About Us - Issues

Economic/Community Development

Museums and libraries are community anchors that drive economic and community development.

Partnership: Building Sustainable Communities
IMLS is partnering with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to better understand how museums and libraries are working to support comprehensive community revitalization. Through this partnership, IMLS will analyze existing cases and report back on best practices and strategies for successful museum-library and community collaborations fostering revitalization.

Search the Awarded Grants database for grants to programs that strengthen economic/community development (issue areas have only been assigned to grants awarded since FY 2009)

Economic/community development content on the IMLS Web site:
Susan Hildreth
Blog Post: Calling All Hackers!

May 22, 2013 12:52 PM
IMLS will be a part of the first ever National Day of Civic Hacking, June 1 and 2. Find out how you can get involved. Read More

 
storytime at the book bus
Blog Post: Libraries and Museums Respond to Superstorm Sandy


Throughout the impacted region libraries and museums play important roles in recovery efforts. Read More

 
Photo of Susan Hildreth
Blog Post: Is a Village Post Office Coming to a Library Near You?

August 22, 2012 11:25 AM
Reductions in local post office hours may provide new opportunities for public libraries. Read More

 
library patrons at the Arlington Public Library
Blog Post: Community Anchors in a Time of Crisis

July 12, 2012 04:23 PM
Libraries provide invaluable service to their communities every day. In a crisis like the recent storm that knocked out power to so many homes, libraries are a lifeline. Read More

 
Blog Post: “US Ignite” Highlights Library and Museum Potential for High-Speed Broadband Applications

June 20, 2012 08:47 AM
President Obama Announces an initiative to make cities and towns test-beds for next-generation applications. Read More