Glenn Miller, Deputy Secretary & Commissioner for Libraries
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Office of Commonwealth Libraries
Glenn Miller, Deputy Secretary & Commissioner for Libraries
Monday, May 14
I’m pleased to announce that applications to serve as an Office of Commonwealth Libraries’ (OCL) Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Fiscal Agent have opened.
LSTA Fiscal Agents provide OCL with administrative and programmatic support by working with OCL’s Library Advisors to manage LSTA project funds, issue requests for proposals, sign project contracts and agreements, etc. Please note that this is not an opportunity for libraries to implement local, countywide or districtwide grant-funded programs.
For more information about the application process, please review the 2018 LSTA Fiscal Agent Grant Guidelines (PDF) at www.statelibrary.pa.gov/LSTA.
All applications will be submitted via the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s eGrants system.
The deadline to submit applications is Friday, June 8, 2018.
What is an LSTA Fiscal Agent?
LSTA Fiscal Agents provide OCL with administrative and programmatic support by working with OCL’s Library Advisors to manage LSTA project funds, issue requests for proposals, sign project contracts and agreements, etc.
In return, LSTA Fiscal Agents are eligible for up to 10 percent of project awards as payment for your organization’s indirect costs. Indirect costs are defined as those that are incurred which cannot be readily isolated or identified with just one project or activity. These types of costs are often referred to as “overhead costs.” Examples are costs for utilities, general insurance, use of office space and equipment that you own, telephone service, and the salaries of the management and administrative personnel of the organization.
It’s expected that this year’s projects will range from about $100,000 up to $500,000.
What Organizations May Apply?
The following types of organizations may be eligible to submit an application:
- District Library Centers that currently receive Public Library Subsidy funds;
- Library system headquarters that currently receive Public Library Subsidy funds;
- Pennsylvania non-profit associations that have a primary focus on Pennsylvania libraries.
Additional applicant requirements are listed in the 2018 LSTA Fiscal Agent Grant Guidelines (PDF) at www.statelibrary.pa.gov/LSTA.
How Do You Submit an Application?
Eligible applicants will submit applications via the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s eGrants system.
More than one LSTA Fiscal Agent application may be submitted in six possible grant program categories:
- Community engagement: turning outward initiative
- Digitization of Pennsylvania resources
- District library center and library system training and support
- Out-of-school time
- Leadership and training of library workforce; and
- Family engagement
To increase your chances of receiving a grant, we encourage applicants to apply for all six LSTA Fiscal Agent grant program categories. (Since each grant application will be identical, any extra work to prepare the applications should be minimal.)
Questions or Comments
For additional information, email ra-lsta@pa.gov with the subject line “LSTA Fiscal Agent questions.”
Glenn R. Miller | Deputy Secretary & Commissioner for Libraries
Pennsylvania Department of Education | Office of Commonwealth Libraries
Room 200 Forum Building607 South Drive | Harrisburg, PA 17120-0600
Phone: 717-783-2646 | www.education.pa.gov | @PaDeptofEd
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The mission of the Department of Education is to ensure that every learner has access to a world-class education system that academically prepares children and adults to succeed as productive citizens. Further, the Department seeks to establish a culture that is committed to improving opportunities throughout the commonwealth by ensuring that technical support, resources, and optimal learning environments are available for all students, whether children or adults.
This communication is issued on the Deputy Secretary’s behalf by Jonelle Darr (jodarr@pa.gov; 717-783-5725)