Institute of Museum and Library Services
Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2027)
Key facts
- Deadline
- Due Nov 13, 2026 · 38 days left
- Award size
- $75K – $1M
- Total available
- $8.5M · about 35 awards
- Cost share / match
- Required
- Who can apply
- Other (see eligibility)
- Where
- Anywhere in the U.S., including Tennessee
How this fits you
- Available in Tennessee (nationwide program)
- Requires a cost share / match
- Tennessee recipients since 2023: 7
Tell us who you are to see whether you're eligible.
Read the official notice View on Grants.gov
About this grant
Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities of all types and sizes and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.
Eligibility (from the notice)
See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for eligibility requirements.
Who in Tennessee has won this program
7 awards to Tennessee recipients in 3 counties since federal FY2023. Largest shown:
| Recipient | Where | Amount | FY |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Of Tennessee | Knoxville, Knox County | $883K | 2019 |
| East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, Washington County | $468K | 2022 |
| University Of Tennessee | Knoxville, Knox County | $273K | 2026 |
| University Of Tennessee | Knoxville, Knox County | $200K | 2026 |
| University Of Tennessee | Knoxville, Knox County | $141K | 2022 |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, Davidson County | $122K | 2026 |
| University Of Tennessee | Knoxville, Knox County | $86K | 2021 |
Source: USAspending.gov. Past awards show who this program funds; they don't guarantee future awards.
About the program (45.313)
Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program
How applications are judged
Successful proposals in this grant program are structured to result in broad impact in training and educating library and archives professionals; address a critical issue or opportunity for library and archives professionals and build on current strategic initiatives, knowledge, and agendas in these fields; involve key stakeholders and partners in strategic collaborations; employ a team possessing demonstrated expertise; and address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
IMLS staff review applications for eligibility and completeness. IMLS uses a peer review process to evaluate all eligible and complete applications. Peer reviewers are experts in the field with relevant knowledge and expertise in the types of project activities identified in the applications. IMLS instructs reviewers to evaluate applications according to the review criteria outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Peer reviewers must comply with Federal ethics and conflicts of interest requirements.
Matching requirements
This program has no statutory formula.
One-to-one cost share from non-federal sources is required for National Implementation Project requests more than $299,999, excluding Student Support costs. Cost share is allowed but not required for all other project types.MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Examples of funded projects
Not Applicable.