FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2009

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

Peer Reviewers Needed for Broadband Technology Opportunities Program

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), encourages interested library and museum professionals to review grant applications for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). This $4.5 billion broadband grant program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which seeks to bring universal broadband access to all Americans while creating jobs and stimulating the economy.

NTIA needs reviewers with relevant expertise, from diverse backgrounds, regions and experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Expertise in broadband deployment and infrastructure.
• Experience with personal computers, software, and local area networks.
• Experience in community technology and digital inclusion programs.
• Experience reviewing grant applications from nonprofit and public agencies.
• Expertise in education, health care, disability access, economic and workforce development, libraries, human and social services, and/or affordable housing.
• Experience with outreach to targeted populations, including youth, senior citizens, low income communities of color, Native Americans, immigrant communities, non-English speakers, and the disabled.
• Understanding of how broadband access enables communities to fully participate in the 21st century economy.

Reviewers will participate remotely and will not be required to attend any in-person meetings. A 90-minute training session/webinar will be provided for reviewers and repeated several times to allow for scheduling flexibility. Participants will review no more than 10 applications, each requiring 60 to 90 minutes, and participate in a 2-hour wrap-up conference call.

If you are interested, please send your resume to BTOPreviewer@ntia.doc.gov; reviewer training sessions will begin next week.

If you have additional questions, please call (888) 861-5509 or e-mail BTOPreviewer@ntia.doc.gov for further information.

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 123,000 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.