This program is designed to assist Native American tribes in improving core library services for their communities. Information needs and approaches to meeting them are evolving at an unprecedented pace in all communities, and to operate within this environment effectively for the benefit of their users, libraries must be able to both strengthen existing services and move quickly to adopt new and emerging technologies. Reflecting IMLS's agency-level goals of championing lifelong learning, strengthening community engagement, and advancing collections stewardship and access, the goals and objectives for this program are:
To be eligible for this program, you must be able to document an existing library that meets, at a minimum, three basic criteria:
A maximum of $3,000 may be allotted for professional development or library service assessment activities. If you do not request funding for these activities, you may still request an award of $6,000- $10,000.
To be eligible for an award, you must be a Federally recognized tribe. Entities such as libraries, schools, tribal colleges, or departments of education are NOT eligible, although they may be involved in the administration of this program, and their staff may serve as project directors in partnership with an eligible applicant.
Applications are to be submitted by March 1, 2024. A similar deadline is anticipated annually.
Approximately $1.6 million is available to fund an estimated 159 grants. Applicants may apply for a grant amount ranging from $6,000 to $10,000. No match is required. Projects must begin on August 1, 2024.