FEDERAL ASSISTANCE TO LIBRARIES: CURRENT GRANT PROGRAMS AND ISSUES Available to Purchase

A variety of federal programs have provided financial assistance to public and college libraries since enactment of the original Library Services Act in 1956, or even the initiation of the federal depository library system in 1859. Although continued federal funding for most of these programs has been questioned, the programs have continued, and some of the smaller ones have experienced a modest expansion in appropriation levels and authorized activities. This article provides background information on these programs, including brief information on their structure, authorized activities, funding levels, available program evaluations, and issues.