FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2007

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

Native American Library Services Receive $1.3 Million in Federal Grants

237 Native American and Alaska Native Communities Will Benefit

Washington, DC--The U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services today awarded Native American tribes across the country $1.3 million in grants to improve library services. In all, 229 grants will strengthen library service for 237 Native American tribal communities and Alaska Native villages. Click here for a list of grant recipients.

In 2007, 51 basic grants of $5,000 were awarded for a total of $255,000, and 178 basic grants with education/assessment option of $6,000 (an additional $1,000 over the $5,000 basic grant) were awarded for a total of $1,116,000. The Native American Library Services Basic Grants, which are distributed in equal amounts among eligible Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages and corporations, can be used to fund general operations, core library services, and technology-oriented library services. The $1000 education/assessment supplement allows librarians to attend state and national conferences, workshops and continuing education opportunities, as well as to conduct on-site assessments. Through this small but important program, tribal libraries often create special collections of both book and archival materials that pertain to their own tribe or to the tribes in their region.

“By strengthening core library services, the Native American Library Services Grant program helps libraries continue to serve as key institutions in the past, present, and future of indigenous communities,” said Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Ph.D., Director of the Institute. “The education/assessment option provides the opportunity for librarians to receive training and share their stories, further enriching their communities.”

In addition to the basic grant program, the Institute also administers the Native American Library Services Enhancement grant program. Enhancement grant recipients may receive up to $150,000. Those awards will be announced mid-September.

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.