April 14, 2015

IMLS Press Contact
202-653-4799
Giuliana Bullard gbullard@imls.gov

IMLS Hosts April 28 Convening on the National Digital Platform

First of Three Library Meetings will Revisit Digital Priorities

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) will hold a stakeholder convening to engage with library and archives professionals on Tuesday, April 28, from 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at the District of Columbia Public Library. The meeting, which will be the first of three IMLS Focus convenings in 2015, will focus on the national digital platform. It will address the state of digital services in libraries and archives, as well as barriers to broader access to digital resources for all Americans.

The national digital platform is the combination of software applications, social and technical infrastructure, and staff expertise used by libraries, museums, and archives to provide online content and services to all users in the United States. Since last year’s convening on this topic, IMLS has incorporated the national digital platform as a strategic priority and funded National Leadership Grants for Libraries around this topic.

IMLS invites broad participation in the event itself and the Twitter chat leading up to it. Specific channels include:

The discussion will cover components of the national digital platform, the state of distributed national digital capacity, gaps in capacity, and the need for digital library professionals. An agenda for the April 28 convening is available on the IMLS website.  

Speakers will include:

  • Sebastian Chan, Director of Digital and Emerging Technologies, Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
  • Dan Cohen, Executive Director, Digital Public Library of America,
  • Bethany Nowviskie, incoming Director, Digital Library Federation

The next two IMLS Focus convenings will address: learning in libraries on May 14 at the Kansas City Public Library, and engaging communities on June 2 at the Los Angeles Public Library. IMLS will capture input to move the field forward and further develop its strategic priorities.

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.