Cassandra Osterloh
State Library Agencies: State library agencies are government entities within each U.S. state and territory that provide leadership, funding, resources, and support for libraries statewide. While their primary mandate is often to support public libraries, state library agencies are increasingly focused on serving the unique needs of tribal libraries as well. These agencies play a crucial role in helping tribal libraries access funding, develop resources, and improve services, often working in partnership with tribal governments and other organizations. Primary funding for state library agencies comes from state government and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Each state library agency differs in how they fund and support tribal libraries. Check with your state library to see what support is available.
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA): Many state library agencies allocate Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds to support tribal libraries. These grants might be for general library purposes or specific to things like construction, broadband, STEM, youth programming, and more. Here are a few examples of how state’s support tribal libraries with LSTA Funding:
- North Dakota: The North Dakota State Library’s LSTA Five-Year Plan outlines strategies to support library services across the state, including those in tribal communities.
- Oklahoma: The Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) utilizes LSTA funds to provide consultation and continuing education services to staff at tribal libraries, ensuring they have the professional support needed to serve their communities effectively. Oklahoma.gov
- Arizona: The Arizona State Library has awarded grants to public, tribal, and special libraries across the state. For instance, in 2020, it allocated $173,000 in grants for over 23 library projects, including those in tribal libraries, to respond to the coronavirus pandemic and expand digital access. Arizona State Library
- New Mexico: The New Mexico State Library uses LSTA funds to support and improve library services through statewide programs and grants, benefiting tribal libraries among others. New Mexico State Library
- Oregon: The State Library of Oregon’s LSTA Five-Year Plan includes goals to ensure that tribal nations have access to State Library resources, aiding them in achieving their objectives related to library, technology, and information services. Oregon.gov
State and Regional Library Associations: These organizations can be beneficial in terms of funding, resources, and advocacy. Some have dedicated tribal library groups that can be strong advocates. For example, the Oklahoma Library Association (OLA) has a dedicated Tribal Libraries Committee that ensures that a Native voice in the individuals interested in OLA’s planning processes, fosters connections between librarians in various settings and those working in tribal libraries, archives, and cultural centers, and serves as a clearinghouse for information about events and culturally sensitive materials. If your state or regional library does not have a standing committee or group supporting tribal libraries, you are encouraged to reach out to leadership and inquire about starting one. It is important to make the needs of tribal libraries and Native peoples known.