March 31, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact
Adrienne Lee
202-414-0788, alee@susandavis.com

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) today announced grants for 22 library projects, totalling $9,300,425. The funds will support projects of a national scope that will advance a national digital platform and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) learning in libraries. They will also fund projects to develop the human capital needed for successful library services, with training and education projects for library staff and library and information science students.

The projects were selected through a peer review process from applications through two IMLS grant programs. One hundred and eight applications were received through the National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG) program, requesting more than $31.3 million. The six NLG awards total $4,144,962 and will be matched with $4,116,344 in non-federal funds. They are the first of two rounds of funding through the NLG program for fiscal year 2015 and are projects that fall under the national digital platform, learning spaces in libraries, and STEM categories.

One hundred applications were received through the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program, requesting $32,393,068. The 16 awards made through this program total $5,155,463 and will be matched with $2,415,910.

Click here for a complete list of the recipients.

“It is exciting to invest in projects that support the digital library infrastructure with fresh thinking and advance STEM learning in libraries. These projects not only innovate, they bring together partners in new ways that will surely enrich and extend their impact,” said IMLS Acting Director Maura Marx. 

She added, “The range of skills and education needed by people working in libraries and archives seems to grow every year. These new training and education projects include creative collaborations that will help prepare library staff for the demands of a changing profession.”

National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG) support projects that address challenges faced by the library and archive fields. Successful projects have the potential to improve library services nationwide. Grantees generate results such as new tools, research findings, models, services, practices, or alliances that can be widely used, adapted, scaled, or replicated to extend the benefits of federal investment.

The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program supports projects to recruit and educate the next generation of librarians, faculty, and library leaders; and to support early career research. It also assists in the professional development of librarians and library staff.

For more information about IMLS grant programs, see www.imls.gov/applicants/available_grants.aspx.

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 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Issues
Programs
Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program
National Leadership Grants for Libraries