From the State Library

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 designates $200 million in pandemic response funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The $200 million investment will provide critical funding to State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs), located in every U.S. state and territory, with reach into local communities across the country. In Ohio, the State Library of Ohio will receive $4,547,789 in one-time federal ARPA funds through the IMLS Grants to States program. Once disbursed, the funds will need to be utilized by June 30, 2022.

The State Library of Ohio will use the majority of ARPA funds to provide substantial support to statewide and regional programs directly impacted by the pandemic, including resource sharing and e-content usage. To best leverage these funds, the State Library will announce opportunities for competitive grants in May. The State Library is investing a significant amount of thought, creativity, and preparation to develop an equitable plan to reach academic, public, school, and special libraries. Libraries of all types adapted to the changing needs of their communities throughout the past year, and each type of library faced different challenges with a common thread of bridging the digital divide.

“Libraries are acutely aware of the digital divide and have been striving to increase digital inclusion since the 1990s,” expressed State Librarian Wendy Knapp. “COVID brought this issue to the forefront of every industry, and IMLS recognizes that the ARPA funds can leverage the work being done in libraries for these past decades.”

“The coronavirus pandemic persists in taking its harsh toll on communities. This infusion of support for America’s vital community institutions is crucial,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “The need for access to information for health, job, educational, and unemployment resources continues across the country, especially in communities that were already vulnerable.”

Considerations include:

Every ARPA dollar spent must be accounted for and reported to IMLS by the State Library.
Funds may only be spent according to the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA); this creates programmatic limitations on how the money can be used.
ARPA funds cannot be used for land, construction, expansion, or many types of renovation, nor can they be used for advocacy or lobbying.
ARPA funds are one-time-only funds and cannot be used to supplant reduced operating costs.
Since any potential sub-grants use federal funds, each library must complete various forms, including Assurances and Certifications and CIPA Internet Safety compliance.
All federally-required forms must be signed and submitted before ARPA funds may be disbursed.

“While the State Library intends to maximize spending flexibility, it must do so while adhering to the overall spirit and priorities of the legislation,” continued Knapp. “ARPA is ultimately meant to address problems brought about or exacerbated by the pandemic.”

Join the ARPA-OH announcement list to receive news and information about American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) library initiatives and programs in Ohio supported through the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the State Library of Ohio.

Questions may be directed to Wendy Knapp, Evan T. Struble, or Marsha McDevitt-Stredney.

This is a reminder that applications are now being accepted for public libraries to host a Guiding Ohio Online Technology Trainer.  The State Library’s Guiding Ohio Online  program, supported by federal LSTA funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, targets public libraries in Ohio that serve rural populations, in order to help Ohioans develop digital skills needed to fully participate in the digital age. Trainers will serve in selected libraries during the program year, October 1, 2021-June 30, 2022**.  Applications and proposed budget forms for Guiding Ohio Online can be found here and are due May 28, 2020. 

**Please note the abbreviated grant period for 2021-2022.

The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need for access to technology and digital literacy skills. Ohio’s libraries have always filled this need, and it’s now more important than ever. Guiding Ohio Online is a great opportunity to provide more technology programming, outreach, and services with LSTA grant funds.

State Library staff conducted a live webinar on the Guiding Ohio Online application process on April 6.  Whether you’re a current Guiding Ohio Online library or considering joining the program for the first time, check out the recording to learn about the program in general, how it works, how it’s funded, the reporting required, and how to apply.

Sites can submit a draft application by May 19 to LSTA@library.ohio.gov.
If you have any financial or grant-related questions regarding Guiding Ohio Online, please contact the LSTA Office at LSTA@library.ohio.gov or by calling 800-686-1532 or 614-644-6863.  

If you have any questions regarding Guiding Ohio Online trainers, hiring best practices, etc. please contact Anne Kennedy, Technology Consultant, at akennedy@library.ohio.gov or by calling 614-466-1710.

The Collaborative Summer Library Program is happy to announce that the 2021 Tails & Tales PSA for public libraries is available in English and Spanish:
Full PSA English YouTube link: https://youtu.be/3hJ5J7ay_t8
Full PSA Spanish YouTube link: https://youtu.be/3fT2VBoyXHA

If you want to add your own logo or text, editable PSA files can be found on the CSLP website "Additional Program Tools" tab, under the Manual Downloads dropdown. Here is the direct link:
www.cslpreads.org/manual-downloads/
You need to be logged in on the CSLP website to access this link. If you do not have an account on the CSLP website, start at the “Login” button at the top of the page and follow the “Register” link.

Here is a brief tutorial on how to access the PSAs on the CSLP website and how to add your library’s information to the PSA using Open Shot Video Editor (an free open source tool):
https://youtu.be/abeKZQONVNk

CSLP has also created several 10-20 second "shorts" cut from the PSA. These are great for Instagram and other social media, and can be posted regularly to keep patrons’ attention throughout the summer. Find them here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fWFOA7SpUfxTdngWtQf5rjSuR6rxC5kt

And…CSLP has created sample posts and graphics for your library to use on social media, which you will find in the 2021 Tails & Tales Social Media Toolkit: https://bit.ly/CSLP_Toolkit21.


From the State Library The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 designates $200 million in pandemic response funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The $200 million investment will provide critical funding to State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs), located in every U.S. state and territory, with reach into local communities across the country. In Ohio, the State Library of Ohio will receive $4,547,789 in one-time federal ARPA funds through the IMLS Grants to States program. Once disbursed, the funds will need to be utilized by June 30, 2022. The State Library of Ohio will use the majority of ARPA funds to provide substantial support to statewide and regional programs directly impacted by the pandemic, including resource sharing and e-content usage. To best leverage these funds, the State Library will announce opportunities for competitive grants in May. The State Library is investing a significant amount of thought, creativity, and preparation to develop an equitable plan to reach academic, public, school, and special libraries. Libraries of all types adapted to the changing needs of their communities throughout the past year, and each type of library faced different challenges with a common thread of bridging the digital divide. “Libraries are acutely aware of the digital divide and have been striving to increase digital inclusion since the 1990s,” expressed State Librarian Wendy Knapp. “COVID brought this issue to the forefront of every industry, and IMLS recognizes that the ARPA funds can leverage the work being done in libraries for these past decades.” “The coronavirus pandemic persists in taking its harsh toll on communities. This infusion of support for America’s vital community institutions is crucial,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “The need for access to information for health, job, educational, and unemployment resources continues across the country, especially in communities that were already vulnerable.” Considerations include: Every ARPA dollar spent must be accounted for and reported to IMLS by the State Library. Funds may only be spent according to the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA); this creates programmatic limitations on how the money can be used. ARPA funds cannot be used for land, construction, expansion, or many types of renovation, nor can they be used for advocacy or lobbying. ARPA funds are one-time-only funds and cannot be used to supplant reduced operating costs. Since any potential sub-grants use federal funds, each library must complete various forms, including Assurances and Certifications and CIPA Internet Safety compliance. All federally-required forms must be signed and submitted before ARPA funds may be disbursed. “While the State Library intends to maximize spending flexibility, it must do so while adhering to the overall spirit and priorities of the legislation,” continued Knapp. “ARPA is ultimately meant to address problems brought about or exacerbated by the pandemic.” Join the ARPA-OH announcement list to receive news and information about American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) library initiatives and programs in Ohio supported through the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the State Library of Ohio. Questions may be directed to Wendy Knapp, Evan T. Struble, or Marsha McDevitt-Stredney. This is a reminder that applications are now being accepted for public libraries to host a Guiding Ohio Online Technology Trainer.  The State Library’s Guiding Ohio Online  program, supported by federal LSTA funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, targets public libraries in Ohio that serve rural populations, in order to help Ohioans develop digital skills needed to fully participate in the digital age. Trainers will serve in selected libraries during the program year, October 1, 2021-June 30, 2022.  Applications and proposed budget forms for Guiding Ohio Online can be found here and are due May 28, 2020.  Please note the abbreviated grant period for 2021-2022. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need for access to technology and digital literacy skills. Ohio’s libraries have always filled this need, and it’s now more important than ever. Guiding Ohio Online is a great opportunity to provide more technology programming, outreach, and services with LSTA grant funds. State Library staff conducted a live webinar on the Guiding Ohio Online application process on April 6.  Whether you’re a current Guiding Ohio Online library or considering joining the program for the first time, check out the recording to learn about the program in general, how it works, how it’s funded, the reporting required, and how to apply. Sites can submit a draft application by May 19 to LSTA@library.ohio.gov. If you have any financial or grant-related questions regarding Guiding Ohio Online, please contact the LSTA Office at LSTA@library.ohio.gov or by calling 800-686-1532 or 614-644-6863.   If you have any questions regarding Guiding Ohio Online trainers, hiring best practices, etc. please contact Anne Kennedy, Technology Consultant, at akennedy@library.ohio.gov or by calling 614-466-1710. The Collaborative Summer Library Program is happy to announce that the 2021 Tails & Tales PSA for public libraries is available in English and Spanish: Full PSA English YouTube link: https://youtu.be/3hJ5J7ay_t8 Full PSA Spanish YouTube link: https://youtu.be/3fT2VBoyXHA If you want to add your own logo or text, editable PSA files can be found on the CSLP website "Additional Program Tools" tab, under the Manual Downloads dropdown. Here is the direct link: www.cslpreads.org/manual-downloads/ You need to be logged in on the CSLP website to access this link. If you do not have an account on the CSLP website, start at the “Login” button at the top of the page and follow the “Register” link. Here is a brief tutorial on how to access the PSAs on the CSLP website and how to add your library’s information to the PSA using Open Shot Video Editor (an free open source tool): https://youtu.be/abeKZQONVNk CSLP has also created several 10-20 second "shorts" cut from the PSA. These are great for Instagram and other social media, and can be posted regularly to keep patrons’ attention throughout the summer. Find them here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fWFOA7SpUfxTdngWtQf5rjSuR6rxC5kt And…CSLP has created sample posts and graphics for your library to use on social media, which you will find in the 2021 Tails & Tales Social Media Toolkit: https://bit.ly/CSLP_Toolkit21.
Template 11 - NEO-RLS News-May 3, 2021