Local funding of portions of the project is preferred, but not required. Local funding of ongoing maintenance and leased-line costs is required. Evidence of technology planning will be required, as well as the ability to sustain whatever equipment or infrastructure is put into place. Connectivity Enhancement projects are projects requiring funding for the acquisition, installation, maintenance, or replacement of substantial networking technology necessary to provide access to information and communication technologies. The focus is on the establishment or enhancement of connectivity within libraries, between library branches and buildings, or among libraries of various types.
Funding is targeted toward providing connectivity, as compared to infrastructure enhancement.
Personal computers, workstations, and other servers would not be eligible for LSTA grant funding. Library automation software and other software based applications that are not directly linked to the provision of Internet based or similar electronic service are also not eligible. This initiative will provide for connectivity of library branches in a library system, interconnectivity between library systems, or provide capability for electronic public access to library services at local, regional, or virtual libraries. This initiative will focus on bringing library systems in alignment with standards and guidelines for possible connection to the statewide telecommunications network. Cooperative agreements for the acquisition and sharing of computer systems are preferred.