ITSCO Selected as Exemplary Program by the State Library of Ohio!
The State Library of Ohio is pleased to announce that Instructional Technology Services of Central Ohio (ITSCO) has been selected as an Exemplary Program for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) 2009 Program Report to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). As part of the Report to IMLS, the State Library of Ohio must identify three to six exemplary projects. State Library staff selects these projects based on their relation to LSTA goals, impact of the project on the target population and the ability to be replicated in other parts of the state.
The ITSCO project was entitled Literature Lounge Phase II. This project broadened a pilot project originally undertaken between ITSCO, Worthington Libraries and Worthington School District. Library staff created and broadcasted content to teachers who wanted more age-appropriate language arts content. Phase II expanded the project by creating a professional development model to provide outreach to additional schools and public libraries. Book Talks introduce and review noteworthy books for students and provide teachers with the skills to incorporate emerging technologies into the creation of fun and interesting book studies. The project is now reaching additional areas of the state and is being further expanded.
Other exemplary projects selected for 2009 were Ohio Wesleyan University Library for a digitization project, the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County for an early literacy project, and the Salem Public Library for a summer satellite branch/services to youth project in city parks.
During Federal fiscal year 2009 (October 2008 through September 2009), the State Library of Ohio awarded 40 LSTA grants. A total of 55 libraries submitted 71 applications. Forty grants were awarded to 30 institutions.
LSTA was enacted on Sep. 30, 1996 and enabled public, school, academic and special libraries to apply for federal library funds. IMLS is the federal agency that fosters innovation, leadership and lifetime learning through the support of museum and library programs. IMLS provides LSTA funds each year to the State Library of Ohio.
Under federal legislation, LSTA has two major focuses: Technology, including electronic linkages of resources and automation; and Services to the Underserved. Based on this, the State Library offers grants in the following areas: Technological Innovation, Automation, Training, Targeted Populations, and Services to Youth in Poverty.
For more information about LSTA, please contact Missy Lodge, LSTA Coordinator, State Library of Ohio, 1.800.686.1532.
The State Library of Ohio provides services and resources to assist state government and libraries in providing the best service to all.
www.library.ohio.gov/Marketing/PR/2010/January#projects
