The Mauney Memorial Library and Kings Mountain Historical Museum announce the award of a $49,605 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant. The proposed project is intended to increase access to and use of the holdings of the library and the museum by building the technological capacity and supplying the manpower needed to digitize our local historical collections. The grant will afford us the required equipment and supplies, such as computers and a networked server, and will allow us to hire one full-time and one part-time staff member for eight months to complete the scanning, photographing, and record improvements needed to complete the project. The online collections catalog that will result from this grant will focus on the resources that are most relevant to this community, offering easy access to accurate digital records of the photographs, archives, and objects that represent the cultural heritage of this region. This project meets the mission-critical goals of the library, the museum, and LSTA by improving the public's ability to discover information and to obtain information resources, thus supporting lifelong learning and education in our community.
Adria Focht states, "Collections accessibility is a mission-critical core value at the heart of what we offer to the public at Kings Mountain Historical Museum. While our collections continue to grow with new acquisitions, our exhibit space remains limited. This means that an increasing percentage of our collection is not accessible to the public, despite visitor demand for access to these resources. Online access to the collections held by KMHM as well as the Mauney Memorial Library will be a great benefit to the students and life-long learners of this community, enabling them to browse and research our collections of original historical photographs and archives that reflect this region's unique cultural heritage and identity. Publishing our collections content online will also extend our reach to an international audience, improving all users' ability to discover information and to obtain information resources only available through our holdings. This project will also digitally preserve our collection, ensuring that valuable historical information is secure in perpetuity."
About IMLS
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission has been to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. For the past 20 years, our grant making, policy development, and research has helped libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For questions, email info@mauneylibrary.org or call the library at (704) 739-2371. The Mauney Memorial Library thanks the community for its continued support.
The location of the Mauney Memorial Library is 100 S. Piedmont Street, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.
For the latest in library news and events, visit www.mauneylibrary.org.

Pictured: Mauney Memorial Library and Kings Mountain Historical Museum Citizen Advisory Board members.

Submitted by Sharon Stack