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The Library of Michigan supports digitization efforts throughout the state by offering resources to libraries. Resources include consulting, equipment access, funding opportunities, and more.
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)
Michigan eLibrary (MeL) Information
History of the Library of Michigan
Press releases courtesy of library staff and the Michigan Department of Education.
State Librarian/State Librarian's Excellence Award
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This LSTA grant program is designed to provide libraries with the opportunity to expand services for learning and access to information and/or to develop library services that provide all users access to information. The intent is to fund one-year projects that increase access to library collections and information. This grant program is competitive. The Library of Michigan has limited funding and therefore has limited funds to grant to organizations.
The Library of Michigan (LM) is pleased to announce twelve Improving Access to Information grants for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. LM received 23 applications from academic and public libraries working to provide further access and services to their students and communities. The awards total $234,265. Of the twelve grant recipients, one is an academic library and eleven are public libraries. Two libraries received local history or special collections grants, two libraries received digital access grants, and eight libraries received literacy related grants
The Library of Michigan is delaying the application and grant period for the Improving Access to Information 2025/2026 program. When there is more information on the status of LSTA funding for fiscal year 2026, LM will update the status of the Improving Access to Information grant program.
Applicants may propose a project for any of these three priorities.
Applicants should also consider the LSTA legislative priorities listed above.
Examples: Supporting ESL programming for migratory farm workers or new Americans; Media literacy programming for students; Financial or digital literacy training for underserved groups
Examples: Hot spot or laptop lending programs; Technology training programs focusing on information access; Training on assistive devices for those who have disabilities.
Examples: Preservation and promotion of an existing collection; Collaborating with a local museum to bring together a themed collection; Remediating metadata for an existing digital collection for submission to the Digital Public Library of America.
Within the priorities, successful applications will address ALL the guidelines listed above and the detailed guidelines in the application information packets as well as clearly articulate how the activities will improve access for and have a direct impact on the targeted users.
Michigan public and academic libraries and library cooperatives. Public libraries must be legally established and eligible for state aid at the time of application. Academic libraries must be part of a public or non-profit college or university currently accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Library of Michigan announces each fiscal year whether competitive grant funds are available. The grant period is one year (October 1 - September 30) and funding is from $5,000 to $25,000.
The application webinars are REQUIRED. Please attend in person or watch the recording available here after the date of the webinar. The informational and budget webinars are optional, but highly recommended.
Webinars will be recorded and the recording link will be sent to everyone who is registered.
In-person attendance at administration webinars are REQUIRED.
Improving Access to Information Grant Program - 1. Managing Your Grant / 2. Managing a Digitization Project
Tech Ban for Federal Funds - Grantees may not purchase telecommunications or video surveillance equipment or services from companies with an Exclusion in their SAM.gov record. Please check SAM.gov when purchasing technology equipment to confirm the company you want to purchase from is not a banned company.
Improving Access to Information Grant - Application Information packet for Literacy and Digital Access Priorities - TBA
Improving Access to Information Grant - Application Information packet for Local History or Special Collections Priority - TBA
Improving Access to Information Grant Program Timeline
Improving Access to Information Grant - Grant Administration Manual - 2024/2025 program
These manuals explain the management of the Improving Access to Information grant, including evaluation, reporting, and reimbursements.
Application Form - CIPA Form and Certifications and Assurances - For Online Submission Only
Application and Active Grant Form - Budget Worksheet - For Online Submission Only
Application Form - Rights Assessment Template - For Online Submission Only
Active Grant Form - Time Keeping Report - For Online Submission Only
Active Grant Form - Travel Reimbursement Form - For Online Submission Only
Active Grant Form - Reimbursement Request Sample Planning sheet - For Online Submission Only
Application is by online form. The application questions are listed in the Improving Access to Information Grant Program Application Information packets above. Applicants should read an Application Information packet thoroughly before submitting an application. Attending Application webinar or watching a recorded webinar is Required to apply. The necessary certifications (CIPA form and Certifications & Assurances) are included in the packets and are posted above in a separate document for your use. ALL applicants must complete and sign both sections of the certifications and submit them online within the application. The certifications are the applicant's signatures for the grant contract.
Please contact Karren Reish at 517-241-0021 or reishk@michigan.gov with questions on the program.
This project is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Updated 04/09/2025