 The
public has much to gain from the use of digital technology by museums and libraries. Digital technology connects more people to the services and
information that only museums and libraries provide. It enables access to unique cultural, scientific, and artistic collections; to vast information
and research resources; and to educational opportunities for learners of all ages. Recognizing the expanding role of digital technology in both
formal and informal learning, the Institute is advancing its use in our nation's museums and libraries through grantmaking, conferences, and publications.
Digital technology enables the full range of holdings in our museums, libraries, and archives-audio, video, documents, artifacts,
photographs, artworks and other resources-to be cataloged, organized, combined in new ways, and made accessible to audiences as never before.
The rich scientific, historic, aesthetic, and cultural resources in our libraries and museums can be presented-both within and across institutions-within
an interpretive and educational context that enriches meaning. New telecommunications initiatives allow learners to access more than museum
and library collections; they also bring learners "face-to-face" electronically with curators, scientists, artists, and scholars. Technology-based
learning initiatives address different learning needs through customized programming and presentation.
This section of the IMLS Web site has been developed to highlight IMLS activities in this area. Select from:
Related Publications | Related Conferences | Grant Programs | View Awarded Digital Projects |
Digital Resources for Cultural Heritage: A Strategic Assessment Workshop on
Current Status and Future Needs
Report and recommendations stemming from an Institute sponsored workshop of 63 specialists from 26 states representing libraries,
museums, archives, higher education institutions, public broadcasting, research consortia, public and private funding organizations, and service
providers. The report assesses progress and plans for the development and use of digital cultural resources.
Assessment of End-User Needs in IMLS-Funded Digitization Projects
An Institute commissioned study of the needs-assessment practices used in digitization projects.
A Framework of Guidance for Building Good Digital Collections
Identifies principles of good practice and current standards in four areas: collections, digital objects, metadata, and digital
projects. The Framework was developed with Institute support and is maintained by the National Information Standards Organization.
Report of the Workshop on Opportunities for Research on the Creation, Management, Preservation and Use
of Digital Content
The University of Florida, Florida Center for Library Automation, convened a workshop in March 2003 to assess research needs
related to digital cultural content. This report summarizes the results of the workshop and presents suggestions for useful areas of research.
Status of Technology and Digitization in the Nation's Museums and Libraries
A study of the use of technology and digitization activities in libraries and museums nationwide. |
Web-Wise 2005
Teaching and Learning with Digital Resources. February 2005
Web-Wise 2004
Sharing Digital Resources. March 2004
World Summit on the Information Society
The United Nations hosted the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), the first global UN Summit to address the challenges
and opportunities presented by the information society, December 2003 in Geneva, Switzerland. Institute Director Robert S. Martin participated
as an official U.S. delegate to WSIS in two pre-Summit conferences.
• "Libraries, Museums, And Nations Of Learners: New Opportunities For The Knowledge Society"
Dr. Robert S. Martin, Director, RSIS Education Session, December 9, 2003
Web-Wise 2003
Sustaining Digital Resources. February 2003
Web-Wise 2002
Building Digital Communities. March 2002
Web-Wise 2001
The Digital Divide: A Conference on Libraries and Museums in the Digital World. February 2001
Web-Wise 2000
A conference on libraries and museums in the digital world. February 2000
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