May 18, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Los Angeles Convention Center

Visit IMLS at the MuseumExpo, Booth #116

Washington, DC—Marsha L. Semmel, acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and other agency representatives will participate in the American Association of Museums (AAM) annual meeting in Los Angeles, California, May 23-26.

To underscore this year's conference theme, Museums Without Borders, IMLS will release Strengthening Connections, Advancing Global Understanding, a new publication on its International Strategic Partnership Initiative. IMLS staff will also be available for questions at booth #116.

Below is a list of IMLS-related sessions:

Sunday, May 23, 1:15 P.M.-2:30 P.M. – Convention Center, Room 408A
What’s the evidence baseω Applying the National Academy of Sciences’ (NAS) report on informal science learning to the broader museum field.
Participants will explore findings of the NAS report on learning science in informal education, including the evidence base for non-school learning, insight on diversifying participation in informal environments, and appropriate learning outcomes for informal learning experiences.
Chairperson: Andrew Shouse, associate director, Institute of Science, University of Washington College of Education, Seattle, WA.
Participant: Marsha L. Semmel, acting director, IMLS, Washington, DC.

Sunday, May 23, 4:15 P.M.-5:30 P.M. – Convention Center, Room 401
The impact of IMLS’s Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action initiative on America’s museums.
This session will consider IMLS’s initiative on conservation, "Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action," presenting recent evaluation information, case studies, and information on accessing available resources. Attendees will discuss how to continue, extend, and consolidate the initiative’s gains.
Chairperson: Nancy Rogers, senior project coordinator, IMLS, Washington, DC.

Sunday, May 23, 2:45 P.M.-4 P.M. – Convention Center, Room 408B
How to demonstrate the public value of museums.
This interactive session will demonstrate how museums can conduct and use public value research to exhibit their importance to stakeholders, funders, and policymakers, building their capacity to better serve the public.
Chairperson: Marsha L. Semmel, acting director, IMLS, Washington, DC.
Participant: Carlos Manjarrez, associate deputy director for research and statistics, IMLS, Washington, DC.

Monday, May 24, 9 A.M.-10:15 A.M. – Convention Center, Room 406A/B
The future of museums, libraries, and archives.
Panelists will focus on the discussion guide that emerged from a 2008 NAS meeting (supported by IMLS) on the future of libraries and museums, including topics such as technology and power development, and the 21st-century museum and library workforce. Representatives of the museum, archives, and library communities will address the discussion guide topics.
Chairperson: Holly Witchey, adjunct professor, the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.
Participants: Mamie Bittner, deputy director, office of policy, planning, research and communications, IMLS, Washington, DC.
Michael Devine, director, Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, Independence, MO.
Emlyn Koster, president and CEO, Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ.

Monday, May 24, 2:15 P.M.-3:30 P.M. – Convention Center, Room 407
A conversation with IMLS staff.
IMLS program officers will provide an overview of funding opportunities available to museums, including tips on preparing a competitive proposal and common pitfalls to avoid. They will also provide an update on recent publications and national initiatives such as Museums, Libraries, and 21st Century Skills.
Chairperson: Christopher Reich, associate deputy director for museums, IMLS, Washington, DC.
Participants: Sandra Narva, senior program officer, IMLS, Washington, DC.
Steven Shwartzman, senior program officer, IMLS, Washington, DC.
Helen Wechsler, senior program officer, IMLS, Washington, DC.

Tuesday, May 25, 9 A.M.-10:15 A.M. – Convention Center, Room 515B
Museums and 21st century skills: perspectives on policy and practice.
This session focuses on a recent IMLS report and self-assessment tool addressing museums’ critical role in promoting such 21st century skills as visual literacy, civic engagement, global awareness, creativity and innovation, environmental literacy, and critical thinking and problem solving. The project presents a policy argument, case studies, and strategies for increasing museums’ effectiveness in fostering these skills.
Chairperson: Marsha L. Semmel, acting director, IMLS, Washington, DC.

Tuesday and Wednesday, May 25 and 26, 12:15 P.M.-1:45 P.M. – Convention Center, Room 404B
Career Cafe "Blue Plate Specials"
Join us for brief, bite-sized presentations/conversations on a range of career and management related topics. Each "blue plate" is 20 minutes, featuring a six-minute presentation (Pecha Kucha-style) followed by discussion. Bring your lunch.
Presenters: Schroeder Cherry, counselor to the director, IMLS, Washington, DC.
Sheetal Prajapati, director of educational programs, Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.
Linda Norris, Managing Partner, Riverhill, Treadwell, NY.

Wednesday, May 26, 9 A.M.-10:15 A.M. – Convention Center, Room 407
Connecting to community: IMLS national medal for museum service
Three recent recipients of the IMLS National Medal for Museum Service will share the institutional strategies that allowed them to impact diverse audiences in life-changing ways.
Chairperson: Christopher Reich, associate deputy director for museums, IMLS, Washington, DC.

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.