Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2027) | LB21 FY27

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2027)

What is the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2027)?

The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2027) is a discretionary federal grant opportunity from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). It is designed to strengthen the nation's library and archival workforce by supporting projects that help current and future professionals build the skills needed to meet real community information needs.

What is the main goal of this grant program?

The central goal is workforce capacity-building. The program supports projects that improve training, professional development, recruitment, and other strategies that expand the long-term capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science (LIS) graduate programs.

Who is this program meant to benefit?

This program is meant to benefit current and future library and archive professionals, as well as the institutions and educational programs that prepare and support them. It is focused on ensuring libraries and archives have the people, skills, and institutional support needed to serve their communities effectively.

What kinds of communities are included in the program's focus?

The program is explicitly focused on meeting community information needs across many contexts, including urban, rural, tribal, campus-based, and other specialized communities.

Which agency is offering this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number is LB21 FY27.

What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number for this opportunity?

The CFDA/Assistance Listing number is 45.313.

What funding category does this opportunity fall under?

This opportunity is listed under the Arts and Humanities funding activity category.

What type of award will IMLS make?

Awards are issued as grants.

How many awards does IMLS expect to make in this cycle?

IMLS anticipates making around 35 awards under this cycle.

What is the maximum award amount?

Individual awards can be as large as $1,000,000.

Does the $1,000,000 maximum imply anything about project scope?

Yes. A maximum award of $1,000,000 signals that IMLS is open to substantial projects, including multi-part efforts that may have broad reach, involve strong partnerships, or produce scalable models that other institutions can adopt.

When was this opportunity posted?

The official posting date is September 1, 2026.

When is the application due?

The original application closing date is November 13, 2026.

How much time is there to develop an application?

Based on the posted dates, the development window runs from September 1, 2026 to November 13, 2026. The program description notes that this is a relatively tight window and often requires early planning, stakeholder buy-in, and clear project design.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is summarized broadly as "Others" in the source data, but the definitive eligibility requirements are provided in the program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). In general terms, the program is intended for organizations positioned to influence the library and archival workforce.

What types of organizations are typically aligned with this program?

Typically aligned organizations include libraries, archives, consortia, professional associations, and higher education institutions, including LIS graduate programs. Final eligibility details still depend on the NOFO.

Where do I find the official eligibility rules and application conditions?

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) governs the official requirements. Prospective applicants should rely on the NOFO for details on allowable organizational types, any matching requirements, partnership expectations, and any criteria for lead applicants, fiscal sponsors, or consortia leads.

What kinds of projects does the program support?

The program supports projects that build competencies and long-term capacity for the library and archival workforce rather than one-off services. It is focused on training, professional development, recruitment, and workforce-focused strategies.

Are one-time services or short-term activities a fit for this program?

The program is described as prioritizing long-term capacity-building rather than one-off services, so projects centered primarily on short-term services may be less aligned than those that create durable workforce outcomes.

What are examples of activities that may be supported?

Examples mentioned include developing or modernizing curricula and training programs, creating structured professional development or continuing education pathways, expanding residency or fellowship opportunities, improving recruitment and retention in areas of critical need, and supporting leadership development for librarians and archivists.

What workforce skills or topic areas are emphasized?

The program description highlights preparing the workforce to address evolving expectations around access to information, digital stewardship, data services, equity and inclusion in library and archival practice, community engagement, and changing technologies and workflows that affect how information is created, preserved, discovered, and used.

Is this program only for libraries, or does it include archives too?

It includes both libraries and archives. The goal is to strengthen the library and archival workforce and fund projects that expand capacity across both types of institutions and related educational programs.

Does the program encourage partnerships or models that can be reused by others?

The program description indicates that projects with broad reach, strong partnerships, or scalable models that other institutions can adopt are consistent with the intent signaled by the award size and program goals.

What does "measurable workforce outcomes" mean in the context of this program?

The description suggests that applicants who can demonstrate measurable workforce outcomes will align closely with the program's purpose. While specific metrics are not listed here, the emphasis is on outcomes tied to workforce preparation and capacity (for example, skills development, training pathways, recruitment/retention improvements), subject to what the NOFO requires.

What should applicants prioritize when planning a competitive project?

Based on the program description, priorities include designing projects that build long-term workforce capacity, address real community information needs, produce replicable or scalable training/education approaches, and clearly define outcomes. Applicants should also plan early due to the relatively tight window between posting and the closing date, and rely on the NOFO for governing requirements.