Mississippi Library Commission
3881 Eastwood Drive
Jackson, MS 39211
United States
The Grants to States Program
The Grants to States Program is the largest grant program run by IMLS; it provides funds to State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) using a population-based formula set by the law. SLAAs determine goals and objectives for the funds in their statutorily required five-year plan (see below). For more information, see the Grants to States program overview.
Allotments
| Year | Allotment Value |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $1,498,515.00 |
| 2021 | $1,769,132.00 |
| 2022 | $1,907,865.00 |
| 2023 | $2,062,606.00 |
| 2024 | $2,109,457.00 |
5 Year Plan
Each state creates a 5-year plan for its programs to strengthen the efficiency, reach, and effectiveness of library services. View all states' plans.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| mississippi5yearplan.pdf | 241.53 KB |
5 Year Evaluation
At the end of a 5-year period, each state reports their results in achieving goals and objectives projected in their 5-Year Plan. View all states' evaluations.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| mississippi5yearevaluation.pdf | 623.52 KB |
“We feel our role and the role of federal funds is to ensure equity, to make sure that it doesn't matter where you live or what your educational attainment is when it comes to library service. Our staff training and purchasing support are guided by that mission.”
-- Hulen Bivins, Executive Director, Mississippi Library Commission
Project Examples
Technology Services
The Mississippi Library Commission (MLC) provided free technical assistance, training and consulting to public libraries on various technology issues. MLC supported libraries across the state with issues related to local networks, PCs, servers, and internet circuits, email and website hosting, troubleshooting network and computer issues. MLC also maintained a wide area network through help desk tickets and helped libraries navigate the E-Rate program for internet discounts. Many libraries in Mississippi are unable to afford IT services and have computers and other electronic items in need of service. This program allowed professional IT technicians to travel to those locations to fix broken equipment and upgrade systems to improve services to libraries and their patrons.
IMLS Funds: $312,424.01
Empower Libraries - Institutional Capacity
The Mississippi Library Commission (MLC) awarded CARES Act funds to 23 public libraries to purchase technology supplies and materials that would respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The stimulus funds allowed many library systems to continue offering safe, effective services to their communities without contributing to the spread of the virus. One library system reported that new laptops and webcams allowed patrons to access library internet while remaining socially distanced, and staff were able to continue providing virtual services. Another system purchased laptops for patron checkout, which saw significant use. From enabling virtual legal consultations to providing emergency back-ups for home computer crashes, the equipment impacted individuals and communities in many ways.
IMLS Funds: $67,225.63
Reading Programs--Center for the Book
The Mississippi Center for the Book, operating out of the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC), developed and maintained annual reading programs for adults as well as other reading programs. The Center for the Book also participated in partnerships for community engagement opportunities, such as the Mississippi Book Festival and the development of a Mississippi Literary Map. To increase the capacity of Mississippi libraries to offer programming, the Center for the Book created Book Club in a Box and other kits for statewide checkout, containing items such as LEGOs, art kits, video game kits, and STEM kits.
IMLS Funds: $4,440.68
Review recent Grants to States projects from this state library in the State Program Report database.
Search the Awarded Grants Database for additional details about awards in this state or view the State Details Dashboard.
Five-Year Plan Highlights
Goal 1: Enhance the Technological Environment of Mississippi Libraries
- Projects include:
- Technology support and services to public libraries
- Partnerships that lead to improved internet access
- E-Rate guidance and support
Goal 2: Support and Enhance the Library Workforce
- Projects include:
- Continuing education for library staff
- Consulting to public libraries
Goal 3: Strengthen Libraries by Sharing Resources
- Projects include:
- Shared resources, including interlibrary loan, cataloging, and resource library
- Reading programs, including the Summer Library Program
Goal 4: Serve All Mississippians
- Projects include:
- Talking Book Services
- Disability outreach support
Goal 5: Empower Libraries
- Projects include:
- Competitive grants to benefit public libraries
- Non-competitive grants for public libraries
- Cooperative agreements for statewide projects
IMLS Data Collection
State Library Administrative Agency Survey
The State Library Administrative Agency Survey (SLAA) provides descriptive data about state library agencies for all fifty states and the District of Columbia. To interact with the latest data, please visit the SLAA Survey Comparison Tool.
Public Libraries Survey
The Public Libraries Survey (PLS) provides national descriptive data on the status of public libraries in the United States and its territories. Explore state profiles representing more than 9,000 public library systems and over 17,000 public library outlets.