Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Grant

http://www.imls.gov/applicants/lb21_guidelines_2013.aspx

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Grants – FY13 Guidelines
Application Deadline: September 17, 2012
(Projects must begin April 1, May 1, or June 1, 2013.)
Date Posted: July 17, 2012
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 45.313

Questions? See the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program
program Web page for IMLS contact info.

IMLS Information


Teletype (TTY/TDD) (for persons with hearing difficulty):
202/653-4614
Upon request, IMLS will provide an audio recording of this or
any other publication.



About the Institute of
Museum and Library
Services
National Initiatives

Guideline Contents

Web Conferencing with Program Staff
We are available by phone and through e-mail to discuss general
issues relating to Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program
grants. We also invite you to participate in one of two preapplication web conferences to learn more about the program, ask
questions, and listen to the questions and comments of other
participants. See the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program
program Web page for date/time information.

1. Program Information
2. Eligibility
3. Registration
Requirements
4. Preparing and
Submitting an
Application
5. After You Apply

Equal Opportunity
IMLS-funded programs do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,
disability, or age. For further information, write to the Civil Rights Officer, Institute of Museum
and Library Services, 1800 M Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20036-5802.
Office of Management and Budget Clearance Numbers
Guidelines: OMB No. 3137-0029; Expiration Date: August 31, 2013.
Forms: OMB No. 3137-0071; Expiration Date: August 31, 2013.
How long should it take me to complete this application?
We estimate the average amount of time needed for one applicant to complete the narrative
portion of this application to be 40 hours. This includes the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and writing and
reviewing the answers.

We estimate that, in addition to the time needed for you to answer the narrative questions, it will
take you an average of 15 minutes per response for the Program Information Sheet, 3 hours per
response for the Detailed Budget and Summary Budget, and 10 minutes per response for the
Partnership Statement.
Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of
information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Institute of Museum and
Library Services at 1800 M Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20036-5802, and to the
Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (3137-0029), Washington, DC
20503.

1. Program Information
What are Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program
grants?
The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (LB21) invests in the nation’s information
infrastructure by funding projects designed to address the education and training needs of the
professionals who help build, maintain, and provide public access to the world’s wide-ranging
information systems and sources.
In 2013, the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program will support projects to develop faculty
and library leaders, to recruit and educate the next generation of librarians and archivists, to build
institutional capacity in graduate schools of library and information science, and to assist in the
professional development of librarians and archivists. This grant program is especially interested
in developing information professionals who can help manage the burgeoning data generated by
the nation’s researchers, serve as stewards of the nation’s cultural legacy, and meet the
information needs of the underserved. The program also seeks to help librarians develop the
information and digital literacy of their communities, as well as other critical skills their users
will need to be successful in the 21st century.
This program addresses the field’s need to advance the work of new faculty in library and
information science by supporting an early career development program for untenured, tenuretrack faculty. Research conducted under the early careers program should be in the faculty
member’s particular research area and is not restricted to research on the profession.

What is the deadline for applying for a Laura Bush 21st
Century Librarian Program grant?
The FY2013 deadline for Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program grants is September 17,
2012.

What is the period of time in which my organization can
conduct activities funded by a FY13 LB21 grant?
Projects must begin on April 1, May 1, or June 1, 2013. Projects must begin on the first day of
the month and end on the last day of the final month of the project. Project activities supported
by LB21 grants may be carried out for up to 3 years, or 4 years for doctoral projects;
Collaborative Planning and National Forum Grant projects may last up to one year.

How much money can my institution apply for?
LB21 grant awards range from $50,000 to $500,000.1

Do we have to provide funds from other sources for an LB21
grant?
In order to receive an LB21 grant, you must provide funds from non-federal sources in an
amount that is equal to or greater than the amount of the grant after subtraction of student
support costs. Click here for further information on cost sharing.

What types of activities can be funded with an LB21 grant?
The primary goal of this grant program is to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the
library and archives workforce to meet the information needs of the nation.
Five project categories of grants are featured in FY 2013. The goals of each LB21 project
category are described here. Your application should designate one of these project
categories. The same proposal may not be submitted to IMLS under more than one.
1. Doctoral Programs




Develop faculty to educate the next generation of library and archives professionals. In
particular, increase the number of students enrolled in doctoral programs that will prepare
faculty to teach master’s students who will work in school, public, academic, research,
and special libraries and archives.
Develop the next generation of library and archives leaders to assume positions as
managers and administrators.

2. Master’s Programs


Educate the next generation of librarians and archivists in nationally accredited graduate
library programs to meet the evolving needs of the profession and society.

3. Early Career Development



Support the early career development of new faculty members in library and information
science by supporting innovative research by untenured, tenure-track faculty.
(Proposed research should be in the investigator’s own field of inquiry and need not
relate to library education or librarianship as a career. For more information on the
early career development program, contact Kevin Cherry ([email protected] or 202/6534662) or Mary Alice Ball ([email protected] or 202/653-4730), and see Special Conditions
of Eligibility for Institutions of Higher Education. See also the frequently asked questions
(FAQs) about the IMLS Early Career Development Program on the IMLS Web site at
www.imls.gov/assets/1/AssetManager/L21_early_career_development.pdf.)

4. Programs to Build Institutional Capacity




Develop or enhance curricula within graduate schools of library and information science
to better meet the needs of cultural heritage and information professionals. For example:
 Develop or enhance courses or programs of study in all aspects of digital curation
(creation, authentication, archiving, preservation, retrieval, and representation of
high-quality data for use and reuse over time).
 Broaden the library and information science curriculum by incorporating
perspectives from other disciplines and fields of scholarship.
 Develop or enhance programs of study that address knowledge, skills, abilities,
and issues of common interest to libraries, museums, archives, and data
repositories. (See report of the Cultural Heritage Information Professionals
Workshop at http://chips.ci.fsu.edu.)
Develop projects or programs of study to increase the abilities of future library and
archives professionals in developing the 21st century skills of their users, including
information and digital literacy skills. (See Museums, Libraries, and 21st Century Skills.)

Only eligible (see Section 2.Eligibility) graduate programs in Library and Information Science or
School Library Media may apply to this category.
5. Continuing Education


· Improve the knowledge, skills, and abilities of library and archives staff through
programs of continuing education, both formal and informal, including post-master’s
programs such as certificates of advanced study, residencies, enhanced work experiences,
and other training programs for professional staff. We encourage programs that promote
collaboration, especially among library, archives, and museum professionals, and among
educators, researchers, and librarians employed in educational institutions. Any topic in
the field of library, archival, and information science may be addressed. The following
needs have been identified in particular:
o programs that aid libraries in developing and improving services to audiences
with special needs, such as children and youth at risk; seniors; and those with
language, physical, or other barriers to service
o programs that aid libraries in developing information and digital literacy skills of
users
o programs in digitization or any aspect of digital curation/stewardship

o
o

programs in conservation science and practice
programs to enhance the ability of librarians and archivists to cultivate the 21st
century skills of their users (See Museums, Libraries, and 21st Century Skills.)

Regardless of the project category you choose, you must also decide which of the following
funding categories you want to apply for. As with the project categories, your application
must designate one of these funding categories. The same proposal may not be submitted to
IMLS under more than one.
1. Project Grants
Amount of grant: $50,000 to $500,000.
Grant period: Up to three years or four years for doctoral projects
Cost sharing: Standard cost sharing rules apply
2. Collaborative Planning Grants
Amount of grant: Up to $50,000.
Grant period: Up to one year.
Cost sharing: Not required; cost sharing of at least one third is encouraged.
Collaborative Planning Grants support activities required to fully develop ideas for a Laura Bush
21st Century Librarian Program Project Grant among partners and should result in such products
as formal needs assessments; studies of curricula (for both formal degree and continuing
education programs); internship and mentoring plans; and research-based recruitment strategies,
which could lead to a single, subsequent Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program grant
proposal. Applications for a Collaborative Planning Grant are expected to have a basic
framework (concept, team work plan, intended results) for a project that has the potential to meet
the goals of the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program.
Collaborative Planning Grants can support a variety of activities, including partnership meetings,
needs assessments, literature searches, feasibility investigation, project formation, and other
planning efforts. Funds may support the full range of planning components, including salaries,
consultant fees, travel, meeting costs, services, and materials and supplies.
For Collaborative Planning Grants, you must follow the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian
Program application instructions, but are not required to address the Communication or
Sustainability evaluation criteria. Applicants are required to have at least one formal partner. All
partners must complete the Partnership Statement form and be listed in section five of the
Program Information Sheet.
3. National Forum Planning Grants
Amount of grant: Up to $100,000.
Grant period: Up to one year.
Cost sharing: Not required; cost sharing of at least one third is encouraged.
National Forum Planning Grants support workshops, symposia, or other convenings of experts
with the purpose of fostering discussion and consideration of nationally important professional

development and education-related issues to libraries and archives. Grant-supported meetings are
expected to actively engage their intended communities and produce white papers (and
potentially other publications, print or digital) to be broadly disseminated. The white paper is
required to identify the national challenges and opportunities discussed at the meeting and to
outline recommendations for future actions, community priorities, and/or potential research
agendas. The white paper must be in a publicly releasable form and not contain any personal or
proprietary information. Following consultation with IMLS the white paper should be
disseminated broadly. Meetings and their associated white papers should catalyze new directions
for partnerships and provide information and inspiration for multiple Laura Bush 21st Century
Librarian Program grant proposals.
Funds may support the full range of planning components including salaries, consultant fees,
travel, meeting costs, services, supplies, and the costs of development and communication of the
final report.
For National Forum Planning Grants, you must follow the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian
Program application instructions, but are not required to address the Sustainability evaluation
criteria.
You are required to designate the appropriate funding category and project category on your
Program Information Sheet. Applicants are required to have at least one formal partner. All
partners must complete the Partnership Statement form and be listed in section five of the
Program Information Sheet.
The awarding of a Collaborative Planning or National Forum Planning Grant neither guarantees
nor implies future funding.
Indirect costs cannot be applied to a Collaborative Planning or National Forum Planning Grant.
In all project and funding categories, if your application has a recruitment component, you
should address ways to
1. bring to the profession skills required to enhance library and/or archives services; and
2. broaden participation in the library profession, including but not limited to members of
traditionally underserved groups and communities
We encourage proposals that seek to increase the ability of librarians to provide programs and
services relating to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) across all categories.

Acknowledgement and Copyright/Work Products
Read more about Acknowledgement and Copyright/Work Products

What requirements govern the use of IMLS funds?

You may only use IMLS funds for allowable costs as found in IMLS and government-wide costprinciple rules, including OMB circulars and regulations.
Examples of allowable expenses for Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program grants include












tuition and fees;
course buyouts, summer session salary;
project personnel (contract or in-house) whose time is necessary for the proper and
efficient execution of the project;
project consultants and their travel;
workshops, conference attendance, and other professional development activities;
mentoring programs/internships/residencies/fellowships;
educational materials, staff time, and supplies for sharing the impact of the activities;
evaluation to show the extent to which the project has met its goals;
dissemination/communication activities;
indirect or overhead costs (except for Collaborative Planning or National Forum Planning
Grants); and
subcontracts.

You must justify all proposed expenses in your application budget.
Examples of unallowable expenses for Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program grants
include











salary substitution for regular employees;2
fundraising costs, such as development office expenditures or other staff time devoted to
general fundraising;
general advertising or public relations costs designed solely for promotional activities
other than those related to the specific project;
advocacy;
contributions to endowments;
acquisition of collections;
social activities, ceremonies, receptions, or entertainment;
construction and/or renovation of facilities;
subgrants and subawards; and
pre-award costs.

(Note: Applicants with questions about the allowability of specific activities should call IMLS
staff for guidance.)

What are the guidelines for partnerships with other entities?
Partnerships may strengthen a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program application. The
Collaborative Planning and National Forum Planning Grants require a partner, as do Project
Grants in the Masters category from schools of library and information science. An application
may include one or more partners. The lead applicant in a partnership must be eligible to apply

as an individual entity, and all members of a partnership should be active contributors to project
activities. Read more about partnerships.

1. Subject to the availability of funds and IMLS discretion.
2. IMLS does not allow applicants to substitute grant funds for the salaries of regular employees.
Regular employees, however, may be paid from grant funds in direct relationship to the time and
effort they commit to the grant project, if the application demonstrates how their regular duties
will be fulfilled while they are working on the grant-funded project.

2. Eligibility
What are the eligibility criteria that must be met to apply for
an LB21 grant?
To be eligible for a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant, you must be either a unit of state or
local government or a private nonprofit organization that has tax-exempt status under the Internal
Revenue Code and be located in one of the 50 states of the United States of America, the District
of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin
Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall
Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau.
In addition, you must be one of the following six types of organizations:
1. A library or a parent organization, such as a school district, a municipality, a state
agency, or an academic institution, that is responsible for the administration of a library.
Eligible libraries include the following:
o public libraries
o public elementary and secondary school libraries
o college and university libraries
o research libraries and archives that are not an integral part of an institution of
higher education and that make publicly available library services and materials
that are suitable for scholarly research and not otherwise available (Research
libraries must be under the supervision of at least one permanent professional
staff librarian and must be either generally recognized as possessing unique
scholarly research materials and services that are made available to the public, or
able to demonstrate that such is the case when submitting an application to
IMLS.)

o

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

private or special libraries that have been deemed eligible to participate in this
program by the state in which the library is located
An academic or administrative unit, such as a graduate school of library and information
science that is part of an institution of higher education through which it would make
application (See below for additional conditions of eligibility that might apply to such
applicants.)
A digital library, if it makes library materials publicly available and provides library
services, including selection, organization, description, reference, and preservation, under
the supervision of at least one permanent professional staff librarian
A library agency that is an official agency of a state or other unit of government and is
charged by the law governing it with the extension and development of public library
services within its jurisdiction
A library consortium that is a local, statewide, regional, interstate, or international
cooperative association of library entities that provides for the systematic and effective
coordination of the resources of eligible libraries, as defined above, and information
centers that work to improve the services delivered to the clientele of these libraries
A library association that exists on a permanent basis; serves libraries or library
professionals on a national, regional, state, or local level; and engages in activities
designed to advance the well-being of libraries and the library profession

We recognize the potential for valuable contributions to the overall goals of the LB21program by
entities that do not meet the eligibility requirements above. Although such entities may not serve
as the official applicants, they are encouraged to participate in projects as partners. Federally
operated libraries and museums may not apply for LB21 grants, but they may serve as
nonessential partners to applicants. Contact us before submitting a proposal involving a federal
agency or federal collection. Other nonfederal entities may serve as partners and may receive
IMLS grant funds as a result of the project. Consult with us about any eligibility questions before
submitting an application.

What are the special conditions for institutions of higher
education?
Institutions of higher education as noted under Categories 1, 2, 3, and 4 (see Project
Categories)have special conditions for their applications:
1. Doctoral Programs
Only graduate schools of library and information science offering programs of study at the
doctoral level are eligible to apply for funding of doctoral level scholarships and fellowships,
either individually or in a partnership.
2. Master’s Programs
Graduate schools of library and information science and graduate schools that provide school
library media certification programs are eligible to apply for funds to educate students at the
master’s level only if they apply in a partnership that includes one or more eligible library
entities. Any of the eligible applicants in the partnership may serve as the lead applicant.

3. Early Career Development Projects






Only tenure-track, untenured faculty in graduate schools of library and information
science and graduate school library media education programs that prepare master’s- and
doctoral-level students are eligible to serve as principal investigators/project directors on
Early Career Development projects.
The principal investigator must hold a doctoral degree, be untenured, and be in a tenuretrack position that has both educational and research responsibilities.
Projects must have a single principal investigator with no co-investigators. Consultants
and students may be included in the project.
A letter of departmental endorsement, including verification of principal investigator
eligibility, must be included in the application packet.

4. Programs to Build Institutional Capacity
All graduate schools of library and information science and school library media graduate
programs are eligible to apply for funding to build institutional capacity, either individually or in
a partnership. Libraries, library associations, and other library entities are not eligible for funding
in this category.

3. Registration Requirements
What requirements must be met in order to submit an
application?
Before submitting an application, your organization must have a current and active D-U-N-S®
Number, CCR registration, and Grants.gov registration. Check your materials and registrations
well in advance of the application deadline to ensure that they are accurate, current, and active.
Getting a DUNS Number
Read more about Getting a D-U-N-S® Number.
CCR Registration
Read more about CCR Registration.
Grants.gov Registration
Read more about Grants.gov Registration and Tips for Using Grants.gov.

4. Preparing and Submitting an Application

PLEASE REVIEW THESE GUIDELINES AND THE GRANTS.GOV REQUIREMENTS
CAREFULLY. WE MAKE GRANTS ONLY TO ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS THAT
SUBMIT COMPLETE APPLICATIONS, INCLUDING ATTACHMENTS, ON OR
BEFORE THE DEADLINE.
For the FY13 Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program grants, Grants.gov will accept
applications through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 17, 2012.
We strongly recommend that you REGISTER EARLY and COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THE
APPLICATION EARLY.
Apply for Grants: www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp
Use one of the following identifiers to locate the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program
grants package in Grants.gov:
CFDA No: 45.313
Funding Opportunity Number: L21-FY13

What documents are required and how should they be
completed, formatted, named, and sequenced?
Please see the Table of Application Components below. Links to more information and
instructions for completing forms are provided in the table. Applications missing any Required
Documents or applicable Conditionally Required Documents from this list will be considered
incomplete and will be rejected from further consideration. You should also use this table to
determine the format of each document, the name it must be given, and the sequence in which
the documents should be attached.
We will not accept file formats other than PDF and we will not convert files for you. For
assistance in converting documents to PDF, visit
www.grants.gov/help/download_software.jsp#pdf_conversion_programs. Also, please do not
send secured PDFs because we cannot process these files.

Please note that, aside from the first two documents listed, all documents must be submitted as
PDF documents, regardless of how they were created. Documents listed as IMLS forms are
available in both Microsoft® Word document and fill-in PDF formats, and are located on the
IMLS Web site. If you do not have Adobe® Pro, we suggest using the Word document to
complete the forms. Remember, the Word version must later be converted to and submitted as a
PDF.
Be sure to note the maximum page limits for certain components. We will remove any pages
above the limit, and we will not send them to reviewers as part of your application.

Append all the documents to the attachments form in the sequence used in the Table of
Application Components. Use all the available spaces in the "Mandatory Documents for
Submission" box first. If there are more attachments than will fit there, use the "Optional
Documents for Submission" box for the remaining ones, following the same naming convention
and submitting them one at a time.
You may use this table as a checklist to ensure that you have created and attached all the
documents that may be necessary for a complete application. We suggest assembling and
uploading your documents in this sequence to assist you in confirming the inclusion of all
required materials.

Table of Application Components
Component

Format

File name to use

Required Documents
The Application for Federal Assistance/Short
Organizational Form (SF-424S)

Grants.gov form n/a

Abstract (to be uploaded through Grants.gov)
(one page, max.)

Text document
that you create

Program Information Sheet

IMLS PDF form Programinfo.pdf

Organizational Profile (one page, max.)

PDF document

Organizationalprofile.pdf

Narrative (ten pages, max.)

PDF document

Narrative.pdf

Schedule of Completion (one page per year,
max.)

PDF document

Scheduleofcompletion.pdf

Detailed Budget Form (by year, as appropriate)

IMLS PDF form Detailedbudgetyear1.pdf
Detailedbudgetyear2.pdf
Detailedbudgetyear3.pdf

Summary Budget Form

IMLS PDF form Summarybudget.pdf

Budget Justification (two pages, max.)

PDF document

Budgetjustification.pdf

List of Key Project Staff and Consultants (one
page, max.)

PDF document

Projectstaff.pdf

Resumes of Key Project Staff and Consultants
that appear on the list above (two pages each,
max.)

PDF document

Resumes.pdf

n/a

Conditionally Required Documents
Proof of Nonprofit Status (if applicable)

PDF document

Proofnonprofit.pdf

Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate
Agreement (if applicable)

PDF document

Indirectcostrate.pdf

Partnership Statement Form(s) (if applicable)

IMLS PDF form Partners.pdf

Specifications for Projects that Develop Digital
Products Form (if applicable)

IMLS PDF form Specificationsdigital.pdf

Sample curriculum or equivalent description of
training activities (if applicable)

PDF document

Curriculum.pdf

Service Expectations/Recruitment Documentation PDF document
(if applicable)

Serviceexpectations.pdf

Student Placement Documentation (if applicable)

Studentplacement.pdf

PDF document

Supporting Documents
Information that supplements the narrative and
supports the project description provided in the
application

PDF document

Supportingdoc1.pdf
Supportingdoc2.pdf
Supportingdoc3.pdf
etc.

Abstract
A project abstract should be no more than one page. Insert the text, which you generate through a
word processing program and save as a PDF, into the Abstract field in Grants.gov.
Information in the abstract should cover the following areas as related to the proposed project:









Who is the lead applicant and, if applicable, who are the formal partners?
What do you plan to accomplish and why?
What is the time frame for the project?
What community needs will the project address?
Who is the intended audience for the activities?
What will be the specific project activities, outcomes, results, and tangible products?
What are the intended outcomes for audience members in terms of measurable changes in
knowledge, attitudes, or behavior?
How many students or individuals will benefit from the scholarship or training activity?

This abstract may be used for public information purposes, so it should be informative to other
persons working in the same or related fields, as well as to the lay reader. The abstract must not
include any proprietary or confidential information.

Program Information Sheet

1. Applicant Information
a. Legal Name: Enter the legal name of the applicant.
b. and c. Organizational Unit and Address:
If the eligible entity cannot apply for grants on its own behalf, then enter the name and address of
the entity in these spaces. For example, if a library is applying and is part of a parent
organization, such as a university, then the university would be the legal applicant, and the
library would be entered as the organizational unit. Be sure to include the four-digit extension on
the ZIP code.
d. Web Address: If an organizational unit is listed, enter its Web address here. If not, enter the
Web site of the entity listed under Legal Name in Section 1a above.
e. Type of Institution: Select the one that most accurately describes your organization.
2. Grant Program or Grant Program Category
Select f. Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program and the appropriate Funding Category
and the appropriate Project Category.
3. Request Information
a. IMLS Funds Requested: Enter the amount in dollars sought from IMLS.
b. Cost Share Amount: Enter the amount of non-federal funding you are providing. You must
provide cost sharing of at least one-half of the total project cost, excluding funds for student
support. Proposals in the Early Career Development, Collaborative Planning, and National
Forum Planning Grant categories are exempt from the cost share requirement. Click here for
further information on cost sharing.
4–8
Skip these sections, as they do not pertain to LB21 applications.

Narrative
Write a narrative that addresses the seven components listed and explained below. Limit the
narrative to ten single-spaced, numbered pages. We will remove any pages above the ten-page
limit, and we will not send them to reviewers as part of your application.
Make sure your organization’s name appears at the top of each page. Use at least 0.5-inch
margins on all sides and a font size of at least twelve point. Use Supporting Documents to
provide supplementary material.
Reviewers with a variety of professional backgrounds will read these applications and advise us
on their merits. They will base their evaluations on the information presented in the application.
Your project narrative should therefore be clear, concise, and well organized with a minimum of
technical jargon.

Review criteria are listed below for each section of the narrative. These criteria describe what the
reviewers are instructed to consider as they evaluate proposals. Keep these application review
criteria in mind when writing your narrative. Be certain to address the bullet points under each of
the seven narrative sections as you write. Address the seven sections of the narrative separately
and in the same order in which they are listed below.
Please be advised that reviewers may also choose to visit your organization’s website, as listed
on the SF-424S form provided with this application.
1. Statement of Need
Provide a justification for the proposed project as it relates to applicant and its project activities.
Include information such as the following:





Awareness of similar projects completed by other institutions
Identification of the audience(s) that will benefit from the project
Formal or informal assessment of the audience’s needs
Statement of how the proposed project, as planned, will meet the identified need

Early Career Development applicants should clearly explain how the proposed research will
address the current issues in the research literature and how the findings can be used to improve
the services of libraries and archives.
Review Criteria:




Evidence that the literature review includes relevant research and/or projects
Evidence that the needs assessment clearly articulates the project audience and its needs
Evidence that project activities and goals directly address the needs of the identified
audience

2. Impact
Describe the benefits of this project for the specific populations of library and archives users.
Address issues such as the following:





How the project will build greater skills and abilities in the library and archives
workforce
How the project is likely to contribute to results or products that will benefit multiple
institutions and diverse constituencies
How the project will transform practice. Innovative approaches will be given high
consideration.
The likelihood that the project will be adopted by other institutions

Review Criteria:







Evidence that the project will increase the number of qualified professionals for
employment as librarians or archivists
Evidence that the program will build greater skills and abilities to meet the needs of
today’s library and archives workforce
Evidence that the project will contribute to results or products that can extend beyond a
single institution to benefit multiple institutions and diverse constituencies
Evidence that project outcomes will meet library service needs not only in the
communities served but also be generalizable to libraries of similar size and type
Evidence that this project will transform practice. Innovative approaches will be given
high consideration

Resources for Evaluating a Project’s Impact
Click here for helpful information about project evaluation.

3. Project Design
Describe the proposed project’s design. Include information such as the following:











Clearly stated project goals and objectives
The activities required to implement the project and the applicant’s plan to ensure that
normal operations are not disrupted
The design, integration, and implementation of an evaluation method that will measure
project results, findings, or products
Information about the roles and commitments of partnering organizations, if applicable
Information about any preliminary work or planning (If the project or one closely related
to it has been supported by IMLS or other funding agencies, indicate what has been
accomplished and the degree to which the project has met its established goals. List any
print or electronic publications produced so far, with web addresses, statistics on use, and
other relevant information. Submit this list as a Supporting Document if necessary.)
Rationale for using any procedures that deviate from accepted practice and explanation of
whether the results would be compatible with other resources that follow existing
standards
Description of how the project will test the potential applicability of any innovative
techniques and procedures that the project is likely to develop
For training projects, description of the proposed curriculum, including training
materials, training methods, audience served, and intended benefits for the applicant and
trainees

Review Criteria:




Evidence that the methodology and design are appropriate to the scope of the project
Evidence that the project adequately addresses budget, timeline, and personnel
Evidence that the project uses existing or emerging standards or best practices in the
technical or disciplinary area to which the project relates



Evidence that the evaluation plan explains how the results are likely to be valid, reliable,
or generalizable

Additional Review Criteria Specific to Early Career Development Proposals:



Evidence that the proposal clearly articulates research questions and adequately addresses
timeline and personnel
Evidence that it includes details of sampling logic (size, scope), data collection and
analysis methodologies

For projects involving distance education, you should include information about both the
synchronous and asynchronous elements of any courses designed (e.g., face-to-face, streaming
audio or video, webinars, web-based course content). Explain the technical requirements for the
institution and for the students and describe the course management system, if any, that will be
used to offer or support the course. Describe who will be able to take the course both during and
after the grant period; how the course and course content would be made available to other
entities who might wish to use or adapt the courses (including the conditions of use and any
assistance that would be provided to users); what costs would be charged to students both during
and after the grant period; and how potential students and/or providers will be made aware of the
course, e.g., through a searchable portal or clearinghouse.
4. Project Resources: Personnel, Time, Budget
Describe the resources, including those funded by the grant and those funded by the
organization’s cost share, required to implement and complete the project. Include information
such as the following:










Identification of key project staff, their duties, and their qualifications for successfully
completing their project tasks
Identification of consultants and service providers involved in project activities, the
process for selecting them, and how they will work with project staff
Qualifications of personnel assigned to manage project finances
A timeline for specific activities, showing how the results of one stage of the project
carry over into the next one
The amount of time that key project staff will devote to the project and how they will
balance project responsibilities with other ongoing duties
The facilities, equipment, and supplies necessary to support the project
Source(s) of matching funds and/or in-kind contributions
Source(s) and use of revenues that will be derived from the project, if applicable
Contributions to and benefits from the project for both the applicant and partner
organization(s), if applicable

Review Criteria:








Evidence that the applicant will complete the project activities in the time allocated
through the effective deployment and management of resources, including personnel,
money, facilities, equipment, and supplies
Evidence of sound financial management coupled with an appropriate and cost-efficient
budget
Evidence that the applicant has the ability to meet the cost share requirement
Evidence that the project personnel have appropriate experience and expertise and will
commit adequate time to accomplish project activities
If the project includes a partnership, evidence that all partners are active contributors to
the partnership activities

5. Diversity Plan
Describe how the project addresses diversity. Include information such as the following:





Identification of the diverse communities that will be served by the project
Description of the unique service needs for the identified population that will be served
by the proposed project
Explanation for why this particular population was chosen
Explanation of how the proposed project will address the library service needs of those
communities, particularly the needs of traditionally underserved groups and/or
communities

Review Criteria:



Evidence that the proposal identifies the diversity of communities served
Evidence that the targeted needs of the identified diverse communities will be met.

6. Communication Plan
Describe the project’s communication plan. Include information such as the following:





The variety of media and other means the project will use to reach library, archive,
museum, and other audiences that might benefit from its work
Description of the steps this project will take to ensure that new products and services
will reach the target audiences (See http://www.imls.gov/recipients/grantee.aspx for
ideas.)
The extent to which results, products, models, findings, processes, and other benefits of
this project will be transparent and accessible through effective communication channels
to the library field and to other professional organizations and communities that might
benefit

Examples of communications methods might include but are not limited to webcasts, podcasts,
e-mailings, press releases, conference presentations, publications, websites, project blogs, and
community outlets. Multiple and interactive dissemination methods that extend throughout the
life of the project, from initial funding through final evaluation, are desirable. You are

encouraged to develop communication plans that have the potential to reach beyond your usual
communities of interest.
Review Criteria:







Evidence that the results, products, models, findings, processes, and benefits of this
project will be communicated effectively to the library field and to other professional
organizations and communities
Evidence that communication activities will be ongoing throughout the project lifecycle
rather than occur simply at the end of the project
Evidence that the project will seek feedback from various stakeholders
Evidence that the communities described in the Needs Assessment section can be reached
and served through he proposed communications plan
Evidence that the project will make every reasonable attempt to communicate lessons
learned and the results of the project beyond standard professional audiences and
communities of interest

7. Sustainability Plan
Describe how the project, or portions or impacts of the project, will continue after the end of the
funded grant activities. Include information such as the following:




The extent of ongoing institutional support of project activities or products, including
websites
The continuing benefits resulting from the development of institutional expertise and
capacity; or through continuing access to project findings or products
The extent to which the project will lead to systemic change within the institution as well
as within the library field

For projects involving distance education, you should identify who would own copyright on the
course content and describe any restrictions placed on use of the course and course content
during and after the grant period. You should also describe plans for preservation and
maintenance of the course and course content during and after the grant period.
Review Criteria:






Evidence that the project’s benefits can be sustained beyond the grant period
For projects involving distance education, evidence that the project plan addresses issues
of copyright and access on the course and course content during and after the grant period
For projects involving distance education, evidence that there are plans for preservation
and maintenance of course and course content during and after the expiration of the grant
period
Evidence that the findings from research projects will inform practice and/or future
research agendas

For this section of the application, reviewers will consider information provided in the Narrative,

Budget Forms, Budget Justification, and Resumes.

Conditionally Required Documents
Proof of Nonprofit Status
If your organization is a private, nonprofit organization, you must submit a copy of the IRS letter
indicating your eligibility for nonprofit status under the applicable provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1954, as amended. We will not accept a letter of state sales tax exemption as
proof of nonprofit status.
Please consult the table below to determine if any additional documents are required. If any of
the conditions in the left column apply to your project, then the documents described in the right
column are required. If you do not provide them, your application will be considered incomplete
and will be rejected from further consideration.
If your project involves …

Then you must include …

A federally negotiated indirect cost rate

A current copy of your Federally Negotiated
Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

A partner who will receive grant funds or who
will contribute substantive funds to the
completion of project activities

An IMLS Partnership Statement form for each
partner entity

A digital product (for example, a database of
digital images, new software program)

Specifications for Projects that Develop Digital
Products Form

Please note that if you are choosing the IMLS option of claiming a rate of 15% of indirect costs,
you do not need to provide any documentation.

Supporting Documents
You may submit other attachments of your choosing as part of your application package, but do
not overload the reviewers with too much information. These attachments should include only
information that will supplement the narrative and support the project description provided in the
application. They should help reviewers envision your project, but they should not be used to
answer narrative questions. You may wish to consider the following:




Bibliography of references relevant to your proposed project design or evaluation
strategy
Letters of commitment from consultants, partners, or other groups that will work closely
with you on this project
Letters of support from subject-matter experts who are familiar with your proposed
project






Reports from planning activities
Products or evaluations from previously completed or ongoing projects of a similar
nature
Collections, technology, or other departmental plans for the institution as applicable to
the proposed project
Web links to relevant online materials

Note: When attaching these documents, give each one a specific title for clear identification. All
Supporting Documents must include dates of creation and authorship.

What Federal Laws Do I Agree to Comply With When I
Submit My Application?
As an applicant for Federal funds, you must certify that you are responsible for complying with
certain nondiscrimination, debarment and suspension, drug-free workplace, and lobbying laws.
These are outlined below and are set out in more detail, along with other requirements, in the
Assurances and Certifications. By signing the application form, which includes the Assurances
and Certifications, you certify that you are in compliance with these requirements and that you
will maintain records and submit any reports that are necessary to ensure compliance. Your
failure to comply with these statutory and regulatory requirements may result in the suspension
or termination of your grant and require you to return funds to the government.
1. Nondiscrimination Statutes: You certify that you do not discriminate:






on the grounds of race, color, or national origin (including limited English proficiency),
in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C.
§2000d et seq.);
on the grounds of disability, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. §701 et seq., including §794);
on the basis of age, in accordance with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of
1975, as amended (42 U.S.C. §6101 et seq.); and
on the basis of sex, in any education program or activity, in accordance with Title IX of
the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq.).

2. Debarment and Suspension (2 C.F.R. Part 180 and 2 C.F.R. Part 3185):
You certify that neither you nor your principals: (a) are presently excluded or disqualified; (b)
have been convicted within the preceding three years of offenses listed in 2 C.F.R. §180.800
(including but not limited to: fraud, antitrust, embezzlement, or offense indicating lack of
business integrity) or have had a civil judgment rendered against you or them for one of such
offenses within that time period; (c) are presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly
charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State, or local) with commission of any of such
offenses; or (d) have had one or more public transactions (Federal, State, or local) terminated
within the preceding three years for cause or default. Where you are unable to certify to any of
the above, you must attach an explanation to this application. You must also comply with
applicable sections of the OMB guidance in 2 C.F.R. Part 180, and include a term or condition in

lower-tier transactions requiring lower-tier participants to comply with subpart C of the OMB
guidance in 2 C.F.R. Part 180.
3. Federal Debt Status:
You certify that you are not delinquent in the repayment of any Federal debt. Examples include
delinquent payroll or other taxes, audit disallowances, and benefit overpayments.
4. Drug-Free Workplace:
You must provide a drug-free workplace by complying with the requirements of 2 C.F.R. Part
3186. This includes: making a good faith effort to maintain a drug-free workplace; publishing a
drug-free workplace statement; establishing a drug-free awareness program for your employees;
taking actions concerning employees who are convicted of violating drug statutes in the
workplace; and identifying (either at the time of your application or upon award, or in documents
that you keep on file in your offices) all known workplaces under your Federal awards.
5. Lobbying Activities (31 U.S.C. §1352):
You are subject to various restrictions against lobbying or attempting to influence a Federal
employee or a Member of Congress or congressional employees, in connection with legislation,
appropriations, or the award or modification of a Federal contract, grant, cooperative agreement,
or loan. Certain additional restrictions apply if you are requesting over $100,000 in Federal
assistance.
The Assurances and Certifications contain other general requirements that may apply depending
on the nature of your grant activity (for example, the Native American Graves Protection and
Repatriation Act of 1990 and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966).

5. After You Apply
What is the application review process?
We use a two-tiered peer review process that includes individual field review and/or panel
review to evaluate all eligible and complete applications. Reviewers and panelists are
professionals in the field with relevant knowledge and expertise in the types of project activities
identified in the applications. They are instructed to evaluate proposed projects according to the
criteria identified in the program guidelines. The Director of IMLS takes into account the advice
provided by the review process and makes final funding decisions consistent with the purposes
of the agency’s programs.
How can I serve as a reviewer?
All competitive awards are reviewed by library and museum professionals who know the needs
of communities, can share best practices, and are well versed in the issues and concerns of
museums and libraries today.

If you are interested in serving as a reviewer, you may submit your information through our
online reviewer application at www.imls.gov/reviewers/become.aspx. Please remember to attach
your resume. Your information will be considered and, if accepted, your name will be entered
into our reviewer database. You will be contacted prior to the next deadline regarding your
availability to serve as a reviewer.
There are many benefits to reviewing applications, including enhancing your professional
knowledge and serving the museum and library communities. If you are selected to serve, you
will be helping IMLS and strengthening our grant review process.
When will we find out if we have been selected to receive a grant?
No information about the status of an application will be released until the applications have
been reviewed and all deliberations are concluded. IMLS expects to notify both funded and
unfunded applicants of final decisions by late March 2013. Funded projects may not begin earlier
than April 1, 2013.