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/2010/081910.shtm. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 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]

803 929-3440
Padgett Lewis, [log in to unmask] 
 

IMLS's Making the Learning Connection Campaign Lands in Columbia, South
Carolina 

Washington, DC-On August 20, the Institute of Museum and Library
Services (IMLS) brings the Making the Learning Connection campaign to
Columbia, South Carolina. The half-day workshop will spotlight
successful community programs as well as opportunities and challenges
that local museums, libraries, and community groups encounter while
meeting the community's high priority information needs. Hosted by the
Richland County Public Library (RCPL), speakers include RCPL Executive
Director Melanie Huggins, The State Associate Editorial Page Editor
Warren Bolton, and IMLS Acting Director Marsha L. Semmel.  

"We're not simply repositories for books and art," said Huggins.
"Libraries and museums are actively pursuing the same goals as many of
our community's most critical services: ensuring that all of our
residents have the highest quality of life possible."

At the workshop, local museum, library, and community leaders will
explore strategies and make plans for furthering the community's 21st
century learning objectives related to critical thinking, technology
literacy, communication, global awareness, and creativity.

"Columbia's museum, library, and community leaders already offer many
different programs that support an engaged citizenry and a competitive
workforce. Our campaign is designed to help museums, libraries, and
civic leaders examine what has been accomplished throughout the
community and to coordinate efforts to fill any remaining gaps," said
Semmel. 

The Making the Learning Connection campaign is part of IMLS's initiative
to support libraries, museums, community stakeholders, and policymakers
as they work to meet the educational, economic, civic, and cultural
needs of communities. This campaign builds upon the release of Museums,
Libraries and 21st Century Skills
(http://www.imls.gov/pdf/21stCenturySkills.pdf), which provides an
online self-assessment for libraries and museums to develop a strategic
approach to 21st century learning and a report for library and museum
practitioners and policymakers. The campaign includes an eight-city
workshop tour, a national contest, new online tools and resources, and a
series of interactive webinars.

To learn more about 21st century skills, please listen to Semmel's
podcast: http://www.imls.gov/resources/podcasts_Aug10.shtm
 
  
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.