FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2007

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

Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services Awards
Almost $28 Million in Librarian Recruitment and Education Grants

Washington, DC--On June 19, the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services announced grants of almost $28 million under the 2007 Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. The multifaceted grant program supports tuition assistance, curriculum development, service expectations, job placement, recruitment of non-traditional library students, and support for doctoral candidates to teach library science and research.

“We all recognize that the services we receive are first and foremost driven by people. Well-equipped and educated librarians and pre-professionals are at the heart of effective library services,” said Anne-Imelda Radice, Ph.D., IMLS Director. "The grants awarded through the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian program sharpen the skills of today’s library staff and train the next generation of library professionals and faculty.”

Forty-three awards will go to universities, libraries, and library organizations across the country today to recruit and educate librarians. The grants will benefit 29 doctoral, 689 master’s, 1439 continuing education, and 150 pre-professional students. Click here for a list of recipients.

Since 2002 when First Lady Laura Bush announced the President’s support of a multi-million dollar initiative to recruit new librarians, the Institute has funded 2913 master’s degree students, 178 doctoral students, 1166 pre-professional students, and 5629 continuing education students. The program is designed to address the shortage of school library media specialists, library school faculty, and librarians working in underserved communities, and to prepare for an anticipated shortage of library leaders, many of whom are expected to retire in the next 20 years.

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.