Library Services and Technology Act

Citation: Library Services and Technology Act, 110 Stat. 3009-295, as amended, 20 U.S.C. §9101 et seq.

Overview
The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) was signed on October 1, 1996 by President Bill Clinton. LSTA is a U.S. federal library grant program. Its roots come from the Library Services Act that was first enacted in 1956. LSTA replaced the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) that was first enacted in 1964. The new act was developed by the American Library Association (ALA) and other library groups.

Many changes occurred with the passage of LSTA. The original act, (Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA)), allocated funds for construction of buildings, but LSTA has an emphasis on technology. The new priority is the creation of technological infrastructure. Another change that occurred with the passage of LSCA was the responsibility of library services. This responsibility was originally a part of the Department of Education. It was moved to the newly created, independent federal agency called the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The range of libraries served also changed with the enactment of LSTA. Originally, public libraries were primarily served by LSCA. With the passage of LSTA, all types of libraries are served, including public, school, academic, and special.

Not all initiatives under LSCA have changed with the enactment of LSTA, still supporting priorities like services to the underserved and rural areas.

LSCA is a federally-funded, state-based program generally administered by the state library of each state. Specific funding categories are set by each state based on a long range plan filed with Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).