A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

Biennial Evaluation Report - FY 93-94

Chapter 610

Library Research and Demonstrations--Discretionary Grants and Contracts

(CFDA No. 84.039)

I. Program Profile

Legislation: The Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, Title II-B (Section 223) (20 U.S.C. 1021, 1022, and 1033) (expires September 30, 1997).

Purpose: The Research and Demonstrations program supports research and development relating to the improvement of libraries, including the promotion of economical and efficient information delivery, cooperative efforts, training in librarianship, developmental projects, and the dissemination of information derived from all such projects.

Funding History

Fiscal Year	Appropriation
1989	$309,000
1990	285,000
1991	325,000
1992	325,000
1993	2,802,000
1994	2,802,000

II. Program Information and Analysis

Population Targeting

Discretionary grants and contracts can be awarded to institutions of higher education and other public or private agencies, institutions, and organizations. In 1993, the appropriation bill specified that $2,500,000 be for a single competitive award for the demonstration of online and dial-in access to a Statewide fiber optic network.

Services

Historically, projects have been small (under $60,000) and field-initiated, although more substantial projects, such as work leading to the establishment of the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), a major national bibliographic referral center, have been undertaken.

Outcomes

One grant of $2.5 million was awarded to Louisiana State University to support a demonstration of online and dial-in access to a statewide multitype library database through a statewide fiber optic network housing a point of presence in every county, connecting library voices in every municipality.

The Department of Education continued a contract started in FY 1992 with the University of Wisconsin-Madison to provide training for State library agency personnel in planning and evaluating federally funded library programs. Training is designed to strengthen State library agencies' capabilities in evaluating projects, demonstrating greater accountability for Federal funds, and identifying and disseminating information about effective programs. Under the contract totaling $322,400, the contractor presented two national workshops and developed two manuals.

III. Sources of Information

Program files.

IV. Planned Studies

None.

V. Contacts for Further Information

Program Operations:: Louise Sutherland, (202) 219-1315
Program Studies:: Brenda Long, (202) 401-1958

-###-

[Library Education & Human Resource Development--Discretionary Grants to and Contracts with Institutions of Higher Education and Library Organizations or Agencies ]

[Strengthening Research Library Resources--Discretionary Grants to Major Research Libraries ]