The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program supports projects to recruit and educate the next generation of librarians, faculty, and library leaders; to conduct research on the library profession; and to support early career research. It also assists in the professional development of librarians and library staff. All members of the library community are invited to play an active role in ensuring that the profession is prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Matching (Cost Sharing) Requirement: You are responsible for providing a cost share equal to at least the amount of funds that we provide to you (at least a 1:1 match of all non–student support funds). You may do this directly or through contributions from your project partners and others, by providing funds or in-kind services. Unless you are requesting Research, Collaborative Planning, or National Forum funds, you are REQUIRED to provide cost sharing of at least one half of the total cost of the project, excluding funds for student support. For the purposes of cost sharing, student support means any type of assistance provided directly to students (including stipends, tuition remission, and travel), and it applies to continuing education students, as well as those enrolled in degree programs. All listed expenses, including all cost sharing, must be incurred during the grant period. IMLS (45 C.F.R. Chapter XI) and government-wide uniform administrative, cost, and audit rules and requirements apply, including appropriate Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars and regulations. Federal funds may not be used to meet cost-sharing requirements.