The Library Development program promotes the advancement of libraries across the state. It provides direct professional advice and technical assistance to public libraries.
Current projects and initiatives include: consulting services; training; application of emerging technologies; administration of Federal LSTA funds; bookmobile services to counties; collaboration with tribal libraries; public library certification; collection and reporting of library statistics; improvement of youth services; Utah Kids Ready to Read; and a collaborative summer reading program.
During the 2015 General Session, the Legislature appropriated for Fiscal Year 2016, $2,625,900 from all sources for Library Development. This is an 11.2 percent increase from Fiscal Year 2015 revised estimated amounts from all sources. The total includes $941,700 from the General/Education Funds, an increase of 28.1 percent from revised Fiscal Year 2015 estimates.
Funding for Library Development comes from the General Fund, federal funds, and dedicated credits. Dedicated credits in this program are generated by the bookmobile program. Most of the funding for the program is used for staff support, maintenance of bookmobile services, and federal grant expenditures through the Library Service and Technology Act (LSTA).
COBI contains unaudited data as presented to the Legislature by state agencies at the time of publication. For audited financial data see the State of Utah's Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports.