December 2, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

202-653-4630
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

IMLS Releases New Five Year Strategic Plan

Creating a Nation of Learners

Washington, DC—Today, IMLS Director Susan Hildreth released the agency’s new strategic plan for FY 2012 – FY 2016. The plan envisions a democratic society where communities and individuals thrive with broad public access to knowledge, cultural heritage and lifelong learning. The new plan identifies the mission of IMLS to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, learning, and cultural and civic engagement by providing leadership through research, policy development and grant-making.

The planning process, launched in June 2011, with the National Museum and Library Services Board, engaged a wide range of stakeholders including more than 1,400 participants in an online forum. It provides a roadmap to implement the Museum and Library Services Act which recognizes that U.S. libraries and museums are powerful national assets with capacity that must be developed and fully used to enhance economic development and lifelong learning.

"Rapidly changing economic, demographic and technological conditions are creating demand for new library and museum services, noted Ms. Hildreth. " This plan will help IMLS carry out its important federal mandate to help America create 21st century institutions that provide the essential educational and cultural opportunities we need for a competitive future."

The strategic plan establishes a clear framework for performance improvement that emphasizes evidence-based program development and evaluation and includes identifying and sharing best practices; aligning grant-making to best practices and research results; networking to build capacity; and assessing progress. 

Five strategic goals will drive IMLS activities and investments:

Strategic Goal 1: IMLS places the learner at the center and supports engaging experiences in libraries and museums that prepare people to be full participants in their local communities and our global society.

Strategic Goal 2: IMLS promotes museums and libraries as strong community anchors that enhance civic engagement, cultural opportunities, and economic vitality.

Strategic Goal 3: IMLS supports exemplary stewardship of museum and library collections and promotes the use of technology to facilitate discovery of knowledge and cultural heritage.

Strategic Goal 4: IMLS advises the President and Congress on plans, policies, and activities that sustain and increase public access to information and ideas.

Strategic Goal 5: IMLS achieves excellence in public management and performs as a model organization through strategic alignment of IMLS resources and prioritization of programmatic activities, maximizing value for the American public.

To read more about the IMLS Strategic Plan see www.imls.gov/plan.

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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