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/2009/092309.shtm.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2009
IMLS Calls for Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Grant Applications
Application Deadline: December 15, 2009
Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) invites proposals from libraries, archives, and library agencies, associations, and consortia for the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant program. Categories of funding for the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian program are as follows:
• Doctoral programs in library and information science; • Master’s programs in library and information science; • Research about library and information science as a profession, establishment of ongoing research capacity in graduate schools of library and information science, and research conducted by untenured, tenure-track faculty in graduate schools of library and information science in their field of research (Early Career Development program); • Pre-professional programs to interest future professionals in library and information science as a career; • Programs to build institutional capacity in graduate schools of library and information science by developing or enhancing programs; and • Continuing education for library and archives staff.
The grant period for these projects is up to three years, except for doctoral program projects, which may be up to four years.
Responding to the ongoing changes in the information professions, since 2003, IMLS has awarded more than $130 million in grants to fund the education of 3,543 master's degree students, 192 doctoral students, 1,496 pre-professional students, and 26,482 continuing education students. These grants have helped build the skills and abilities of the people who maintain the nation’s information infrastructure at the grassroots level—librarians, archivists, and school library media specialists.
Application guidelines and instructions are available online. Please direct any questions about the program to Kevin Cherry, Senior Program Officer, 202-653-4662, kcherry@imls.gov; Chuck Thomas, Senior Program Officer, 202-653-4663, cthomas@imls.gov; or Karmen Bisher, Program Specialist, 202-653-4664, kbisher@imls.gov.
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.
