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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.