FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2005

Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Eileen Maxwell, emaxwell@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

President's Budget Requests $262,240,000 for Institute of Museum and Library Services

Washington, DC—The President's Budget requests $262,240,000 for fiscal year 2006 for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The request, which represents an increase of $21,565,000 in funding for IMLS core programs, includes:

• $221,325,000 for the Library Services and Technology Act, an increase of $15,374,000 from the FY 05 appropriation for the same purposes;
  
• $38,915,000 for the Museum Services Act, an increase of $4,191,000 from the FY 05 appropriation for the same purposes; and
  
• $2,000,000 for a new grant program authorized by the African American History and Culture Act.

"This budget underscores the Bush Administration's continued solid support for libraries and museums in the United States," Dr. Robert Martin, Director of IMLS, remarked. "We are especially pleased that, with a request for $262 million, this budget continues to demonstrate the President's strong support for the Librarians for the 21st Century program. Since its inception in 2003 the program has supported innovation, ingenuity, and diversity while helping to recruit and educate the next generation of librarians. To date nearly 1,200 students have benefited from this initiative."Museum and libraries are central to education in the United States, helping to strengthen civic engagement and connect people of all ages to ideas and information. IMLS provides national leadership while empowering museums and libraries across the country to lead in their communities.Specifically, the President's budget will allow IMLS to:

• Increase support for State Library Administrative Agencies whose work strengthens library service nationwide and makes a significant impact on information and technology literacy as well as supporting homework centers, early reading programs, expanded digital resources, technology training, and more.
  
• Recruit and educate a new generation of librarians, and expand programs for faculty and curriculum development to educate 21st century librarians.
  
• Update and expand the skills of museum professionals to support their role in the 21st century workforce.
  
• Increase the capacity of museums to act as stewards of cultural heritage, enhance civic engagement, and provide opportunities for lifelong learning.
  
• Expand, create, and preserve educational and cultural content in digital form and enhance learning through new digital tools and optimal practices for delivering services.
  
• Strengthen learning through new models for library and museum programs.
  

• Build sustainable partnerships among museums, libraries, communities, and schools.