Contact Name
Mr. George Seamon
Contact Title
State Librarian
State Library Address

South Dakota State Library
800 Governors Drive
Pierre, SD 57501-2294
United States

Contact Email Address
George.Seamon@state.sd.us
Grants to State Programs

The Grants to States Program

The Grants to States Program is the largest grant program run by IMLS; it provides funds to State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) using a population-based formula set by the law. SLAAs determine goals and objectives for the funds in their statutorily required five-year plan (see below). For more information, see the Grants to States program overview.

    Allotments
    YearAllotment Value
    2019 $1,019,533.00
    2020 $1,132,165.00
    2021 $1,171,493.00
    2022 $1,165,929.00
    2023 $1,347,458.00
    5 Year Plan Text

    Each state creates a 5-year plan for its programs to strengthen the efficiency, reach, and effectiveness of library services. View all states' plans.

    5 year plan
    Attachment Size
    southdakota5yearplan.pdf 1.31 MB
    5 Year Evaluation Text

    At the end of a 5-year period, each state reports their results in achieving goals and objectives projected in their 5-Year Plan. View all states' evaluations.

    5 year evaluation
    Attachment Size
    southdakota5yearevaluation.pdf 2.87 MB
    George Seamon, State Librarian, South Dakota State Library

    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

    Project Examples

    A woman holding a braille book for another patron to read.

    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

    Children using laptops and devices in the library

    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
     

    Staff using scanners to digitize state publications and references.

    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

    Review recent Grants to States projects from this state library in the State Program Report database.

    Search the Awarded Grants Database for additional details about awards in this state or view the State Details Dashboard.

    Five-Year Plan Highlights

    Goal 1: Institutional Capacity and Support - Stronger SD Libraries  

    • Projects include: 
      • Consultation, training, and materials for educators, school librarians, and local library staff  
      • Annual summer reading programs 
      • Annual Public Library Training Institute for new public librarians 
      • ExCITE! course for school personnel 
      • Professional development opportunities in partnership with the Department of Education, school districts, and academic libraries 
      • Technology support to libraries 

    Goal 2: Access to Information 

    • Projects include:  
      • Statewide licensed databases  
      • Online digital repository for historic state government publications  
      • Training to tribal and rural libraries in underserved areas 
      • Interlibrary loan services  
      • Courier services to library hubs 
      • Affordable internet for libraries 

    Goal 3: Lifelong Learning 

    • Projects include:  
      • State Library collections materials to support research needs  
      • Braille and Talking Books  

    Goal 4: Human Services - Statewide Partnerships and Services  

    • Projects include:  
      • Continuing education partnerships  
      • Statewide park pass program 
      • Communications plan for State Library resources 
      • Educational programming for citizens through partnerships and community libraries 
      • Educational kits for check out 
      • Exploration of teleservices in libraries 

    IMLS Data Collection

    State Library Administrative Agency Survey
    The State Library Administrative Agency Survey (SLAA) provides descriptive data about state library agencies for all fifty states and the District of Columbia. To interact with the latest data, please visit the SLAA Survey Comparison Tool

    Public Libraries Survey
    The Public Libraries Survey (PLS) provides national descriptive data on the status of public libraries in the United States and its territories. Explore state profiles representing more than 9,000 public library systems and over 17,000 public library outlets.