United States President Bill Clinton signed the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) on October 1, 1996.

The National Commission on Libraries and Information Science held two White House Conferences that generated discussion and support.

It was moved to the newly created, independent federal agency: the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

With the passage of LSTA, all types of libraries are served, including public, school, academic, and special.

Each state sets specific funding categories based on a long-range plan filed with the IMLS.