TITLE 13.CULTURAL RESOURCES

Part 1. TEXAS STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES COMMISSION

Chapter 2. GENERAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Subchapter C. GRANT POLICIES

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission adopts new 13 TAC Chapter 2, Subchapter C, §§2.110 - 2.119, 2.210 - 2.212, 2.310 - 2.312, 2.410 - 2.412, 2.510 - 2.512, 2.610 - 2.612, 2.710 - 2.712, and 2.810 - 2.815, relating to grant policies and procedures for the management of grants distributed or administered by the agency. Sections 2.110, 2.118, 2.212, 2.311, 2.411, 2.511, 2.512, and 2.611 are adopted with changes to the proposed text as published in the November 10, 2006, issue of the Texas Register (31 TexReg 9164). Sections 2.111 - 2.117, 2.119, 2.210, 2.211, 2.310, 2.312, 2.410, 2.412, 2.510, 2.610, 2.612, 2.710 - 2.712, and 2.810 - 2.815 are adopted without changes and will not be republished.

The new rules are being adopted in coordination with a repeal of existing rules for the administration of agency grants.

A number of comments were received.

Two regional library systems recommended a revision to §2.611 to remove the limitation of this division to state fiscal years 2008 and 2009. The agency concurs and has revised the rule language.

The regional library systems also recommended an addition to §2.612 to specify that the Library Systems Act Advisory Board score the proposals. Because standardization of grant policies and procedures was one of the primary desired outcomes of revising these rules, the agency does not concur.

One public library director stated that the rules favor larger libraries at the expense of smaller libraries; however, no specific changes are recommended. Because the agency has had many years of experience in awarding competitive grants and this experience shows that smaller libraries have been able to plan and present competitive proposals, the agency does not concur.

One public library director stated that the rules are too long for smaller libraries to read, especially since they are too busy checking out books. The agency understands this concern and will issue guidelines for each type of grant that will not require people to read and understand the administrative rules as adopted.

One public library director opposed allowing other types of libraries the opportunity to apply for grants. While the agency understands the desire to limit others access to sources of funding, the competitive grants are federal Library Services and Technology Act funds which states that all types of libraries should be eligible.

An advisory working group made a number of recommendations regarding Division 5: (a) removing the concept of "seed money;" the agency concurs and the rules reflect this change; (b) removing microfilming from the list of allowable activities; the agency concurs and the rules reflect this change; (c) allowing only TexShare members to be the lead organization; because standardization of grant policies and procedures was one of the primary desired outcomes of revising these rules, the agency does not concur; and (d) removing the matching funds requirement from rule; the agency concurs and the rules reflect this change. In addition they recommended removing the special consideration provisions of §2.120; since major resource and regional library systems did not express support for this provision, the agency concurs and has removed this section.

Finally, a commission member recommended deleting the first sentence of §2.512(1) because the concept of "uniqueness" was too high a standard; the agency concurs and has removed this sentence.

A number of typographical errors were also identified and corrected in §§2.118, 2.212, 2.311, 2.411, and 2.511.

1. GENERAL GRANT GUIDELINES

13 TAC §§2.110 - 2.119

The new sections are adopted under Government Code, §441.0091, Grant Program for Local Libraries, which permits the commission to adopt rules relating to providing grants to meet specific information needs of residents of the state and specific needs of local libraries.

§2.110.Scope of Subchapter.

The agency operates a variety of grant programs including negotiated, competitive, and formula grants. This subchapter applies to all types of grant programs. However, §§2.112, 2.113, 2.117, 2.118, and 2.119 of this title (relating to Eligible and Ineligible Expenses, Peer Review, Grant Review and Award Process, Decision Making Process, and Multiple Applications) apply only to competitive grant programs. Formula grant guidelines are also specified in §2.810 et al (relating to Loan Star Libraries grants), and §1.41 et al (relating to Library Systems grants).

§2.118.Decision Making Process.

To be considered eligible for funding by the commission, any application must receive a minimum adjusted mean score of more than 50 percent of the maximum points available. To reduce the impact of scores that are exceedingly high or low, or otherwise outside the range of scores from other reviewers, agency staff will tabulate the panel's work using calculations such as an adjusted mean score.

(1) Applications will be ranked in priority order by score for consideration by the commission.

(2) If insufficient funds remain to fully fund the next application, the staff will negotiate a reduced grant with the next ranked applicant.

(3) If the panel recommends funding an application that, for legal, fiscal, or other reasons, is unacceptable to the staff, a contrary recommendation will be made. The applicant will be informed of this situation prior to presentation to the commission and may negotiate a revision to the application. A positive recommendation to the commission will be contingent upon successfully completing these negotiations prior to the commission meeting.

(4) If the panel is unable to produce a set of recommendations for funding, the agency staff will use the same evaluation procedures to develop recommendations to the commission.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 13, 2007.

TRD-200700458

Edward Seidenberg

Assistant State Librarian

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2007

Proposal publication date: November 10, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5459


2. NEGOTIATED GRANTS

13 TAC §§2.210 - 2.212

The new sections are adopted under Government Code, §441.0091, Grant Program for Local Libraries, which permits the commission to adopt rules relating to providing grants to meet specific information needs of residents of the state and specific needs of local libraries.

§2.212.Technical Assistance Grants.

(a) Goals and Purposes. This grant program provides funds for technical assistance to public or other libraries to help enable library staff use and maintain information resource technology.

(b) Eligible Applicants include major resource library systems and regional library systems; if a major resource library system or regional library system is not awarded a grant, the commission may contract with another library, non-profit corporation, or business to provide service.

(c) Criteria for Grant. The commission may award negotiated grants to provide technical assistance services. An award may be made and/or renewed each year if:

(1) the applicant demonstrates capability of delivering the specified technical assistance in a timely fashion at a reasonable cost;

(2) the commission finds a continuing regional and statewide need for the services (relative to other services); and

(3) the commission finds that the best value to the state will be achieved without competition.

(d) Eligible Expenses.

(1) This grant will fund costs for personnel, equipment/property, telecommunications, supplies, travel and professional services necessary to provide the specified technical assistance.

(2) This grant will not fund building construction or renovation; major capital expenses; food, beverages, or gifts; equipment/property or technology not specifically needed to carry out the goals of the grant; or travel for non-grant funded personnel.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 13, 2007.

TRD-200700459

Edward Seidenberg

Assistant State Librarian

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2007

Proposal publication date: November 10, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5459


3. LIBRARY SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY ACT, LIBRARY COOPERATION GRANTS

13 TAC §§2.310 - 2.312

The new sections are adopted under Government Code, §441.0091, Grant Program for Local Libraries, which permits the commission to adopt rules relating to providing grants to meet specific information needs of residents of the state and specific needs of local libraries.

§2.311.Eligible Applicants.

(a) Through their governing authority, major resource library systems, regional library systems, and libraries that are members of the TexShare Library Consortium are eligible to apply for funds. These funds are awarded to major resource or regional library systems or TexShare member libraries but may be used with all types of libraries as specified in the grant guidelines and application. Applicants must be members of the TexShare Library Consortium or the Texas Library System at the time of application and for the period of grant funding. Non-profit organizations may be awarded funds for projects that involve a number of TexShare member libraries, as well as other types of libraries or organizations. Public school libraries may participate as partners in grants lead by eligible entities.

(b) Successful applicants are eligible to apply for grant funds for the two years following the initial grant year. The second and third application will be evaluated with the same criteria as new applications. No applicant will be eligible for a fourth year of funding for the same project.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 13, 2007.

TRD-200700460

Edward Seidenberg

Assistant State Librarian

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2007

Proposal publication date: November 10, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5459


4. LIBRARY SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY ACT, SPECIAL PROJECTS GRANTS

13 TAC §§2.410 - 2.412

The new sections are adopted under Government Code, §441.0091, Grant Program for Local Libraries, which permits the commission to adopt rules relating to providing grants to meet specific information needs of residents of the state and specific needs of local libraries.

§2.411.Eligible Applicants.

(a) Through their governing authority, major resource library systems, regional library systems, and libraries that are members of the TexShare Library Consortium are eligible to apply for funds. These funds are awarded to major resource or regional library systems or TexShare member libraries but may be used with all types of libraries as specified in the grant guidelines and application. Applicants must be members of the TexShare Library Consortium or the Texas Library System at the time of application and for the period of grant funding. Non-profit organizations may be awarded funds for projects that involve a number of TexShare member libraries, as well as other types of libraries or organizations. Public school libraries may participate as partners in grants lead by eligible entities.

(b) Successful applicants are eligible to apply for grant funds for the two years following the initial grant year. The second and third application will be evaluated with the same criteria as new applications. No applicant will be eligible for a fourth year of funding for the same project.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 13, 2007.

TRD-200700461

Edward Seidenberg

Assistant State Librarian

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2007

Proposal publication date: November 10, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5459


5. LIBRARY SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY ACT, TEXTREASURES GRANTS

13 TAC §§2.510 - 2.512

The new sections are adopted under Government Code, §441.0091, Grant Program for Local Libraries, which permits the commission to adopt rules relating to providing grants to meet specific information needs of residents of the state and specific needs of local libraries.

§2.511.Eligible Applicants.

(a) Through their governing authority, libraries that are members of the TexShare Library Consortium, or non-profit organizations that are applying on behalf of TexShare members, are eligible to apply for funds. These funds are awarded to eligible applicants, but may be used with all types of libraries or with non-profit organizations that participate as partners in the grant project, as specified in the grant guidelines and application.

(b) Successful applicants are eligible to apply for grant funds for the two years following the initial grant year. The second and third application will be evaluated with the same criteria as new applications. No applicant will be eligible for a fourth year of funding for the same project.

§2.512.Criteria for Award.

Proposals will be scored by peer reviewers on five criteria. The maximum points for each criterion is shown.

(1) Significance of the collection (30 points). Will the materials be useful to users throughout the state? Does this project focus on materials about Texas? Will the project provide an "advancement of knowledge," rather than cleaning up general backlogs?

(2) Availability (30 points). How will access to the collection be provided? Will bibliographic records be available through OCLC or the Internet? Will materials themselves be available through an Internet connection, through interlibrary loan, through reciprocal borrowing, or only on-site use? Will common interoperability standards be used?

(3) Project Design (20 points). Is the project well defined? Will access to the collection be sustainable beyond the grant period? Does the project design reference commonly accepted standards and practices?

(4) Cost Effectiveness (15 points). How appropriate are the chosen hardware, software, staffing, and service providers for the project, given the cost of the project? Is the budget realistic? Does the project proposal make effective use of the grant funds?

(5) Evaluation (5 points). How well has the applicant designed and described the methodology to evaluate the project and estimate the level of usage? Is the evaluation methodology appropriate and effective?

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 13, 2007.

TRD-200700462

Edward Seidenberg

Assistant State Librarian

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2007

Proposal publication date: November 10, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5459


6. LIBRARY SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY ACT, GUIDELINES FOR LIBRARY SYSTEMS

13 TAC §§2.610 - 2.612

The new sections are adopted under Government Code, §441.0091, Grant Program for Local Libraries, which permits the commission to adopt rules relating to providing grants to meet specific information needs of residents of the state and specific needs of local libraries.

§2.611.Eligible Applicants.

Major resource library systems and regional library systems may apply for these grants. Successful applicants are eligible to apply for grant funds for the year following the initial grant year. This second application will be evaluated with the same criteria as new applications. Renewal of a grant is not automatic.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 13, 2007.

TRD-200700463

Edward Seidenberg

Assistant State Librarian

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2007

Proposal publication date: November 10, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5459


7. TEXAS READS GRANTS, GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES

13 TAC §§2.710 - 2.712

The new sections are adopted under Government Code, §441.0091, Grant Program for Local Libraries, which permits the commission to adopt rules relating to providing grants to meet specific information needs of residents of the state and specific needs of local libraries.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 13, 2007.

TRD-200700464

Edward Seidenberg

Assistant State Librarian

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2007

Proposal publication date: November 10, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5459


8. LOAN STAR LIBRARIES GRANT PROGRAM, GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES

13 TAC §§2.810 - 2.815

The new sections are adopted under Government Code, §441.0091, Grant Program for Local Libraries, which permits the commission to adopt rules relating to providing grants to meet specific information needs of residents of the state and specific needs of local libraries.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 13, 2007.

TRD-200700465

Edward Seidenberg

Assistant State Librarian

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2007

Proposal publication date: November 10, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5459


Subchapter C. GRANT POLICIES

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission adopts the repeal of 13 TAC Chapter 2, Subchapter C, §§2.111 - 2.119, 2.120 - 2.125, 2.130 - 2.135, 2.140 - 2.146, 2.150 - 2.155, 2.160 - 2.165, and 2.170 - 2.175, relating to grant policies and procedures for the management of grants distributed or administered by the agency. The repeal is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 10, 2006, issue of the Texas Register (31 TexReg 9172) and will not be republished.

The repeal is adopted in coordination with an effort by the agency to adopt new, extensively revised rules for the administration of its grants.

No comments were received regarding the proposed repeal of the rules.

1. GENERAL GRANT GUIDELINES

13 TAC §§2.111 - 2.119

The repeal is adopted under Government Code, §441.0091, Grant Program for Local Libraries, which permits the State Library and Archives Commission to adopt rules relating to providing grants to meet specific information needs of residents of the state and specific needs of local libraries.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 13, 2007.

TRD-200700466

Edward Seidenberg

Assistant State Librarian

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2007

Proposal publication date: November 10, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5459


2. LIBRARY SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY ACT, LIBRARY COOPERATION GRANTS--PART A, TECHNOLOGY, GUIDELINES FOR TEXSHARE LIBRARIES

13 TAC §§2.120 - 2.125

The repeal is adopted under Government Code, §441.0091, Grant Program for Local Libraries, which permits the State Library and Archives Commission to adopt rules relating to providing grants to meet specific information needs of residents of the state and specific needs of local libraries.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 13, 2007.

TRD-200700467

Edward Seidenberg

Assistant State Librarian

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2007

Proposal publication date: November 10, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5459


3. LIBRARY SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY ACT, LIBRARY COOPERATION GRANTS--PART B, SERVICES, GUIDELINES FOR TEXSHARE LIBRARIES

13 TAC §§2.130 - 2.135

The repeal is adopted under Government Code, §441.0091, Grant Program for Local Libraries, which permits the State Library and Archives Commission to adopt rules relating to providing grants to meet specific information needs of residents of the state and specific needs of local libraries.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 13, 2007.

TRD-200700468

Edward Seidenberg

Assistant State Librarian

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2007

Proposal publication date: November 10, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5459


4. LIBRARY ESTABLISHMENT GRANTS, GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES

13 TAC §§2.140 - 2.146

The repeal is adopted under Government Code, §441.0091, Grant Program for Local Libraries, which permits the State Library and Archives Commission to adopt rules relating to providing grants to meet specific information needs of residents of the state and specific needs of local libraries.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 13, 2007.

TRD-200700469

Edward Seidenberg

Assistant State Librarian

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2007

Proposal publication date: November 10, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5459


5. LIBRARY SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY ACT, SPECIAL PROJECTS GRANTS, GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES

13 TAC §§2.150 - 2.155

The repeal is adopted under Government Code, §441.0091, Grant Program for Local Libraries, which permits the State Library and Archives Commission to adopt rules relating to providing grants to meet specific information needs of residents of the state and specific needs of local libraries.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 13, 2007.

TRD-200700470

Edward Seidenberg

Assistant State Librarian

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2007

Proposal publication date: November 10, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5459


6. LOAN STAR LIBRARIES GRANTS, GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES

13 TAC §§2.160 - 2.165

The repeal is adopted under Government Code, §441.0091, Grant Program for Local Libraries, which permits the State Library and Archives Commission to adopt rules relating to providing grants to meet specific information needs of residents of the state and specific needs of local libraries.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 13, 2007.

TRD-200700471

Edward Seidenberg

Assistant State Librarian

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2007

Proposal publication date: November 10, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5459


7. TEXAS READS GRANT PROGRAM, GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES

13 TAC §§2.170 - 2.175

The repeal is adopted under Government Code, §441.0091, Grant Program for Local Libraries, which permits the State Library and Archives Commission to adopt rules relating to providing grants to meet specific information needs of residents of the state and specific needs of local libraries.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 13, 2007.

TRD-200700472

Edward Seidenberg

Assistant State Librarian

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2007

Proposal publication date: November 10, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5459


Chapter 8. TEXSHARE LIBRARY CONSORTIUM

13 TAC §8.6

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission adopts the repeal of 13 TAC §8.6, relating to grant policies and procedures for the management of grants distributed or administered by the agency. The repeal is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 10, 2006, issue of the Texas Register (31 TexReg 9174) and will not be republished.

The repeal is adopted in coordination with an effort by the agency to adopt new, extensively revised rules for the administration of its grants.

No comments were received regarding the proposed repeal of the rules.

The repeal is adopted under Government Code, §441.0091, Grant Program for Local Libraries, which permits the State Library and Archives Commission to adopt rules relating to providing grants to meet specific information needs of residents of the state and specific needs of local libraries.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 13, 2007.

TRD-200700473

Edward Seidenberg

Assistant State Librarian

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2007

Proposal publication date: November 10, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5459