Introduction:
The Legacy of the Library Services &
Construction Act in Illinois

Illinois library development during the past 30 years received immense assistance by the federal Library Services & Construction Act (LSCA). Looking back on accomplishments during the LSCA era, 1964-1997, I am thrilled by the many programs initiated with federal funding that continue to make a difference in library service today.

Thousands of LSCA grants were awarded for public library services, construction and interlibrary cooperation, and library service throughout Illinois was impacted significantly in the LSCA years. It is unimaginable what library service would be like in Illinois — and nationwide as well — without strong federal support for library service. Although LSCA funding amounted to less than $ .50 per capita annually, the cumulative impact was monumental and made significant changes in people's lives.

The LSCA legislation amended the Library Services Act that had been enacted in 1956 to address library service in rural areas. Distinguishing features of the LSCA legislation, enacted less than a decade later, included funding for urban areas as well as rural areas and funds earmarked for public library construction. As stated in the legislation, the purposes of LSCA were promoting public library services to areas without such services or with inadequate services, facilitating inter-library cooperation, and assisting the states in providing certain specialized services. Over the years, while projects and technologies changed, LSCA funding continued to provide important seed money to enable libraries and library systems to try innovative ideas.

Early LSCA projects included funding for the emerging library systems and significant support for the emerging Illinois Library & Information Network (ILLINET). Many LSCA projects with statewide impact were funded in multiple years. An example is the Library Resource Enrichment grant program, which began in the early 1970s and resulted in expanded collections for library system headquarters and member libraries. In 1974, the Shared Staffing grant program began, enabling two public libraries to share a full-time professional librarian. Another longstanding grant program began in the mid-1970s with the first automation grants to library systems to develop shared automation systems for member libraries. Multi-type library systems evolved from the Illinois Interlibrary Cooperation Consultant Program grants that provided full-time and part-time multi-type consultants for the 18 regional library systems. The Illinois OCLC network grew significantly due to an LSCA grant for OCLC services to many small- and medium-sized libraries in central Illinois.

As the 1980s evolved, programs multiplied as more grants were awarded for smaller amounts. The Community Interlibrary Cooperation grant program, which began in 1983, used LSCA monies to effectively develop, coordinate and enhance resource sharing among different types of libraries in a community. These grants were followed by several special programs for the public libraries. The 1980s also marked the evolution of the Illinois serials union list and the rapid growth of the library fax network.

Technology was a theme of the 1990s, including use of LSCA funds for first ALLY (Access Local Library) grants, which ensured that every ILLINET library owned a computer and modem, and the multi-media PC grant program for public libraries. Other recent focus ares included community networking and Internet access.

During the LSCA years, many projects were subsequently replicated in other parts of the state. Some statewide initiatives — including the statewide delivery service and support for ILLINET Online — received their start with LSCA funding and later moved to state funding. Countless LSCA projects of exceptional merit were undertaken, including expansion of public library services to unserved areas, special library services to nursing homes and other special

*Bridget L. Lamont, Director, Illinois State Library.

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populations, automation/technology initiatives and training grants.

The library Services & Construction Act lives on through its legacy of outstanding library services. This special report, a permanent record of many aspects of the program, provides a flavor of the accomplishments at the state, regional and local levels. My sincere appreciation is extended to the authors of the articles about the LSCA program — a program with enduring benefits to the people who use libraries and rely on those libraries for programs, services and information.

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