A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

Biennial Evaluation Report - FY 93-94

Chapter 607

Library Literacy Program--Discretionary Grants to State and Local Public Libraries

(CFDA No. 84.167)

I. Program Profile

Legislation: Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA), Title VI, as amended (20 U.S.C. 351 et seq.) (expires September 30, 1995).

Purpose: To provide grants to State and local public libraries for the support of adult literacy programs in public libraries.

Funding History

Fiscal Year	Appropriation
1986	$4,785,000
1987	5,000,000
1988	4,787,000
1989	4,730,000
1990	5,365,000
1991	8,163,000
1992	8,163,000
1993	8,097,696
1994	8,097,696

II. Program Information and Analysis

Population Targeting

The Library Literacy Program supports State and local public libraries in projects that serve illiterate and functionally illiterate adults.

Services

A total of 247 grants were awarded to State and local public libraries in FY 1993 to support projects in 43 States. Of these, 12 grants were awarded to State public libraries to train librarians and volunteers through workshops and seminars, to initiate and coordinate Statewide literacy programs, and to provide technical assistance to help librarians in their States conduct literacy projects.

The 235 grants to local public libraries were used to acquire literacy materials, to recruit and train volunteers to be tutors, and to reach the illiterate population in the communities served.

Program Administration

Grants are awarded competitively for 1 year.

Outcomes

Project Outcomes (for projects operating Oct. 1, 1992 - Sept. 30, 1993)

Mission 1: Reduce the rate of adult illiteracy.

An estimated 27,000 adults received literacy services from projects funded under LSCA Title VI.

Mission 2: Help libraries be more actively involved in adult literacy.

A total of 281 libraries participated in community-based literacy activities with LSCA Title VI funds.

Mission 3: To encourage cooperation among literacy providers in a community.

Virtually all LSCA Title VI projects (97 percent) coordinated their services with literacy organizations and community-based organizations that provide similar or related services.

Mission 4: Promote volunteerism - of people and organizations.

All grantees are involved in volunteer literacy services.
Approximately 13,000 - 14,000 new tutors were trained.
82 percent of the libraries funded under LSCA Title VI helped recruit students and volunteer tutors.
95 percent of the libraries funded under LSCA Title VI provided training opportunities to interested individuals.

Cost Data The cost of delivering literacy services to adults through the Library Literacy Program during the period October 1, 1992 - September 30, 1993 was approximately $300 per participant served.

Management Improvement Strategies

The Department disseminated approximately 2,000 copies of the annual program publication: Library Literacy Program: Analysis of Funded Projects, 1991 (III.2).

III. Sources of Information

Program files.
Library Literacy Program: Analysis of Funded Projects (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Education, 1991).

IV. Planned Studies

None.

V. Contacts for Further Information

Program Operations:: Carol Cameron/Barbara Humes, (202) 219-1315
Program Studies:: Brenda Long, (202) 401-1958

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[Foreign Languages Materials Program]

[College Library Technology and Cooperation Grants]