The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of
Museum and Library Services (IMLS). An HTML version of this release can
be viewed on the agency's Web site at
http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/081110.shtm.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2010

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

202-585-0252
Jennifer Mandel, [log in to unmask] 

IMLS Podcast Provides Plain Language Facts about 21st Century Skills 

Washington, DC-The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
proudly announces release of a podcast on 21st century skills by IMLS
Acting Director Marsha L. Semmel. 

To listen to the podcast, click here
http://www.imls.gov/resources/podcasts_Aug10.shtm.

In the 4.30 minute podcast, Semmel explains:
* What are 21st century skills?
* Where did the 21st century skills movement come from?
* Where do museums and libraries fit in the 21st century skills
movement?

Semmel also describes Making the Learning Connection
(http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/061610.shtm), IMLS's national campaign to
better understand the opportunities, challenges, and key issues facing
today's museums and libraries in their efforts to meet their
communities' 21st century learning needs. The campaign includes an
eight-city workshop tour, a national contest, new online tools and
resources, and a series of interactive webinars. 

On August 20, IMLS staff will travel to Columbia, South Carolina, to
hear about the city's assets and how museums, libraries, and civic
leaders are working together to create a shared vision for cooperative,
supportive 21st century learning environments. Workshop participants
will produce a defined set of action steps to ensure that museums,
libraries, and community stakeholders continue to collaborate in order
to meet the 21st century learning needs of their community.

In the coming months, IMLS will announce the other workshop tour stops,
dates for webinars, and contest details.

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.