State Libraries
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. 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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