State Library Agency Survey
Publications | Data Files
State Library Agencies (StLAs) are the official agencies charged with state-wide library development and the administration of federal funds authorized by the Library Services and Technology Act (P.L. 111-340; passed in December 2010). These agencies vary greatly. They are located in various departments of state government and report to different authorities. They are involved in various ways in the development and operation of electronic information networks. They provide different types of services to different types of libraries. StLAs are increasingly receiving broader legislative mandates affecting libraries of all types in the states (i.e., public, academic, school, special, and library systems). For example, their administrative and developmental responsibilities affect the operation of thousands of public, academic, school, and special libraries in the nation.
StLAs provide important reference and information services to state government and administer the state library and special operations such as state archives, libraries for the blind and physically handicapped, and the State Center for the Book.
The StLA may also function as the state's public library at large, providing service to the general public and state government employees. Data on StLAs complement IMLS data collected on public libraries, and NCES data collected on academic and school libraries.
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