) and public libraries. At least 27 programs provide funding that may be used to purchase this technology for schools or libraries. For…

This study evaluates the effectiveness of public library federal funding as a basis for recommendations for improvements in the federal system. Effectiveness is measured by: (1) state-by-state analysis of public library finance characteristics and changes; (2) examination of the federal role and funding, particularly the Library Services and…

This report provides background information on federal programs that have historically provided financial or material assistance to public, school, and college libraries. Programs and activities included are: (1) Federal Library Grant Programs; (2) Other Forms of Department of Education Activity Affecting Public Libraries; (3) Aid to College…

In a study to determine patterns of public library funding and to find alternative options for improving library support, the present level of funding has been found woefully inadequate. Total expenditures for public library service in 1971-72 were $184 million. In order to fulfill the public library's role as an information source for people at…

The background, provisions, and administration of the Library Services Act and the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) are explained. Federal, state, and local roles in financing and staffing are detailed, and various library programs are discussed. Continuing public library needs in the areas of service and construction are presented.…