FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2005

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

Institute of Museum and Library Services Calls for Native Hawaiian Library Services Grant Applications (Deadline Extended to May 16, 2005)

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services is accepting grant applications for the Native Hawaiian Library Services program. This grant program marks new opportunities for improved library services for an important part of the nation’s community of library users. Funds may be used to:

• establish or enhance electronic links among or between libraries
• link libraries electronically with educational, social or information services
• help libraries access information through electronic networks
• encourage libraries in various communities and different types of libraries to establish consortia and share resources
• pay costs for libraries to acquire or share computer systems and telecommunications technologies
• target library and information services to persons who have difficulty using a library and to underserved urban and rural communities.

Native Hawaiian Library Services grants are available to nonprofit organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians (as the term is defined in section 7207 of the Native Hawaiian Education Act). The term “Native Hawaiian” means an individual who is a citizen of the United States and a descendant of the aboriginal people who, prior to 1778, occupied and exercised sovereignty in the area that is now the State of Hawaii.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services will award approximately $496,000 in this grant category. Applications are now available on the IMLS Web site. The grant application deadline, which has been extended, is May 16, 2005. The awards will be announced in mid-September 2005. For additional information, contact Alison Freese, Senior Program Officer, 202/606-5408; afreese@imls.gov.