FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2007

Press Contacts
202-653-4628
Kevin O'Connell, koconnell@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

IMLS Accepting Applications for Native American Library Services
Enhancement Grants

Application Deadline: May 1, 2007

Washington, DC--The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is accepting applications for Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants. These grants support projects to enhance existing library services or implement new library services, particularly projects that pursue the following activities:

• Expand services for learning and access to information and educational resources in a variety of formats, in all types of libraries, for persons of all ages.
• Develop library services that provide all users with access to information through local, state, regional, national, and international electronic networks.
• Provide electronic and other links between and among all types of libraries.
• Develop public and private partnerships with other agencies and community-based organizations.
• Target library services to help increase access and ability to use information resources for persons of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; persons with disabilities; and persons with limited functional literacy or information skills.
• Target library and information services to help increase access and ability to use information resources for persons who have difficulty using a library and for underserved urban and rural communities, including children, from birth to age 17, from families with incomes below the poverty line.

Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages and corporations are eligible to apply for funding under this program. Entities such as libraries, schools, tribal colleges, and departments of education are not eligible applicants, although they may be involved in the administration of this program and their staff may serve as project directors. Applicants for Enhancement Grants must have applied for a Native American Library Services Basic Grant in the same fiscal year.

Applicants may apply on paper or online through Grants.gov. More information, including guidelines and the application, can be found at www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/nativeEnhance.shtm.

Awards will be announced in September 2007.

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 122,000 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.