FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2007

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

National Museum and Library Services Board Adopts Resolution
On Library and Information Policy

Washington, DC--The National Museum and Library Services Board adopted the following resolution today:

WHEREAS, the National Museum and Library Services Board:

Recognizes that, as the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ authorizing legislation provides, “Democracy demands wisdom and vision in its citizens,” and an educated citizenry depends upon the constant provision of high quality library and information services which are accessible to people throughout their lifetimes.

Recognizes that free and open exchange of information is at the core of library and information policy in the United States;

Recognizes the need for a strong federal voice to address library and information policy issues and inform the government’s domestic and international policy decisions and believes that consolidating this role in the Institute of Museum and Library Services will best serve the American public;

Recognizes that the Institute of Museum and Library Services is uniquely positioned to collaboratively engage in policy research and analysis and has significant experience in identifying policy issues, convening and participating in high-level meetings, and commissioning and disseminating research and white papers to inform policy development;

Believes that library and information policy in the United States should be informed by solid research and thoughtful analysis in service to the people of the United States;

Recognizes its own role in providing policy advice on library and information services, utilizing the experience and expertise of its twenty Presidentially-appointed, Senate-confirmed, voting members serving five year terms, five of whom, by law, must be professional librarians or information specialists of whom not less than one shall be knowledgeable about electronic information and technical aspects of library and information services and sciences, and not less than one shall be knowledgeable about the library and information service needs of underserved communities, and five more of whom must have special competence in, or knowledge of, the needs for library and information services in the United States; and

Recognizes the value of consolidating the library functions, which will strengthen federal library policy efforts and enhance national research capacity on domestic and international library trends.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the National Museum and Library Services Board:

Is committed to carrying out its responsibilities under the consolidation and ensuring an enhanced voice for library and information policy at the federal level;

Will proactively support research and policy analysis; and

Will advise the federal government on policy issues in a transparent and open manner.

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.

About the National Museum and Library Services Board
The National Museum and Library Services Board (NMLSB) is a twenty-four member advisory body that includes four non-voting members: the director and deputy directors for libraries and museums of IMLS, and the chair of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science, and twenty presidentially-appointed and Senate-confirmed voting members who have demonstrated expertise in, or commitment to, library or museum services. For a list of board members, visit www.imls.gov/about/board.shtm.