The Wyoming State Library is granted federal funds every year from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). Over the past five years, Wyoming library patrons and staff have benefited from LSTA funds that total almost $900,000 annually. Our fact sheet has a list of specific technologies and services purchased (second page), but here are the highlights of what federal funds support:
LSTA dollars are used to Connect Patrons with Library Materials in both print and electronic formats. All Wyoming residents have access to LSTA funded purchases through their local school, public, or college library.
School and college-level library users make extensive use of the Research Databases found at GoWYLD.net. Students of all ages rely on the availability of the thousands of journals, magazines, and other scholarly resources found in these powerful tools. An average of 3 million research sessions are logged each year in GoWYLD.net databases.
Patrons at over over 100 Wyoming libraries use WYLDCAT (the statewide library catalog) to borrow 4.5 million items each year. The statewide Interlibrary Loan System allows users to borrow items from all over the world. In an average year, Wyoming patrons use this service more than 55,000 times. Sharing resources in this way saves public funds and provides equitable access to customers of all library sizes.
Wyoming residents from every background utilize the Digital Content and Genealogy resources found at GoWYLD.net. Every year over 250,000 eBooks, eAudiobooks, and digital magazines are downloaded and our popular genealogy and history databases are used by Wyoming residents to conduct family history research.
Job Seekers use Career Development resources found at GoWYLD.net, including college admissions and ASVAB prep tests, online courses, career licensing tests, and eBooks for academic skills development.
LSTA funds provide recreational and educational library resources to the 13 Wyoming State Institutions which serve the elderly, the disabled, and persons in correctional facilities.
The WSL supports library staff around the state by providing face-to-face and online Training focused on the subjects of technology, library software, and library policies. More than 75 such training sessions are conducted each year. Additionally, the Directors’ Work Session provides an annual platform for continuing education, strategic planning, and building a culture of collaboration throughout the Wyoming Library Community.