March 22, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Kevin O'Connell, koconnell@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services today posted the webcast of WebWise 2012. A signature initiative of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the WebWise Conference annually brings together representatives of museums, libraries, archives, systems science, education, and other fields to explore the many opportunities made possible by digital technologies.

WebWise 2012 took up the theme of "Tradition and Innovation," investigating how libraries and museums have used digital technologies to help scholars, students, educators, and the general public understand history and the humanities. This year’s conference took special note of the unique contributions that historical societies, public libraries, and other small and local organizations make to humanities scholarship and education.

Highlights of the webcast, which is divided into Preconference, Day 1, and Day 2, include the following:

  • A presentation by StoryCorps founder Dave Isay, which includes excerpts of StoryCorps interviews and new animations
  • An extemporaneous talk by Ian MacKaye, founder of Dischord Records, about his DIY archive, the Fugazi Live Series
  • A keynote address by John Palfrey, Chair of the Digital Public Library of America Steering Committee, about the goals of the DPLA and the first steps that have been taken toward the realization of a large-scale digital public library that will make the cultural and scientific record available to all.
  • Preconference sessions on the use of museum and library collections in developing online gaming and on engaging 21st century learners
  • Panel discussions on mobile technology as a means of engaging people in history, crowd sourcing in public history work, data visualizations in the cultural heritage field, creating and preserving oral history collections, multi-institutional solutions to digital challenges.

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.

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