Library and Information Services Program, Puerto Rico Department of Education
Post Office Box 190759
San Juan, PR 00919-0759
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 | $1,917,413.00 |
| 2021 | $1,614,152.00 |
| 2022 | $1,751,966.00 |
| 2023 | $2,230,384.00 |
| 2024 | $2,147,080.00 |
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 |
|---|---|
| puertorico5yearplan.pdf | 1.08 MB |
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 |
|---|---|
| puertorico5yearevaluation.pdf | 7.14 MB |
Project Examples
Continuity of Educational Services During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic required the Puerto Rico Department of Education to diversify teaching tools to accommodate virtual environments and guarantee access to education for all students. Students attended hybrid classes, in person and online, but many did not have access to the technology that would allow them to attend classes remotely. Schools partnered to offer their resources so teachers could print educational materials and assignments for students unable to take classes virtually. Approximately 541 school libraries with photocopiers collaborated in these efforts and distributed 2,261 boxes of materials among the seven educational regions.
IMLS Funds: $288,567.49
Interactive Screens for School Libraries
Puerto Rico’s Library and Information Services Program in the Department of Education worked to close gaps in student learning and support novel teaching strategies with the purchase of new equipment. A total of 72 school libraries received a 75" interactive screen that allowed them to create interactive classes and facilitate distance learning. Participating librarians received resources and training to use the touch panel technology for story times and educational games. They held workshops for students, teachers, and parents, and integrated the screens with the classes in science, mathematics, history, Spanish, English, physical education and art. The project brought library services in line with new technologies and worked to reduce academic lags that developed during the pandemic.
IMLS Funds: $292,469.34
Bringing the Library to Your Home
Puerto Rico’s Library and Information Services Program provided students with an interactive digital platform and related workbooks to enhance reading and critical thinking skills. The project leads coordinated with 241 school libraries and one public library to offer access to virtual learning software that students could use at home. Through a digitized reading adventure, students investigated cases presented in each of the stories and looked for clues to solve them. Each student had their own account on the platform to personalize their learning experience, but all students benefitted from the platform’s authoritative information that related to academic standards.
IMLS Funds: $470,425.56
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: Promote formal education and lifelong learning for the people of Puerto Rico.
- Projects include:
- Information services for individuals with disabilities
- Reading and writing initiatives
- STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) programs
- Access to print and online resources
Goal 2: Improve access to information through projects that impact all types of libraries in Puerto Rico.
- Projects include:
- Information services to diverse populations, and especially senior citizens
- Cultural and recreational reading activities
Goal 3: Optimize the management processes and institutional capacity of libraries in Puerto Rico.
- Projects include:
- Online platform for LSTA projects
- Cataloging platform to enable interlibrary loan
Goal 4: Strengthen the library workforce through professional development and continuing education activities.
- Projects include:
- Continuing education for library staff
- Curriculum development for library/information science graduate programs
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.