FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2007

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

IMLS Invites Proposals to Produce 2008-2009 WebWise Conference

Deadline: June 18, 2007

Washington, DC--The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is seeking proposals to develop and host the 2008 and 2009 WebWise Conferences on Libraries and Museums in the Digital World in cooperation with IMLS. The WebWise Conference highlights exemplary projects to improve library and museum programs using technology and brings together library and museum professionals and national technology experts from a variety of disciplines to discuss issues of mutual concern. To continue reaching a wide geographical area, IMLS wants the 2008 conference to be held in the South. The 2009 conference is planned for Washington, D.C. Previous WebWise Conferences have been held in Los Angeles and Chicago.

Organizations eligible for the award include:

• public and not-for-profit institutions of higher education,
• all types of libraries and library consortia,
• all types of public and not-for-profit museums and museum consortia, and
• professional associations serving the museum or library field.

Federally operated and for-profit museums and libraries are not eligible to apply to host the conference.

The cooperative agreement will last for two years; funds for the 2009 conference will be released only upon successful completion of the 2008 conference, availability of federal funds, and approval of the IMLS Director. The award amount will be up to $500,000.

The program announcement is available on the IMLS Web site at www.imls.gov/pdf/WebWiseRFP.pdf and through www.grants.gov, Funding Opportunity Number WW-CA-07. Proposals must be submitted through www.grants.gov no later than June 18, 2007. Awards will be announced by July 30, 2007.

For more information, please contact Susan Malbin, Senior Program Officer, Office of Library Services, Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1800 M Street NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20036-5802. Telephone (202) 653-4768, E-mail smalbin@imls.gov.

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.