Mississippi is receiving over $l.5l million for improved library services, Senator Thad Cochran (R-Ms.) said.

Senator Cochran said the state is receiving $l,5l2,608 from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The agency said the funding for Mississippi is part of an allocation of over $l34.2 million nationally under the l996 Library Services and Technology Act.

Senator Cochran, has cosponsored and supported legislation, including the LSTA, for improved library services, literacy and related fields.

The agency said the federal grant is part of nearly $2.3 million available for improving library services in urban and rural areas. Under the 66-34 allocation formula, the agency said Mississippi's share would be $779,222, coupled with the $l,5l2,608 federal grant, for a total of $2,29l,830.

The funds can be to help libraries with electronic linkage to share information, to acquire or share computer systems and other technology, and targeting library and information services for libraries in underserved urban and rural areas.