June 8, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Natasha Marstiller, nmarstiller@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

Washington, DC—The public is invited to attend the 20th meeting of the National Museum and Library Services Board on June 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A representative of the Federal Communications Commission will discuss the digital adoption and inclusion recommendations of the National Broadband Plan. IMLS will also present findings of Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries, the first, large-scale study of who uses public computers and Internet access in public libraries. The study was conducted by the University of Washington and funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The meeting will take place at the IMLS offices, located at 1800 M Street, NW, 9th Floor, Board Room, Washington, DC 20036.

Board members will lead discussion on a range of other issues including:

  • IMLS’s partnership with the Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration to encourage collaboration between public libraries and the workforce investment system to help job seekers.
  • IMLS’s 21st Century Skills initiative. As part of its mission to help libraries and museums meet the educational, economic, civic, and cultural needs of communities, IMLS released Museums, Libraries and 21st Century Skills, a publication that is accompanied by an online assessment tool and a matrix. The ongoing project supports libraries and museums as they develop programs for technology literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, environmental literacy, and global awareness.

The National Museum and Library Services Board (NMLSB) is an advisory body of presidentially-appointed and Senate-confirmed members of the general public who have demonstrated expertise in, or commitment to, library or museum services, and the director and deputy directors of IMLS. Informed by its collective experience and knowledge, the NMLSB advises the IMLS director on general policy and practices, and on selections for the National Medals for Museum and Library Services. For more information about the National Museum and Library Services Board visit the Institute’s Web site at: http://www.imls.gov/about/board.shtm.

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 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.