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
images and links can be viewed on the agency's Web site at
http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/021710.shtm.

Museum Leaders Trade Information, Best Practices at IMLS Convening

Washington, DC-On February 4 and 5, 2010, the Institute of Museum and
Library Services (IMLS) convened the first-ever forum of grantees in the
21st Century Museum Professionals Grants program. Meeting at the Beacon
Hotel just a few blocks from the IMLS offices, museum professionals
gathered to share and discuss successes and challenges in the
implementation of grant-funded projects. Selected grantees provided
short presentations on projects that are currently underway and fielded
questions in panel style Q and A sessions. 

Diane Miller, convening participant and senior vice president of School
and Community Partnerships at the St. Louis Science Center, commented,
"We don't often get the opportunity to learn from each other in the
field. We need to do this on a regular basis. I've listened to
presentations today and am imagining how I might incorporate some of
these practices into my own programs."

In addition to valuable peer-to-peer sharing, participants explored
ideas and practices on various topics in small break-out groups on
learning formats, evaluation techniques, standards and best practices,
and Web-based products and resources. The groups also shared experiences
with internship and museum studies programs, partnerships, dissemination
of project results, and project sustainability after the grant award. 

Marsha L. Semmel, OMS deputy director and director for strategic
partnerships, presented on IMLS's 21st Century Skills Initiative, which
focuses on advancing the role of museums and libraries in the
development of such 21st century skills as information, communications,
and technology literacy; creativity and problem solving; civic literacy;
and global awareness. IMLS is encouraging 21MP grant proposals that
focus on the development of these 21st century skills. The next deadline
is March 15, 2010.

Since its inception in 2005, the 21MP program has awarded 38 grants
totaling $9,070,022. Each grant award provides from $15,000 to $500,000
in support of projects that improve the knowledge and skills of museum
professionals in multiple institutions. The grants fund the development
and implementation of classes, seminars, and workshops, leadership
development, and activities that strengthen the use of contemporary
technology tools. It is estimated that more than 10,000 museum
professionals and more than 3,000 institutions have been impacted by
these awards, which ultimately enhance the quality of programs and
services provided to the communities served by these museums. 

Convening participants included:
Alaska State Museums
American Association for State and Local History
Art Education for the Blind
Association of Children's Museums
Association of Science-Technology Centers
Balboa Park Cultural Partnership
Boston Children's Museum
California Indian Museum and Cultural Center
Cooperstown Graduate Program/Research Foundation--State University of
New York, Oneonta
Costume Society of America
Essex County Historical Society
Exploratorium
Florida Museum of Natural History/University of Florida, Office of
Sponsored Research
Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and
Art Works
Lawrence Hall of Science/Regents of the University of California
Mid-America Arts Alliance
National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers
New England Aquarium
Phoenix Zoo
Seton Hall University
UC Davis Arboretum/University of California
University of Washington
USS Constitution Museum Foundation
Utah Humanities Council

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.