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LSTA Grants for Public Libraries: Tuition Assistance

Information about the LSTA program, instructions and forms for public libraries seeking sub-grants, and tips for evaluation of grant-funded services

Tuition Assistance Grants

Applications for tuition assistance may be submitted before the start of each semester for reimbursement of that ​semester’s tuition. Awards will be made as long as funds are available.

Applications for the Fall 2021 semester should be submitted by September 2021. Applications for the Spring 2022 semester should be received by December 20, 2021. 

The application should be filled out in Word, printed, signed, scanned, and emailed to the LSTA Coordinator. Mailed applications will be accepted but email is preferred.

IMPORTANT - Please read before applying for LSTA funds

Grants of Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds are available for library staff seeking a Masters degree in Librarianship. Reimbursement of tuition is available for coursework that prepares librarians to develop, expand, deliver, or promote services and programs that are related to the six federal purposes.*

This LSTA program is not intended to provide assistance for generic library coursework. General introductory librarianship courses, and coursework in other areas of librarianship not directly applicable to the six purposes, cannot be reimbursed.

* The six Federal purposes as outlined in LSTA (20 U.S.C. 9141) are:

  1. Expanding services for learning and access to information and educational resources in a variety of formats, in all types of libraries, for individuals of all ages;

  2. Developing library services that provide all users with access to information through local, state, regional, national, and international electronic networks;

  3. Providing electronic and other linkages among and between all types of libraries;

  4. Developing public and private partnerships with other agencies and community-based organizations;

  5. Targeting library services to individuals of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to individuals with disabilities, and to individuals with limited functional literacy or information skills;

  6. Targeting library and information services to persons having difficulty using a library and to underserved urban and rural communities, including children (from birth through age 17) from families with incomes below the poverty line.

LSTA Administration

For additional information on LSTA grants in South Carolina, contact the LSTA Coordinator, Wendy Coplen, (803) 734-0436.

To submit a comment or complaint about the administration of LSTA grants, please contact the SCSL Director, Leesa Aiken, (803) 734-8668.

SC State Library Information

IMLS

Many South Carolina State Library programs, resources and services are supported in whole or in part by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.

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