The services and resources that the SDSL provides through LSTA funding are vital for the survival of our small and rural libraries. These same services and resources offer our academic, school, and mid to large size public libraries the capacity save funds that can be used for additional programing and resources.”

--George Seamon, State Librarian, South Dakota State Library

Braille and Talking Book Program
The South Dakota Braille and Talking Book Library (SDBTBL) provided access to reading material in accessible formats for citizens who are visually impaired or have physical or learning disabilities. Reader advisory staff consulted with the patrons, their families, or caregivers and facilitated use of the program’s services. The SDBTBL partnered with South Dakota Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired, South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired as well as local assisted living facilities, nursing homes and the local VA hospitals to provide talking book services to as many citizens as possible. The SDBTBL also works with local schools, the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education, and the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired to ensure students have Braille, large print, or special format textbooks for the school year.
IMLS Funds: $439,414.52

Technology Grant Funding
A portion of the CARES Act stimulus funding received by the South Dakota State Library (SDSL) was distributed directly to South Dakota school and public libraries to improve technology and to keep staff and communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Libraries purchased desktop and laptop computers, printers, Wi-Fi availability, hotspots, and integrated library systems to assist in meeting patron needs during the pandemic and beyond. CARES Act funds also enabled libraries to purchase sanitizer and dispensers, counter and keyboard protectors, cleaning products and thermometers. Remaining funds were used to add titles to the SDSL eBook collection due to the surge in usage during the pandemic.
IMLS Funds: $79,937
 

Digital Services and Reference
South Dakota State Library (SDSL) continued to digitize state publications, make born-digital state publications available to the public, and provide related services for libraries, South Dakota citizens, and state government. SDSL makes current and historical South Dakota state publications available to state agencies and to researchers worldwide via a digital repository. Digitization staff scan historical publications and create metadata to describe each item and save it in PDF format. Thanks to this project, these collections are available to researchers around the world. Staff also partner with libraries throughout the state for "Scan Day" events, where community members can make an appointment to have personal historical documents and photos digitized and preserved.
IMLS Funds: $82,896.93