FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2007

Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

IMLS Requests Proposals for the Native Hawaiian Library Services Grant

Deadline: May 15, 2007

Washington, DC--The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) invites proposals for the Native Hawaiian Library Services Grant. The grant program, with a total budget of $519,700, will be awarded to nonprofit organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians.

The grant program supports library services to the Native Hawaiian community to enhance existing services or to implement new services such as:

• expanding services for learning and access to information and educational resources in a variety of formats, in all types of libraries, for individuals of all ages;
• developing library services that provide all users with access to information through local, state, regional, national, and international electronic networks;
• providing electronic and other links between and among all types of libraries;
• developing public and private partnerships with other agencies and community-based organizations;
• targeting library services to increase access and ability to use information resources for individuals of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with limited functional literacy or information skills; and,
• targeting library and information services to increase access and ability to use information resources for people 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 as defined by the Office of Management and Budget.

The grant application and guidelines may be viewed and accessed at the IMLS website at: www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/nativeHawaiian.shtm. Applications can be sent by mail or submitted through www.grants.gov. The proposal deadline is May 15, 2007. Funded activities should be scheduled to take place between on October 1, 2007, and September 30, 2008.

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.