Eligibility for LSTA Grant Cycles

Libraries in Washington State eligible for funding under the LSTA are those libraries included within item 1 or 2 below and that also meet the criteria identified within item 3.

1. Libraries identified in the legislation, as further defined below.
2. Libraries operating as not-for-profit entities (i.e., 501c3 status or a similar non-profit designation), or as part of not-for-profit entities.
3. Those libraries that report to a governing body and have:
   • Written mission statement
   • Fixed location
   • Established and posted hours of service
   • Organized collection accessible to its clientele
   • Designated staff with authority and responsibility for library operations and services
   • Adopted policies consistent with accepted library practices
   • Budget with a defined, ongoing revenue source
   • Legal basis for operation
   • Clearly defined governance structure

Libraries eligible to apply for LSTA funds

Public libraries

Libraries supported wholly or substantially from public funds, available to the general public, and organized under the provisions of RCW 27.12.010.

School libraries

Libraries of public elementary and secondary schools that are organized for the use of students, teachers, and parents. Such libraries, or "resource centers," or "instructional media centers," will include books and print and non-print resources, and will have an ongoing funding source and designated staff with responsibility for library operations and services.

Tribal libraries

Libraries or research centers operated by Washington tribes.

Academic libraries

Libraries of universities, university colleges, and all other institutions forming part of, or associated with, institutions of higher education.

Research libraries

"…a library that (i) makes publicly available library services and materials suitable for scholarly research and not otherwise available to the public, and; (ii) is not an integral part of an institution of higher education." (LSTA, §9122)

Private or Special libraries

Private or special (e.g. corporate, association, or government) libraries that have been determined by the state to be considered an eligible library.

Library Consortia

"The term 'library consortium'" means any local, statewide, regional, interstate, or international cooperative association of library entities which provides for the systematic and effective coordination of the resources of school, public, academic, and special libraries and information centers, for improved services for the clientele of such library entities." (LSTA, §9122) Under this definition, a library consortium in Washington State will be eligible for LSTA funding if such an entity has among its members one or more libraries that meet eligibility requirements as stated above. Furthermore, only those libraries that meet these criteria will be eligible as individual recipients of such funding.