The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of
Museum and Library Services (IMLS). 

An HTML version of this release with additional links and an image can
be viewed on the agency's Web site at
http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/012110.shtm.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2010

NASA Press Contact
202-358-1100
Michael Curie [log in to unmask] 

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, [log in to unmask]
Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask] 

NASA Invites Museums and Libraries to Apply for Second Round of Free
Space Shuttle Artifacts 

Washington, DC-On January 19, NASA began offering a second round of free
space artifacts to museums attended by the public and free libraries
serving all residents of a community, district, state, or region. The
Institute of Museum and Library Services is helping NASA reach out to
eligible institutions that might be interested in acquiring one of the
2,500 free objects from the space shuttle, Hubble Space Telescope, or
the Apollo, Mercury or Gemini programs. 

Museums and libraries must first be determined as eligible by contacting
a representative of their State Agency for Surplus Property in their
state. Once they are determined to be eligible, institutions will
receive a log-on and password so they can view available artifacts at
the Web site http://gsaxcess.gov/NASAWel.htm.

The artifacts are free, but eligible recipients must cover shipping and
special handling fees. Shipping fees on smaller items will be relatively
inexpensive, while larger items may involve extensive disassembly,
preparation, shipping, and reassembly costs. NASA will work closely with
potential recipients, on a case by case basis, to address any unique
special handling costs.

Each artifact will be screened for 90 days. Once the screening period
closes, and at completion of the allocation process, requestors will be
notified about the status of their request. For the latest information
about NASA shuttle transition and artifacts, visit
http://www.nasa.gov/transition.


About the Institute of Museum and Library Services 
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of
federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums.
The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that
connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the
national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to
sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and
innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about
the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.