What are the Library of Michigan’s plans for funding the Michigan eLibrary over the next five years?
While it is desirable over the long term to transition funding of statewide services from federal funds (LSTA) to state funds, it is not the goal to do so using state aid to public libraries funds. The model suggests that some percentage of the state aid funds may go to support of public libraries from a statewide level, such as (for example) a partial direct subsidy of statewide delivery for public libraries. The goal of this part of the model is to efficiently achieve measurable and equitably distributed service results for all Michigan public library patrons and residents by direct expenditure of a portion of state aid funds if and when appropriate. The Library of Michigan’s new 5-Year LSTA Plan which started October 1, 2008 after enthusiastic approval from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), is based upon our intent to continue to fund the Michigan eLibrary with those federal dollars for at least the next five years. Use of any state aid to public libraries dollars
