11—131.2(8A) Financial support.

1. 131.2(1)  Funding. Funding for the stated outcomes is provided through both state appropriations and federal funding to the state library.

   1. a. Funding for the Enrich Iowa program, through a state appropriation, allows the state library to implement the program as outlined in Iowa Code section 8A.209.
   2. b. Funding from the federal government is provided through the Grants to States program from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The program’s focus is on the following six focal areas: lifelong learning, information access, institutional capacity, employment and economic development, human services, and civic engagement. The current authorization is through the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 (PL 115-410).

2. 131.2(2)  Federal funding administration. The state library administers and uses the state-based LSTA funds (in any proportion) directly or through subgrants or cooperative agreements. The actual amount, timing, and availability of funds for projects is determined by the state library in consultation with the Iowa library community. In accordance with the principles set forth in the basic guidelines of the Five-Year Plan for the use of LSTA funds, individual grants are not anticipated. However, when individual grants are deemed to be the appropriate vehicle to meet the identified needs as well as the intent of the guidelines, information on grants will be published and distributed statewide.

   1. a. Eligibility. Eligibility of projects will be determined by the Five-Year Plan for the use of LSTA funds, effective October 2022. The use of the funds will have a major impact on library service to Iowans; increase access to information; have a statewide benefit; foster cooperation, resource sharing, and partnerships; involve all types and sizes of libraries; encourage innovation; and emphasize evaluation. The plan is found on the state library’s website: statelibraryofiowa.gov.
   2. b. Reporting procedures. All LSTA grant recipients shall submit to the state library documentation of LSTA project-related expenses and periodic and final project reports. LSTA-funded projects are subject to on-site monitoring by state library personnel.

3. 131.2(3)  Appeals. Applicants for financial support under these rules may file appeals as outlined below.

   1. a. Informal appeals. Informal appeals shall be made on procedural grounds only. Such grounds include alleged conflicts of interest, unfair or impartial treatment of applications or procedures not uniformly applied to all applicants. An informal appeal must be filed with the state librarian within seven days of when the appellant was denied financial support.

   2. b. Informal appeal hearing. A written request for an informal appeal hearing shall be sent to the state librarian. The hearing shall be held within 15 calendar days of the date of the request during regular business hours of the state library. The hearing shall be held before the state librarian or a designee of the state librarian. The state librarian or their designee shall:

      1. (1) Notify the appellant as to the day, hour, and location of the hearing;
      2. (2) Inform the appellant of the right to submit any written documents regarding the application;
      3. (3) Inform the appellant that a spokesperson must be appointed if the appeal involves more than one person per project. The state librarian or designee shall direct questions only to the spokesperson during the hearing. Any other discussions or comments shall be reserved for a closed executive session. No indication of decision shall be given at the time of the hearing;
      4. (4) Notify the appellant in writing of the decision of the state librarian or designee within five calendar days of the hearing.

   3. c. Formal appeal. If unsatisfied with the decision of the state librarian or designee under the informal appeal process, an applicant may file a formal written appeal with the director within seven days of the informal decision of the state librarian or designee. The director shall issue a written decision within 30 days of receipt of the written appeal. The decision of the director shall be considered final agency action and is subject to judicial review in accordance with Iowa Code chapter 17A.

      1. (1) Appeals will be allowed on the procedural grounds that:

         1. 1. Staff or agents of the state library acted outside their statutory authority;
         2. 2. Approved projects do not fall within the guidelines of the five-year plan;
         3. 3. Staff or agents of the state library were influenced to act as a result of a conflict of interest;
         4. 4. Staff or agents of the state library acted in a biased manner.

      2. (2) An appellant’s written appeal shall contain:

         1. 1. Facts of the appeal.
         2. 2. An argument in favor of the appeal.
         3. 3. The remedy sought.

[ARC 9356C, IAB 6/11/25, effective 7/16/25]