2012 Annual Report - Alabama Public Library Service

Alabama’s public libraries through local, state, federal and private grant funds are heavily invested inproviding for our patrons the best technology has to offer.• Video conferencing is now a reality for our public libraries• E-books are becoming as common as hard or paperback books• Up-to-date database materials are available to all that haveaccess to the Internet• Downloadable books are common place in many of ourlibraries• Skyping authors for local programs is now being used• Digital literacy classes• Assistance with online job applications• Source for e-government information and applicationsAlabama’s public libraries have definitely entered the digital age in a big way.Financial Report for 2012The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) is made up of awonderful team of individuals who work together to serve thecitizens of Alabama. I am a proud new member of this teamand it is an honor to work with everyone at APLS.APLS provides many services for the public libraries inAlabama. One of the main services is grants paid directly tothe libraries. In FY2012, over $4.6 million in state funds anda million dollars in federal funds were distributed statewide.This resulted in a 5.9% increase from the prior year despite thefact the overall FY2012 budget was slightly lower. It is ourmission to do all we can to help those we serve.As a service organization that supports public libraries, we arecontinually seeking ways to be more efficient and effective inwhat we do. We assist in indirect ways as well by maintainingdatabases, library websites, and technology troubleshooting.Scott BurbankChief Financial OfficerTwo of my favorite services we offer that directly benefited Alabama public libraries in FY2012are HomeworkAlabama.org and LearningExpress Library. HomeworkAlabama.org provides free,high-quality online tutoring in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Sessions are availablein English and Spanish. Service hours are Sunday through Thursday from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m.LearningExpress Library is an online resource of materials for K-12 and college students to helpimprove their skills in areas such as math, reading, science, logic, writing, grammar, spelling,vocabulary, and public speaking. My wife Mandy and I depend heavily on these databases whenhelping our children with their schoolwork. It is a privilege to be able to help other Alabamafamilies get the information they need as well.“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” -- Albert Einstein2

CIO ReportFY2012 has provided the Alabama Public Library Servicewith some exciting opportunities for technology growth. Weinstalled a wonderful new video conferencing system thatallows us even greater flexibility with our Administrators’Meetings as well as providing an avenue for our staff to holdsmall and large training sessions that can be seen by librarystaff throughout our state from the comfort of their own libraryor a nearby location.Our agency’s database and web hosting services have growntremendously this past year, and we look to continuing thattrend into FY2013. Our Evergreen project is now full steamahead and making up ground everyday by providing freelibrary cataloging to our wonderful public libraries in Alabama.Kevin GoffChief Information OfficerOur IT staff has done an incredible job this past year with the winding up of the BroadbandTechnologies Opportunities Program (BTOP) and the transition from installing the equipmentto helping our libraries get the most they can out of the equipment. We are dedicated to leadingAlabama’s public libraries to their once lofty status as “bellwethers” of our communities and thekeepers of our greatest treasures. As my good friend Lemony Snicket once wrote:“A good library will never be too neat, or too dusty, because somebody will always be in it,taking books off the shelves and staying up late reading them.”This sounds like a wonderful perspective Lemony has about his library. We should all be sofortunate. So let’s make 2013 the year that Alabama public libraries create and influence thetrends and the future of our great state by turning our libraries into indispensable icons in ourcommunities. Let’s ring the bell and once again become the anchors that hold our communitiestogether.Kevin3

APLS LSTAFive-YearPlanThe evaluation of the FY2008-2012 Alabama PublicLibrary Service Library Services and Technology ActFive-Year Plan was completed in March 2012. Theevaluation was conducted by the University of AlabamaSchool of Library and Information Studies. Theevaluation report was then submitted to the Institute ofMuseum and Library Services (IMLS) in Washington,DC. APLS staff referred to the evaluation report whenwriting the revised plan for FY2013-2017. The revisedplan was submitted to IMLS in June for their approvalwhich we received in September. APLS must have anapproved five-year plan on file with IMLS in order toreceive Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)funds.The plan addresses three needs: (1) Lifelong learning;(2) Strengthening families (children, youth andadults) and communities; and (3) Information access–knowledge, information, ideas, and cultural heritage inall formats. Each need has a goal, a set of output andoutcome targets, and a set of activities.The plan addresses the library needs of all Alabamians,including people of all ages, people with disabilities,persons having difficulty using a library, and personsresiding in underserved urban and rural communities.Under the plan, APLS will use federal funds forstatewide programs such as interlibrary loan, onlinehomework help, online learning tools for Alabamaworkers, travel for consultants, library workforcetraining, and a summer reading program for people ofall ages. Also, of equal importance, APLS will awardgrants to public libraries and to state institutions thatoffer library services equivalent to those of publiclibraries. Grants may be used for a number of libraryrelatedprojects including collection development,technology, digital literacy, and educational programsfor people of all ages.Schools and LibrariesProgram of theUniversal ServiceFund (“E-RATE”)E-Rate provides discounts to schools and librarieswithin the United States and territories fortelecommunications and Internet access in order tomake these services more affordable. The program isfunded at up to $2.25 billion per year by contributionsfrom telecommunications service providers and isadministered by the Schools and Libraries Division(SLD) of the Universal Service AdministrativeCompany (USAC), a non-profit corporation overseenby the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).4Discounts ranging from 20% to 90% are availablein four categories of service (telecommunications,Internet access, internal connections, and basicmaintenance of internal connections) and are basedon the percentage of students eligible for the NationalSchool Lunch Program. Libraries and schools inlow-income urban communities and rural areasqualify for the highest discounts to assure that everyAmerican, regardless of age, income, or location hasaccess to the essential tools of the Information Age.Alabama public libraries received nearly $1 millionin discounts in 2012. Over one-half of the librariesreceived discounts of 80% to 90%.

Beginning in April 2012, Alabama’s publiclibraries participated in a community-centeredpublic library awareness campaign called Geekthe Library. APLS spearheaded the statewidecampaign in conjunction with OCLC, a nonprofitlibrary cooperative, with funding by a grant fromthe Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Librariesused local resources and provided materials toshow the vital role that public libraries play withintheir communities.Geek the Library uses the word “geek” as a verb– meaning the things that you geek are the thingsthat you are passionate about. Everyone geekssomething, and whatever you geek, the publiclibrary supports you. Through this idea, Alabama’spublic libraries were able to connect with childrenthat geek puppies, seniors that geek the TalladegaNational Forest and bird watching, and mothersthat geek pottery.Geek the Library was a valuable campaign for ourpublic libraries because it helped to change theperception of libraries within the community andshowed the important role they play each day. Italso created the opportunity to build relationshipsbetween the library and other businesses whileconnecting to patrons in a fun, yet relatable,manner. Overall, the Geek the Library was animportant venture in order to continue moving ourpublic libraries forward and to continue improvingresources for Alabama’s residents.5

HomeworkAlabama.org is a statewideeffort made possible by the AlabamaPublic Library Service (APLS) withfunding from the Institute of Museumand Library Services (IMLS) andstate funds appropriated by the StateLegislature specifically for this program.The service provides free, high-qualitytutoring in English, Math, Science, andSocial Studies. The tutors are carefullyscreened experts and include professionalteachers, college professors, graduatestudents, and other professionals. Theyprovide one-on-one help to students of all ages in a secureonline classroom. Sessions are available in English andSpanish. Service hours are Sunday through Thursdayfrom 3 p.m. until 10 p.m.In 2012, there were 53,464 tutoring sessions provided by HomeworkAlabama totaling 16,989hours of instruction. The average length of each session was 19 minutes. The basic rate for privateprofessional tutoring is approximately $75 per hour. If a resident attempted to seek tutoringon their own, they would have to pay $750 for 10 hours of instructions. HomeworkAlabamaprovided residents in the state with $1,274,175 worth of tutoring for free.Due to the economic downturn, APLS also provides a SkillsCenter Resource Library available24/7 through HomeworkAlabama.org. This virtual library has three main parts: Study Resources,Test Prep Resources, and Career Resources. The Study Resources section contains thousands oflessons, worksheets, study guides, and videos. The Test Prep Resources section helps preparestudents for the SAT, ACT, standardized tests, and graduate school entrance tests. This sectionalso prepares adults for GED and civil service tests. The Career Resources section provides adultswith access to local job openings, resume and cover letter templates, interview guidelines, andboth computer and financial literacy support. Access to the site can be obtained from any Internetaccessible computer. Additionally, there is a downloadable app for your smart phone.6

Dwindling public funding, high unemploymentrates, pressure for testing-verified academicachievement, and increasing populations inneed of remedial lessons in math, writing,and English all burden public libraries.LearningExpress Library is available to allAlabama residents through their public librariesand the APLS website to assist in providingsolutions to help library patrons reach theiracademic, professional, and life goals. Thecustomizable platforms of LearningExpressLibrary consist of:LearningExpress Library-- A collectionof more than 1,000 practice tests and skillstutorials for educational advancement andmore than 200 eBooksPopular Software Tutorials -- Interactiveonline multimedia training that instructsusers on popular software products; graphicdesign and studio application; officeapplications; and operating systemsComputer & Internet Basics Tutorials-- Easy-to-follow multimedia training thatintroduces beginning computer users to PCbasics, Internet basics, social networking,and moreAvailable to all Alabama residents through anLSTA grant from the Institute of Museum andLibrary Services (IMLS), LearningExpressLibrary has resources to help people of all agesto succeed. Materials are available for K-12and college students to help improve their skillsin many areas including math, reading, science,logic, writing, grammar, spelling, vocabulary,and public speaking. There are guides for GEDand college preparation as well as preparationassistance in obtaining U.S. citizenship status.On average, over 14,000 sessions are used eachyear by Alabamians.http://www.learnatest.com/LEL/STARS is an important interlibrary loan tool. AsAlabama’s union catalog, STARS contains the holdingsof Alabama’s 224 public libraries as well as most of ouracademic and special libraries. This dynamic databaseis funded and administered by APLS.During FY2012, a grand total of 37,240 interlibraryloan actions took place. This number includes librarieswithin Alabama exchanging 23,786 books and anexchange of 13,454 books with libraries outside thestate.Other work done by the libraries to facilitate theseexchanges included cataloging activities totaling782,973 actions. This number includes searches,imports, exports, and other updates to maintain theSTARS union catalog.This publication was funded in part by the LibraryServices and Technology Act, administered by the Instituteof Museum and Library Services.7

Photo ~ Florence-Lauderdale Public Library8

Snapshot Day Alabama is a statewide initiative that began in 2011 toshow the importance of Alabama public libraries. On September 27,2012 public libraries all over the state took photos, collected patrons’comments, and gathered statistics with a toolkit provided by APLS. Theinformation assembled captured the positive impact libraries make in theircommunities each and every day.9

LuverneAdamsvilleFlorenceDemopolisOrange BeachSouthside10

STATISTICS:Visitors: 43,493Circulation: 56,170 itemsReference Questions Answered:11,515Computer Usage: 11,741Program Attendance: 2,660AthensNorth Shelby11

Summer Reading ProgramSummer Reading Programs are highly anticipatedby Alabama residents of all ages. Public librariesentertained and educated communities this year with a nighttime theme. Each age group had their own themefor a personalized experience: Dream Big—READ! (children), Own the Night (teens), and Between the Covers(adult).Rainbow City12

Town CreekWashington CountyAshlandSardis CityAndalusia13

Jacksonville 34,066 received reading certificates at the end ofthe summer Approximately 1,415,130 books were read 281,031 participants attended 5,556 programevents Approximately 600,000 summer reading/childrenand youth services reading materials, books andmanuals were distributed to support the summerreading programs at the public libraries14Pinson

Library S ervicesLibrary Services and Technology Act (LSTA) GrantAward: $2,567,650, a decrease of $222,647 over theprevious year.APLS LSTA Grant Awards: Approximately$1,130,864 in grants to state public libraries forFY2012. Grants were given in six main categories:Children at Risk - $22,940Collection Development - $440,911Difficulty Using a Library - $31,650Library Technology - $578,763Lifelong Learning - $31,600Professional Training - $25,000APLS–funded statewide reference databases: Anamount of $690,416 for Britannica Global ReferenceCenter, HomeworkAlabama, and Learning ExpressLibrary.Bibliostat Connect: $12,775[Each public library is required to submit an annualstatistical report to APLS in order to be eligible toreceive State Aid. Bibliostat is the database used bythe libraries to input and submit their reports.]State of Alabama Resource Sharing (STARS) andOCLC FirstSearch access: $397,209[Using STARS (Alabama’s union catalog) and First-Search enables public libraries to perform interlibraryloan (ILL) and cataloging tasks more efficiently.]An excess of $2.2 million of the LSTA grant awardwas spent either in direct grants or statewide supportprojects for the state public librariesState Aid: $4,679,797 (97 cents per capita).TRAINING GRANTFOR LIBRARYADMINSTRATORSIn June, the Institute of Museum and Library Services(IMLS) announced that the University of AlabamaSchool of Library and Information Studies (SLIS)had been awarded a grant of $317,450 from the LauraBush 21st Century Librarian Program. The grantwill be for a joint project between SLIS and APLSto provide management training for 60 public libraryadministrators.The project will provide training in two cohorts with30 people in each one. The first cohort will begin inOctober 2013 and end in September 2014. The secondcohort will begin in October 2014 and end in September2015.Participants will first attend a four-day intensivetraining institute on the University of Alabama campusin Tuscaloosa. The institute will include a focuson developing a strategic (or long-range) plan forparticipants’ home libraries. A five-year plan must beon file at APLS for public libraries to receive State Aidfunds.Following the on-campus training, participants willattend five online workshops as well as five onlineprogress reporting sessions, one per month. During thefinal months of each cohort year participants and trainerswill discuss and evaluate strategic plan implementationand workshop content, and participants will meet faceto-facefor a one-day event in Tuscaloosa to discussstrategic plan implementation and to celebrate theirsuccess.More information and application forms will beavailable later in 2013.This publication was funded in part by the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Institute of Museumand Library Services.15

Regional Libraryfor theBlind and PhysicallyHandicapped(BPH)APLS BOOK CLUBFY2012“Reading Groups have increasedthe list to 146 titles”The APLS Book Club has continued to grow since itsinception in 2009. From its meager beginning of tentitles, donations from public library reading groupshave increased the list to 146 titles, each set containingfive to ten copies.The popularity of this service has also continued toblossom. In the beginning, only three or four librariesused the service regularly. Now 12 libraries use thecollection regularly and many others use the service tofill in the gaps for their reading group needs. We lookforward to the continued growth and utilization of thisunique service in the coming years.To borrow a Book Club set, a library need only contactthe APLS Reference Department. The titles are listedin the APLS online catalog under Book Club or by astandard title search. A spreadsheet of titles and thenumber of books in each set is updated monthly andcan be obtained electronically from the ReferenceDepartment.Email: bookclub@apls.state.al.usPhone: 1-800-723-8459Fiscal Year HighlightsDownload Alabama evolved from a pilotprogram to a full-fledged program at theRegional Library for the Blind and PhysicallyHandicapped (BPH). It allows qualified patrons(without computers and/or high-speed Internetaccess as well as those who don’t understandthe download process) to obtain customizeddownloads of requested books. In FY2012,BPH staff downloaded 4,254 books for 50 ofthese patrons. Among the grateful patrons werethe gentleman who took a download cartridgeto his chemotherapy sessions and the womanwho asked for a download cartridge of booksso she could join a book club for the first time.Many BPH patrons have signed up to dotheir own downloads using Braille and AudioReading Download (BARD), which is providedby the National Library Service (NLS). InFY2012, BARD patrons downloaded a total of34,976 books and 781 magazines.A patron survey was mailed in the fall andthe responses were very positive with 95%of responders satisfied or very satisfied withthe service provided by BPH staff. Amongresponders: 92% were satisfied or very satisfiedwith the library materials they received; 42%16

ordered materials by telephone, with 41%having sent orders in the mail; 50% were BPHpatrons for over 5 years, 36% for 1-5 years, withthe rest being new patrons; 38% learned aboutBPH library services from a social worker orgovernment agency; 60% lived with family orfriends, 31% lived alone, and those remaininglived in a residential facility; 45% were over80 years old, with 31% in the 66-80 age range.Patron satisfaction was reflected later in theyear when a patron nominated Carolyn Mallard,Library Technician, and Tim Emmons, ReaderAdvisor, for a local television station’s Make ADifference award.CirculationPatron CommentsThrough the year, staff received heartwarmingcomments from patrons, including:‣ “I loved to read books before I lost mysight. Thanks to your services I havebeen able to continue my favoritepast-time over the years.”‣ “This service has meant a great dealto me and has made a big differencein my life as a blind person.”‣ “My sister is 95 and blind. You willnever know how much she enjoysthese books. I don’t know what shewould do without them!”VolunteersIn FY2012, BPH circulated 138,524 specialformat volumes to 6,088 patrons and 218institutions. 67,600 recorded cassettes, 71,004digital books, and 944 Braille items were sent,averaging 11,600 volumes mailed per month. Inaddition, 634 interlibrary loans were providedto subregional library patrons. There were1,094 cassette book machines and 1,282 digitalbook machines shipped to patrons.BPH continued its two service contracts, onewith the Utah State Library (USL) for Braillecirculation and the other with the MississippiLibrary Commission (MLC) for circulation ofdescriptive videos. We in turn supply MLCwith older NLS cassette titles for their patrons.Through August 2012, we supplied MLC withthese titles for their 720 active patrons, sendingthem 3,432 cassette volumes.During the year, BPH had 18 volunteers whodonated 667 hours of service to the library. Wewere left with only one Telephone Pioneer toassist with cassette machine repairs, so severalcassette machines were shipped to the SouthDakota Regional Library to be repaired. Inthe summer, we were happy to add a retiredengineer to our volunteer pool. He has sinceinspected and repaired several digital machines.The Pioneer group in Birmingham workedon machines for the Talladega SubregionalLibrary. Volunteers also helped with mailingthe quarterly newsletter, boxing Braille titlesto be shipped overseas, and making lists ofweeded items.National Library Service (NLS)Ruth Evans, BPH Regional Librarian, attendedthe biennial National Conference of LibrariansServing Blind and Physically HandicappedReaders which was held in Newport, RI.Attendees met Karen Keninger, the new directorat NLS and an advocate of Braille literacy.Topics addressed at the conference included the17

production of magazines in the digital format,the conversion of older analog titles to digital,and the upgrading of some NLS databases.Subregional LibrariesThe closing of the Dothan subregional wasofficial as of December 31, 2011, and thetransition of patrons to Montgomery wentsmoothly. Teresa Lacy and Bobby Lipscombremained at Talladega and Huntsvillerespectively. The BPH Regional Librarianvisited each subregional library in September, asrequired by NLS biennially, and she submittedsatisfactory reports on each.Public RelationsThe WhAT’s Line newsletter was published ona quarterly basis, keeping patrons informedabout NLS programs, BPH staff changes,and newsworthy information for visuallyhandicapped persons. Links to current and pastissues were provided on the APLS homepage inthe Blind and Physically Handicapped section.BPH staff had an active year with outreach andconference attendance. They staffed boothsat health fairs and an optometry conventionand described BPH services to nursing homeactivities directors, church groups, AlabamaInstitute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) chaptermeetings, a retirement center, and a low-visionhospital support group. They went totechnology conferences in Atlanta andTalladega, and attended KLAS administrativetraining and the annual users group conference.They conducted iDevice workshops and didpresentations at the APLS New DirectorsConference.AwardWinningLibrariesThe Thomas B. Norton Public Library(Gulf Shores) was awarded the 2012Blue Ribbon by the Alabama LibraryAssociation Public Library DivisionStandards Committee.Four of Alabama’s public libraries receivednational rankings in 2011 and 2012. TheFlomaton Public Library and RogersvillePublic Library were selected as LibraryJournal “Star Libraries” in 2011; theBirmingham Public Library, FlomatonPublic Library, Hoover Public Library, andRogersville Public Library were selectedas “Star Libraries” in 2012.This publication was funded in part by the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Institute of Museumand Library Services.18

Fiscal Year 2012 has been a full and exciting one forthe Alabama Public Library Service IT Department!There have been changes and upgrades that havehelped our staff to continue to provide improvedservices to public libraries across Alabama. Inmany cases, we have been able to greatly reduceoperating expenses to the libraries, allowing themto focus the funds they have in other areas of need.Circuit Riders Bryan Harris, Leonard Coprich, andMatt Sponsler provided many hours of varyingdegrees of assistance to public libraries statewideat no charge to the libraries. Our first line ofassistance is through the phone calls received atour IT Help Desk. A short conversation will oftenprovide enough information for the technicians toverbally guide the caller through steps that mayhelp them solve the problem. However, someproblems require expertise that our technicianscan administer by using a program that allows usto “remote-in” to a particular computer. We areoften able to resolve issues on the spot without theneed of an actual site visit. This provides not only aspeedy return of service to the downed equipment,but also prevents the unnecessary expense to thelibrary of hiring an outside computer professional.Occasionally, a “hands-on” approach by one of ourtechnicians will be indicated so an actual visit to thelibrary would be in order. Whether the equipmentcan be repaired on-site, or must be brought backto APLS for more extensive repairs, there is neverany charge to the library.We are pleased to inform you that the expansion ofour state-of-the-art video conferencing system hasbeen a very welcome success! We have used thisservice for several of our statewide meetings. With10 remote locations throughout the state that can19provide this service, there is a location convenientto everyone. It has enabled the librarians to attend agreater number of meetings by lowering their traveltime and expense, while increasing their ability togain knowledge and interact with other librarians.The web design and hosting service that wasbegun FY2009 continues to grow and we nowmaintain and host websites free of charge for over25 public libraries across Alabama. WebmasterClyde Mills has converted all websites to a costsavingopen source solution that allows for flexiblecustomizations.The Evergreen project has been well received andcontinues to grow. IT Technician Trevor Johnsonhas logged many hours working with the publiclibraries of Alabama to develop a free catalogingsolution to manage, catalog, and circulate librarymaterials. Because there is no cost, the librarieshave been able to reduce or eliminate theirexpenditures associated with cataloging. Weanticipate continued growth and a better service asmore libraries come on board with Evergreen.The online document storage system that was begunin FY2011 has continued to grow and provide amore efficient method of document retrieval. Itproved to be a wonderful tool when receiving thenumerous E-verify documents that are now requiredfor many vendors and anyone that will receivefunds from APLS. It was a quick, efficient wayto actually “see” each document without having tophysically retrieve the hard copy, which has been ofgreat assistance to our Grants Coordinator as wellas to the APLS Business Office. We look forwardwith excitement to when all of our files will be fullyautomated!

After the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Katrina onpublic libraries in Louisiana and Mississippi, APLSadded a provision to the State Aid rules requiring allpublic libraries to file disaster plans. The librarieswere required to submit their plans to APLS by June2011. The need for these plans was made even strongerprior to the deadline. In April 2011, one of the worsttornado storms in the history of the United States struckAlabama and destroyed or damaged several publiclibraries as explained in last year’s annual report.20

One library that was destroyed in 2011 was theRagland Public Library, but we are happy to report thatthe library is getting back on its feet. Fortunately thebuilding was insured and with the cooperation of cityleaders, the library was re-built by the end of 2012. The2,390 square foot structure cost an estimated $296,445and has a shelving capacity of over 14,500 volumes.Ragland has a population of approximately 1,650residents. The library had reopened in a temporarylocation in the summer of 2011. At that time, APLSstaff delivered shelving and helped library staff getready for reopening before the start of the school year.Libraries play an important part in recovery after anatural disaster by opening their doors as soon as theycan to enable users to recharge their cell phones, gainInternet access, start applying for FEMA, and contactfamily members. Libraries can provide general supportand hand holding to help victims regain a sense ofnormalcy.This publication was funded in part by the Library Servicesand Technology Act, administered by the Institute of Museumand Library Services.21

1. Expanding services for learning and access to informationand educational resources in a variety of formats, inall types of libraries, for individuals of all ages;2. Developing library services that provide all users accessto information through local, state, regional, national,and international electronic networks;3. Providing electronic and other linkages among andbetween all types of libraries;4. Developing public and private partnerships with otheragencies and community-based organizations;5. Targeting library services to individuals of diversegeographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds,to individuals with disabilities, and to individuals withlimited functional literacy or information skills; and6. Targeting library and information services to personshaving difficulty using a library and to underserved urbanand rural communities, including children (from birththrough age 17) from families with incomes below thepoverty line as defined by the Office of Management andBudget and revised annually in accordance with 42 USCSec. 9902 (2) applicable to a family of the size involved.(LSTA)The Library Services Act (LSA) was introduced by SenatorLister Hill of Montgomery in 1946. The LSA was signedinto law by President Eisenhower on June 19, 1956 and wasto remain in effect until June 30, 1961 making it the firstfederal legislation for public libraries. It was designed toimprove the library services in rural areas. The first allotmentfrom Congress was $2 million with each state receiving$40,000. Congressman Carl Elliott of Jasper was themajor supporter in the House for the extension of the LSA.The LSA became the Library Services and Construction Act(LSCA) in 1964 and was to remain in effect until June 30,1966. The LSCA became the Library Services and TechnologyAct (LSTA) in 1996 and remains that today.The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) providesdirect and statewide grants to Alabama libraries with theassistance of the LSTA allotment we receive each year.Grants are only awarded after a satisfactory applicationshowing need and are contingent on available Federalfunds. The LSTA is a categorical grant and is permissivelegislation in that it does not define the specific actions thatmust be taken in order to fulfill this mandate. In order toreceive allotments from the Institute of Museum and LibraryServices (IMLS), the funding authority of LSTA funds, wemust have a current five-year plan that has been approvedby IMLS that corresponds with the LSTA priorities listedabove. Our plan was revised and approved in 2012 andgoes through September 30, 2017.PURPOSES:The priorities of the LSTA are as follows:24

The LSTA amount allotted to Alabama for FY2011 was $2,790,297. The LSTA amount allotted to Alabama forFY2012 was $2,567,650, resulting in a decrease of $222,647.Here are the FY2012 competitive grant amounts awarded to libraries. Each category is broken down byCongressional District:‣ APLS awarded FY2012 LSTA children at risk grants to public libraries as follows:o Congressional District 1: $10,180 (2 libraries)o Congressional District 2: N/Ao Congressional District 3: N/Ao Congressional District 4: $5,000 (1 library)o Congressional District 5: N/Ao Congressional District 6: N/Ao Congressional District 7: $7,760 (1 library)‣ APLS awarded FY2012 LSTA collection development grants to public libraries as follows:o Congressional District 1: $43,895 (6 libraries)o Congressional District 2: $58,756** (10 libraries)o Congressional District 3: $39,250** (6 libraries)o Congressional District 4: $183,890** (24 libraries)o Congressional District 5: $64,790** (9 libraries)o Congressional District 6: $108,620** (14 libraries)o Congressional District 7: $40,220** (7 libraries)‣ APLS awarded FY2012 LSTA difficulty using a library grants to public libraries as follows:o Congressional District 1: $6,500** (1 library)o Congressional District 2: N/Ao Congressional District 3: N/Ao Congressional District 4: N/Ao Congressional District 5: $20,000 (1 library)o Congressional District 6: N/Ao Congressional District 7: $6,500** (1 library)25

‣ APLS awarded FY2012 LSTA library technology grants to public libraries as follows:o Congressional District 1: $75,344** (4 libraries)o Congressional District 2: $68,000** (2 libraries)o Congressional District 3: $88,640** (2 libraries)o Congressional District 4: $105,045** (4 libraries)o Congressional District 5: $85,125 (6 libraries)o Congressional District 6: $236,609** (8 libraries)o Congressional District 7: $209,734** (8 libraries)‣ APLS awarded FY2012 LSTA lifelong learning grants to public libraries as follows:o Congressional District 1: N/Ao Congressional District 2: N/Ao Congressional District 3: $20,000 (1 library)o Congressional District 4: N/Ao Congressional District 5: N/Ao Congressional District 6: N/Ao Congressional District 7: N/A‣ APLS awarded FY2012 LSTA professional training grants to public libraries as follows:o Congressional District 1: $11,500** (6 libraries)o Congressional District 2: N/Ao Congressional District 3: $4,000 (2 libraries)o Congressional District 4: $4,000** (2 libraries)o Congressional District 5: $4,000 (2 libraries)o Congressional District 6: $1,500** (1 library)o Congressional District 7: $5,500** (3 libraries)** Reflects library service areas in two districts. Grants reported in both districts.26

APLS provided an excess of $1.2 million in statewide projects in the following areas:‣ Acquisition and utilization of materials for reference and interlibrary loan (ILL) purposes to Alabamapublic libraries, Alabama State Employees, and Alabama citizens.‣ Blind and Physically Handicapped services to eligible Alabama citizens.‣ Library development services to Alabama public libraries in the form of consultations (phone, email,on-site), technical electronic support (phone, email, on-site), and reference assistance (phone, email,on-site workshops).‣ Statewide databases (i.e., Encyclopedia Britannica Global Reference, FirstSearch, HomeworkAlabama,Learning Express, and STARS)‣ Statistics assistance for completing the online annual statistics report that is required in order to receiveState Aid.‣ Summer library program materials distribution to Alabama public libraries for dispersal at public librarysummer programs.FY2012 Alabama Members of CongressSenatorRichard ShelbySenatorJeff Sessions27

District OneJO BONNERDistrict One includes the following counties: Baldwin, Clarke (portion), Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, and Washington.District One FY2012 ProjectsLIBRARY PROJECT AMOUNTAtmore Public Library Library Technology (year-end) $6,650Baldwin County Library Cooperative Collection Development $4,645Baldwin County Library Cooperative Professional Training $2,000Bay Minette Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Daphne Public Library Professional Training $2,000Escambia County Cooperative Library Collection Development (year-end) $10,000Fairhope Public Library Professional Training $2,000Flomaton Public Library Strengthening Youth and Family (SLD) $5,000Ina Pullen Smallwood Memorial Library (Chickasaw) Library Technology and Automation (SLD) $3,694Marjorie Younce Snook Public Library (Summerdale) Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Mobile Public Library Library Technology and Automation $60,000Mount Vernon Public Library Strengthening Youth and Family (SLD) $5,180Orange Beach Public Library ARSL Conference $1,500Orange Beach Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $5,250Thomas B. Norton Public Library (Gulf Shores) Professional Training $2,000Thomasville Public Library Professional Training $2,000Thomasville Public Library Services for Those Having Difficulty Using a Library $6,500Washington County Public Library Collection Development $10,000White Smith Public Library (Jackson) Library Technology and Automation (SLD) $5,00028

District TwoMARTHA ROBYDistrict Two includes the following counties: Autauga, Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw,Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes, Montgomery (portion), and Pike.District Two FY2012 ProjectsLIBRARY PROJECT AMOUNTAbbeville Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $2,000Autauga-Prattville Public Library Collection Development $10,000Blanche R. Solomon Memorial Library (Headland) Collection Development (SLD) $2,000Daleville Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Emma Knox Kenan Public Library (Geneva) Collection Development (year-end) $4,990Eufaula Carnegie Library Collection Development $9,766Florala Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $4,000Houston-Love Memorial Library (Dothan) Collection Development (year-end) $10,000Luverne Public Library Collection Development $5,000McGregor-McKinney Public Library (Hartford) Collection Development (SLD) $4,000Montgomery City-County Public Library Library Technology and Automation $60,000Town and County Library (Clayton) Collection Development (year-end) $8,00029

District ThreeMICHAEL ROGERSDistrict Three includes the following counties: Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa (portion), Lee,Macon, Montgomery (portion), Randolph, Russell, Talladega, and Tallapoosa.District Three FY2012 ProjectsLIBRARY PROJECT AMOUNTAIDB Resource Center (Talladega) Services for the Disabled $5,150Anniston-Calhoun County Public Library Library Technology and Automation $28,640Armstrong-Osborne Public Library (Talladega) Professional Training $2,000Auburn Public Library Cultural Diversity $20,000B. B. Comer Memorial Library (Sylacauga) Collection Development $10,000Cherokee County Public Library Professional Training $2,000Earle A. Rainwater Memorial Library (Childersburg) Collection Development (year-end) $4,000H. Grady Bradshaw-Chambers County Library (Valley) Strengthening Communities $11,600Hobson City Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $5,250Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library (Opelika) Collection Development $3,000Macon County-Tuskegee Public Library Collection Development $10,000Montgomery City-County Public Library Library Technology and Automation $60,000Ohatchee Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Phenix City-Russell County Library Collection Development (year-end) $4,00030

District FourROBERT ADERHOLTDistrict Four includes the following counties: Blount, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Lamar, Marion,Marshall, Morgan (portion), Pickens (portion), St. Clair (portion), Walker, and Winston.District Four FY2012 ProjectsLIBRARY PROJECT AMOUNTAliceville Public Library Library Technology and Automation (SLD) $8,000Arley Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Ashville Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Boaz Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Carbon Hill Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Carrollton Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Collinsville Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $3,600Cullman County Public Library Library Technology (year-end) $17,045Decatur Public Library Collection Development $10,000Double Springs Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Eva Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $5,600Falkville Public Library Collection Development (year-end) $4,190Gadsden-Etowah County Public Library Library Technology and Automation $60,000Gadsden-Etowah County Public Library Professional Training $2,000Geraldine Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $6,000Guntersville Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Haleyville Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,00031

District Four FY2012 Projects(continued)Jasper Public Library Collection Development $10,000Northwest Regional Library (Franklin, Lamar, andMarion Counties)Collection Development (year-end) $22,500Odenville Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Pell City Public Library Library Technology and Automation $20,000Pickens County Cooperative Library Professional Training $2,000Ragland Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Rainsville Public Library Strengthening Youth and Family (SLD) $5,000Rufus Floyd Public Library (Hokes Bluff) Collection Development (year-end) $7,000Somerville Public Library Collection Development (year-end) $7,000Southside Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Springville Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000St. Clair County Library Collection Development $10,000Steele Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Sumiton Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,00032

District FiveMO BROOKSDistrict Five includes the following counties: Colbert, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, and Morgan(portion).District Five FY2012 ProjectsLIBRARY PROJECT AMOUNTAthens-Limestone Public Library Professional Training $2,000Athens-Limestone Public Library Services for Those Having Difficulty Using a Library $20,000Courtland Public Library Collection Development (year-end) $7,000Decatur Public Library Collection Development $10,000Eva Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $5,600Falkville Public Library Collection Development (year-end) $4,190Florence-Lauderdale Public Library Digitization of High-Demand Rare Library Materials $15,000Helen Keller Public Library (Tuscumbia) Library Technology and Automation $20,000Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Micrographic Equipment $4,500Killen Public Library Collection Development (year-end) $7,000Lawrence County Public Library Collection Development $10,000Leighton Public Library Collection Development (year-end) $7,000Lena Cagle Public Library (Bridgeport) Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Muscle Shoals Public Library Library Technology and Automation $20,000Muscle Shoals Public Library Professional Training $2,000Rogersville Public Library Library Technology (year-end) $5,625Sheffield Public Library Library Technology and Automation $20,000Somerville Public Library Collection Development (year-end) $7,00033

District SixSPENCER BACHUSDistrict Six includes the following counties: Bibb, Chilton, Coosa (portion), Jefferson (portion), Shelby, St. Clair (portion),and Tuscaloosa (portion).District Six FY2012 ProjectsLIBRARY PROJECT AMOUNTAshville Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Birmingham Public Library Digitization of High-Demand Rare Library Materials $15,000Chelsea Public Library Collection Development $10,000Clay Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Green Pond-Woodstock Public Library Collection Development (year-end) $7,000Harrison Regional Library (Shelby County) Library Technology and Automation $19,875Homewood Public Library Library Technology and Automation $20,952Hoover Public Library Library Technology and Automation $56,195Irondale Public Library Collection Development $7,000Jefferson County Library Cooperative Library Technology and Automation $3,935North Shelby Library Collection Development $10,000Odenville Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Parnell Memorial Library (Montevallo) Collection Development (SLD) $2,900Pelham Public Library Collection Development $10,000Pell City Public Library Library Technology and Automation $20,000Pinson Public Library ARSL Conference $1,500Ragland Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Springville Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000St. Clair County Library Collection Development $10,000Steele Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Trussville Public Library Collection Development $9,720Tuscaloosa Public Library Library Technology and Automation $43,895Vestavia Hills Public Library Library Technology and Automation $56,75734

District SevenTERRI A. SEWELLDistrict Seven includes the following counties: Choctaw, Clarke (portion), Dallas, Greene, Hale, Jefferson (portion),Marengo, Perry, Pickens (portion), Sumter, Tuscaloosa (portion), and Wilcox.District Seven FY2012 ProjectsLIBRARY PROJECT AMOUNTAliceville Public Library Library Technology and Automation (SLD) $8,000Birmingham Public Library Digitization of High-Demand Rare Library Materials $15,000Carrollton Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Clay Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $7,000Hale County Library Collection Development (SLD) $4,500Homewood Public Library Library Technology and Automation $20,952Hoover Public Library Library Technology and Automation $56,195Irondale Public Library Collection Development $7,000Jefferson County Library Cooperative Library Technology and Automation $3,935Moundville Public Library Collection Development (SLD) $2,000Pickens County Cooperative Library Professional Training $2,000Ruby Pickens Tartt Public Library (Livingston) Collection Development (SLD) $3,000Selma-Dallas County Public Library Strengthening Youth and Family $7,760Thomasville Public Library Professional Training $2,000Thomasville Public Library Services for Those Having Difficulty Using a Library $6,500Trussville Public Library Collection Development $9,720Tuscaloosa Public Library Library Technology and Automation $43,895Vestavia Hills Public Library Library Technology and Automation $56,757White Smith Public Library (Jackson) Library Technology and Automation (SLD) $5,00035

2012 LSTA Advisory CouncilKathy A. BaileyTuscaloosa Public LibraryRepresents: Library Users/Public LibrariesMichael BriddellMontgomery, AlabamaRepresents: Library UsersDelores CarlitoUAB Mervyn H. Sterne Library (Birmingham)Represents: Four-Year CollegesBeth Wheeler DeanGuntersville Public LibraryRepresents: Public LibrariesMorgan GrimesDemopolis Public LibraryRepresents: Library Users/Public LibrariesPatricia GuarinoHoover Public LibraryRepresents: Public LibrariesKatie GuerinNorth Shelby LibraryRepresents: Public LibrariesMary HamiltonH. Grady Bradshaw-Chambers County Library (Valley)Represents: Public LibrariesAmanda JacksonGadsden-Etowah County Public LibraryRepresents: Public LibrariesTeresa LacyAIDB Resource Center (Talladega)Represents: Institutional LibrariesSusan D. MarkhamHuntsville-Madison County Public LibraryRepresents: Public LibrariesLiz ReedBaldwin County Library CooperativeRepresents: Public LibrariesRonnie SmithEufaula Carnegie LibraryRepresents: Public LibrariesEmily TishTrussville Public LibraryRepresents: Public LibrariesSandra UnderwoodCarl Elliott Regional Library (Jasper)Represents: Public LibrariesDanny WallaceUniversity of Alabama School of Library and InformationStudiesRepresents: Library Schools36