Online Tracking Service Grant

Online Tracking Service Grant

Supported by funding provided by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.

What is the online tracking service grant?

Washington State Library (WSL) is offering grants to public and tribal libraries for online tracking services.

An online tracking service is a software program, often with an app and website, that facilitates participation in reading and library challenges. Many libraries use these for their summer programs, but you can use them for many other library programs, like reading challenges or special programs.

WSL will reimburse awardees for an online tracking service. Your library may be reimbursed up to $1,000 per year in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Public and tribal libraries in Washington State are eligible. This is a non-competitive grant, and everyone who applies will be eligible to receive this award. Libraries who already subscribe to a tracking service prior to this grant are eligible, as well as new subscribers.

Grant process:

1. Apply for a grant (linked here)
2. Contract with the pre-approved online service
3. Submit proof of payment and request reimbursement
4. Complete a short report each year (for an example of what we'll ask, see 2022's reporting form)
5. Attend an idea-sharing meeting with other grant recipients

All grant recipients can benefit by having the opportunity to learn from other library staff who use online tracking services at their libraries. WSL will facilitate a conversation for sharing best practices for using your online tracking service. Libraries can use this virtual meeting to ask questions, share creative uses of the service, and exchange ideas. 

Libraries who join the grant in 2023 will be eligible for two years of reimbursements, and can submit a reimbursement claim for up to $1,000 in 2023 and 2024.