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 many links, can be viewed on the agency's Web site at
http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/020110.shtm


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2010

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

President Requests $265,869,000 for Institute of Museum and Library
Services

Washington, DC-President Obama has requested $265,869,000 for fiscal
year 2011 for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The
request, which was transmitted to Congress today, is the same as the FY
2010 enacted levels for the Institute's programs and administration. The
proposed budget will support museums and libraries as they re-energize
the economy, fuel partnerships and knowledge sharing, and provide
much-needed services to their communities. 

"We are gratified that these essential services have been recognized in
President Obama's continued support of these institutions," said
Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Director of IMLS. 

The President requested $213,523,000 for the nation's 123,000 libraries.
Of that amount, approximately 80 percent ($172.5 million) is distributed
through the Grants to States program to the State Library Administrative
Agencies (SLAAs) in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia,
U.S. territories, and freely associated states, according to a
population-based formula. These grants help libraries meet the community
needs, use technology to develop new service models and reach
underserved populations. 

Library funding also supports the following programs: 
* National Leadership Grants to support creation of new tools, research,
models, services, practices, or alliances to shape tomorrow's libraries.

* Native American and Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants to support
improved access to library services for Native Americans, Alaska Native
Villages, and Native Hawaiians. 
* Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grants that build the professional
capacity of libraries by improving staff knowledge and skills.

In support of the nation's 17,500 museums, the President requested
$35,212,000 for the following grant programs:
* Museums for America, a program that strengthens museums as active
resources for lifelong learning and as community assets.
* The 21st Century Museum Professionals program, which supports projects
that address the preparation of museum professionals for the future by
updating and expanding their knowledge and skills. 
* The Conservation Project Support program, which helps museums identify
conservation needs and priorities and perform activities to ensure the
safekeeping of their collections.
* National Leadership Grants to support creation of new tools, research,
models, services, practices, or alliances to shape tomorrow's museums.
* The Native American and Native Hawaiian Museum Services program, which
enables Native American tribes, Alaska Native villages or corporations,
and organizations that primarily serve Native Hawaiians to benefit their
communities and audiences through strengthened museum services.
* The Museum Grants for African American History and Culture program,
which builds professional capacity in the African American museum
community.
* The Museum Assessment Program, which provides technical assistance to
help institutions assess their strengths and weaknesses and plan for the
future.
* The Conservation Assessment Program, which assists small museums in
laying the groundwork for effective collections management.

The President's budget provides $2.1 million in continued support for
research and policy activities, including funding for the Public Library
Survey and the State Library Agency Survey. From its inception in 1989
through 2007, these two surveys were administered by the National Center
for Education Statistics (NCES). In 2009, IMLS released the following: 
* Service Trends in U.S. Public Libraries, 1997-2007
The brief identifies important changes public libraries have made to
address patron needs in an increasingly Internet-centric environment and
explores service differences in urban and rural communities.
* Libraries' Use of Broadband to Serve High-Need Communities 
The first data note in the series focuses on the role that public
libraries play in providing access points to broadband services for
people in urban and rural areas, and families in need.
* Catalyst for Change: LSTA Grants to State Program and the
Transformation of Libraries Services to the Public 
The report focuses on services provided through the Library Services and
Technology Act (LSTA) grants to State Library Agencies, the single
largest source of federal funding for the nation's libraries and the
only library grants that require state-wide planning. 
* Partnership for a Nation of Learners: Joining Forces, Creating Value 
The publication offers guidance on creating effective community
collaborations. It resulted from the IMLS and Corporation for Public
Broadcasting's Partnership for a Nation of Learners (PNL) project, which
united libraries, museums, and public broadcasters to address issues of
central concern to their local communities. 
* Museums, Libraries and 21st Century Skills 
The report explores how libraries and museums can meet the educational,
economic, civic, and cultural needs of communities in the 21st century.
The Web site provides a quick online assessment for libraries and
museums to evaluate their readiness to engage the public and to deliver
21st century skills, a downloadable pdf of a report, and an in-depth
assessment matrix for library and museum practitioners and policy
makers.
* IMLS FY 2007 Public Libraries Survey report includes national and
state summary data on public libraries in the 50 states and the District
of Columbia, with an introduction, selected findings, and several
tables.
* IMLS FY 2007 Public Libraries Survey data files and documentation.
* IMLS FY 2008 State Library Agencies Survey report includes information
on population of service areas, service outlets, library collections and
services, library staff, and operating revenue and expenditures. 
* IMLS FY 2008 State Library Agencies Survey data files and
documentation.

A detailed table of President Obama's budget request for IMLS with
recent budget history accompanies this release online. 

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.