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Check out recent posts from UpNext: The Official Blog of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.


 


Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Improving Education and Collections
Dion Brown and James McWilliams examine a piece in the museum’s collection.

May 16, 2013

An IMLS grant helps the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center provide education resources to local schools and implement a permanent cataloguing system. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Facility Extention Connects Past to Present
An aerial view of the new site.

May 16, 2013

A new wing of the Weeksville Heritage Center will allow for expanded programing while connecting to a permanent exhibit in the original structure. Read More

 
AAHC Forum: Preserving History and Culture at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Chris Miller

May 09, 2013

A former historical interpreter and re-enactor describes how his role preserving history has changed now that he serves as program manager of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Read More

 
AAHC Forum: Succession Plan Plays Key Role in Museum Merger

May 09, 2013

Succession planning and leadership development helps the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Cincinnati Museum Center merge. Read More

 
Blog Post: A Thing of Beauty by Luisa Banchoff
Luisa Banchoff

May 08, 2013

IMLS salutes the country’s first National Student Poets. Today’s featured poet is Luisa Banchoff of Arlington, Va. Read More

 
Blog Post: Meeting the Needs of 21st Century Teens
Girl reading books in library

May 03, 2013

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Summit on Libraries & Teens was the first conversation point in a yearlong National Forum that continues with a virtual town hall meeting on May 21.​ Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Database and Inventory Completion Contribute to AWC’s Momentum
Woman numbering collections.

May 02, 2013

A brand new collections database focuses on improving preservation practices. Read More

 
Blog Post: Lessons In Fifths By Lylla Younes
Lylla Younes

May 01, 2013

IMLS salutes the country’s first National Student Poets. Today’s featured poet is Lylla Younes from Alexandria, La. Read More

 
Blog Post: Looking for Research Data Stories?
Data Curation Profile Directory

Apr 30, 2013

Purdue University Libraries launched the Data Curation Profiles Directory, a new tool for library and information science professionals, archivists, IT professionals, and others working on data curation.​ Read More

 
Blog Post: Library Helps Local Businesses
Workforce development and library partners.

Apr 26, 2013

The Howell Carnegie Library in Michigan used the power of partnerships to expand their workforce development services. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Former Journalist Reviving Lost History, Culture at The Kansas African American Museum
Mark McCormick

Apr 25, 2013

Journalist turned museum director connects Kansans to their state’s historical DNA. Read More

 
Blog Post: Orpheus by Miles Hewitt
Miles Hewitt


To mark National Poetry Month, IMLS salutes the country’s first National Student Poets. Today’s featured poet is Miles Hewitt from Vancouver, Wash. Read More

 
Blog Post: Piggy Bank Tales: Teaching Children how to Manage Money
Piggy Bank Tales

Apr 24, 2013

Piggy Bank Tales uses the trust that participants have in their librarian to start a dialogue between the adult and child concerning money. Read More

 
Blog Post: HELP Advance: Supporting the Small Museum
KCHELP Workshop

Apr 23, 2013

The Hands-on Experiential Learning Project (HELP) is a professional development training program that addresses the specific needs of small and mid-size museum professionals. Read More

 
Blog Post: Uncovering the Hidden Reproductive Lives of Salamanders
Salamander Ultrasound

Apr 22, 2013

For Earth Day, IMLS presents blogs by two scientists who are working on an IMLS-funded project to save salamanders that are in danger of extinction worldwide. Read More

 
Blog Post: Saving Salamanders with Science
An adult tiger salamander.

Apr 22, 2013

For Earth Day, IMLS presents blogs by two scientists who are working on an IMLS-funded project to save salamanders that are in danger of extinction worldwide. Read More

 
Blog Post: Connecting Worlds Through Internet and Imagination

Apr 19, 2013

In this video, library director Paul Paladino and community member Jaimy Fulbright talk about how the Naturita Community Library brings people together in this small town and continues to grow with the community. Read More

 
Blog Post: Laws of Thermodynamics by Claire Lee
Claire Lee

Apr 17, 2013

To mark National Poetry Month, IMLS salutes the country’s first National Student Poets. Today’s featured poet is Claire Lee, from New York, N.Y. Read More

 
Blog Post: Library of Congress Naturalization Ceremony and New Partnership with USCIS
IMLS Director Susan Hildreth addresses the new citizens.

Apr 16, 2013

At a Library of Congress Naturalization Ceremony, IMLS and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a partnership to encourage collaboration between citizen and immigration services and public libraries. Read More

 
Blog Post: Libraries and Museums Bring Communities Together During Difficult Times

Apr 16, 2013

Statement from Director Susan Hildreth on Boston. Read More

 
Blog Post: Get Involved: Powered By Your Library
San Jose tutor and learner.

Apr 12, 2013

The California State Library launched a statewide initiative to expand the visibility and contributions of skilled volunteers in public libraries. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Navigating the Bumps: Coping with Personnel Changes in “Mid-Grant”
The Kansas African American Museum

Apr 11, 2013

The Kansas African American Museum shares valuable lessons about staff recruitment and retention. Read More

 
Blog Post: Change is What This Library Does Best

Apr 10, 2013

In this video, Shaler North Hills Library director Sharon McRae and community member Janet Miller talk about how the library adapts their programming to meet the changing needs of the community. Read More

 
Blog Post: Museums and Libraries Making a Difference: Hundreds of Stories Shared on IMLS Facebook Page
Share Your Story

Apr 04, 2013

Director Hildreth recaps IMLS’s first year celebrating finalists for the National Medal for Museum and Library Services and the Share Your Story initiative. Read More

 
Blog: AAHC Forum: Life as a MP: Museum Professionals Saturday Exploratory Series Presented by the Hampton University Museum
Student working with an African American mask.

Apr 04, 2013

An IMLS Grant to the Hampton University Museum helped create hands-on, interactive workshops to expose high school students to a wide array of careers within the museum and archival fields. Read More

 
Blog Post: The Power of Nature in Garfield Park

Apr 03, 2013

In this video, community member Tiara Livingston and Director Eunita Rushing discuss how teen programs at the Garfield Park Conservatory inspires and educates youth in the community. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Amistad and Haitian Agencies Discuss Exhibition
Amistad Research Center

Mar 28, 2013

Haiti’s Presidential Advisory Commission for Economic Growth and Investment are in talks with the Amistad Research Center with hopes to make Amistad’s artwork available for Haitian academic researchers and public exhibition in Haiti. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Collection Reorganization Makes Art Borrowing Easier

Mar 28, 2013

A reorganized art collection and borrowing system prepares the Amistad Research Center for general access and future exhibitions. Read More

 
Blog Post: Caring about Kindergarten at the Long Island Children’s Museum

Mar 27, 2013

A bilingual summer program at the Long Island Children’s Museum helps children of immigrant families prepare for kindergarten. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Digitized Texas Southern University Collection Draws New Appreciation and Interest
LaStarsha McGarrity working on a mural by Kermit Oliver.

Mar 22, 2013

Immediate access through digital media raises profile of collection that is the cultural fabric of Texas Southern University. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Texas Southern University Students Help Catalog African American Art
D’Andre Holmes, an Art Major at TSU.

Mar 22, 2013

Work inspires new perspective on collections management and career possibilities. Read More

 
Blog Post: Everyone On! Libraries Play Essential Role in Connect2Compete Campaign
Everyone On

Mar 21, 2013

A public awareness campaign launches today that will help empower people who aren’t Internet users, to get the training they need to get online. Read More

 
Blog Post: From Resumes to Robots

Mar 20, 2013

Community member Willie Wright and library director Jody Risacher talk about the Cumberland County Public Library’s programs serve their community, from career development services to science projects for kids. Read More

 
Blog Post: Community Scientists Wow Museum Visitors
Powerhouse Science Center

Mar 20, 2013

Museum educators at the Powerhouse Science Center create practical guide to help local scientists build new skills. Read More

 
Blog Post: Museums as Dinner Table: Dialogues on Immigration

Mar 19, 2013

This spring, participants of the Immigration and Civil Rights Network will discuss immigration issues and work together to bring those dialogues to their museums. Read More

 
Blog Post: A Teacher’s Reflection on Developing a Model for Technology-Based Museum School Partnerships
Cuba Rushford Middle School1

Mar 15, 2013

A middle school social studies class in upstate New York teamed up with the educational director at the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts to help students create “digital artifacts” based on the museum’s collection. Read More

 
Blog Post: A Cooperstown Close-up: Developing a Model for Technology-Based Museum School Partnerships
Baseball Hall of Fame

Mar 15, 2013

By linking up classroom educators and museum educators, the Baseball Hall of Fame has used distance learning to educate kids in geography, economics, math, and civil rights history. Read More

 
Blog Post: Whose Learning Is It Anyway? (WebWise 2013)

Mar 14, 2013

As everything from report cards to student artwork goes digital, WebWise Keynote speaker Audrey Watters asks “Whose Learning is it Anyway?” Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Forgotten Communities: Discovering and Recovering Baptisttown
Evansville African American Museum

Mar 14, 2013

The Evansville African American Museum worked with high school and college students on oral history projects to collect and preserve the war memories of Baptisttown and Lincoln Gardens residents. Read More

 
Blog Post: With Digital Technologies, Can School Libraries Help Transform Learning?
EF Media Lab / Photo: Ben Filio

Mar 13, 2013

Educators from across the country are using digital technologies to create more opportunities for experiential, hands-on learning. Read More

 
Blog Post: Getting a Second Chance at 67

Mar 13, 2013

An adult literacy program at the Contra Costa library helped Gladys Leeks, age 67, learn how to read.​ Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Digital Preservation of Jazz Film Creates a Unique Internship Experience
The John H. Baker Jazz Film Collection exhibition showcases the films in a small theater with four view kiosks.

Mar 07, 2013

As young professionals, interns at the American Jazz Museum gained valuable experience with film preservation and research through work completed during the internship. Read More

 
Blog Post: The Important Role of Libraries in the Hours After School

Mar 05, 2013

Learning Labs and conferences like the Teens and Libraries Summit showcase how libraries provide expanded learning opportunities for kids after school. Read More

 
Blog Post: Helping Develop a Visitor-Centered Museum
Beth Maloney gives a presentation

Mar 04, 2013

This IMLS-funded workshop series focuses on developing skills and knowledge of museum staff to improve the visitor’s experience. Read More

 
Blog Post: From Snakes to Chemistry, and Everything in Between

Feb 27, 2013

The National Medal for Museum and Library Services is the nation's highest honor for libraries and museums that are serving their communities in exceptional ways. Pacific Science Center President and CEO Brice Seidl and community member Andrea Rose Nichols explain how the museum aims to inspire a lifelong interest in science. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: African American Museum in Philadelphia Fellows Prepare Motown Exhibit
AAMP Supremes Exhibit

Feb 21, 2013

Graduate fellows at the African American Museum in Philadelphia crafted a compelling historical account of 20th-century African American culture by using archival materials from Motown legend, The Supremes.​ Read More

 
Blog Post: Growing a Strong Middle Class

Feb 20, 2013

Libraries and museums are taking leadership roles in their communities and tackling tough problems. ​ Read More

 
Blog Post: Taking the Challenge Out of Modern Art

Feb 20, 2013

Museum of Contemporary Art director Bonnie Clearwater and community member Kassandra Timothe traveled to Washington from North Miami, FL to receive the national medal and spoke to IMLS about how the museum impacts the community. Read More

 
Blog Post: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Best Buy Announce Connect 2 Compete Partnership
IMLS Director and partners meet at HUD

Feb 15, 2013

Launch of digital literacy training initiative will reach residents of public housing. Read More

 
Blog Post: Project ENABLE Launches Training Website to Better Serve Students with Disabilities

Feb 15, 2013

Librarians and other educators can freely access high quality, comprehensive, train-the-trainer continuing education program. Read More

 
Blog Post: WebWise Workshops and Descriptions Now Available

Feb 15, 2013

Based on the outcome of participant feedback, we are announcing the WebWise workshops for this year’s conference. Read More

 
Blog Post: Teens, Children and Community are a Winning Combination

Feb 13, 2013

Bootheel Youth Museum director Patsy Reublin and community member Lauren Collins, talk about helping kids learn about math and science and winning the National Medal for Museum Library Services. Read More

 
Blog Post: Out-of-School Takes Center Stage
Expanded Learning

Feb 13, 2013

New resource highlights the positive outcomes of learning after school and during the summer. Read More

 
Blog Post: Learning Space Toolkit: A Resource for Designing and Sustaining Technology-Rich Informal Learning Spaces

Feb 08, 2013

National Leadership Grantees launch the Learning Space Toolkit -- a freely available resource designed to support the full lifecycle of a learning space design project, from defining the goals and needs to designing the space to supporting it. Read More

 
Blog Post: Places to Play in New Orleans
Places to Play Cover


The Louisiana Children's Museum, a Let’s Move! museum, helped four-year olds share the spotlight as New Orleans kicked off kick off Super Bowl festivities. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Informal Networks Can Be the Key to Your Success: Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help
Kathe-Hambrick Jackson, President of AAAM, and Former President Lawrence Pijeaux at the White House. Photo Credit: Kathe Hambrick-Jackson, Dec 2010.

Feb 07, 2013

Kathe Hambrick-Jackson, founder and director of the River Road African American Museum, explains how partnerships and collaborations within the museum community helped in the staff development project. Read More

 
Blog Post: Tell Us About Your Project Ideas!

Feb 07, 2013

Want to know how to turn your partnership and programs dreams into reality? The first step for WebWise participants is a survey. Read More

 
Blog Post: Announcing the Director’s Choice Workshop for WebWise 2013: “Designing Prize Competitions”

Feb 05, 2013

WebWise will be offering an additional Director’s Choice workshop titled Designing Prize Competitions led by Jenn Gustetic, NASA’s Prizes and Challenges Program Executive. Read More

 
Blog Post: Director Hildreth Signs "Declaration of Learning"
SIgning of the Declaration of Learning Jan 2013

Feb 01, 2013

IMLS joined other agencies and service organizations for a ceremony at the U.S. State Department to celebrate a "Declaration of Learning." Read More

 
Blog Post: Spotlight on Project Demonstrations: 21-Tech and the Children’s Museum of Houston

Feb 01, 2013

WebWise 2013 will feature nine project demonstrations that embrace the strategic goals of IMLS. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Gaining Knowledge through Research and Role Models
Keila Dumas places the finishing touch on a display for Tuskegee Airman, Roy Spencer. Photo courtesy of the Meek-Eaton Black Archives.

Jan 31, 2013

Undergraduate student, Keila Dumas, felt a sense of connection--to artifacts, faculty, visitors, and other fellows--during her experience as an I AMM fellow at the Carrie Meek-James Eaton Black Archives Research Center and Museum. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: CURE-ating: A Doctorial Pursuit
I AMM Fellow Anthony Thompson browses archival material. Photo courtesy of the Meek-Eaton Black Archives

Jan 31, 2013

As an I AMM fellow at Florida A & M University graduate student Anthony T. Thompson gained hands-on archival experience in visitor services, public programming, and exhibit development, and it helped him become a better researcher, as he pursued his studies in history. Read More

 
Blog Post: Hatch Your Project Ideas at the Project/Partnership Incubator Session

Jan 29, 2013

The Project/Partnership Incubator sessions for WebWise 2013 will offer attendees the chance to incubate project and collaboration ideas for pursuing funding opportunities. Read More

 
Blog Post: Share Your Project: Lunchtime Lightning Talks

Jan 25, 2013

WebWise participants have the opportunity to sign up for "Lightning Talks" to share the lessons learned, goals, and achievements of their institution’s digital projects. Read More

 
Blog Post: A More Powerful School Library Catalogue
Marcia Mardis

Jan 25, 2013

The Digital Libraries to School Libraries (DL2SL) project launches its updated digital resource cataloging tool, Web2MARC. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Discovering History: Lessons to Treasure
I AMM Fellow Lorraine Rossi unpacks a leather jacket that will be used for a Black Panther display.

Jan 24, 2013

A graduate student and archivist hopeful develops her skills in the museum field thanks to the I AMM project at Florida A&M University. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Reflections of an I AMM Fellow: Marketing Meets the Museum
I AMM Fellow Brad Miller chats with a group of teenage visitors.

Jan 24, 2013

A native Bahamian discovers African American History and develops business skills through the I AMM project at Florida A&M University. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Recruiting, Training and Mentoring Future Generations of Museum Professionals
I AAM fellows on a facilities and space utilization site visit to the FAMU/FSU College of Engineering.

Jan 24, 2013

An IMLS grant helped the Black Archives at Florida A&M University start the Inspiring Authorities in Museum Management (I AMM) project to help recruit, train and mentor graduate students. Read More

 
Blog Post: Choose Your Own Adventure: Workshops @ WebWise

Jan 23, 2013

Through the use of an online tool called IdeaScale, participants will have an opportunity to help shape the WebWise 2013 conference agenda by submitting workshop topics, voting on existing topics, or adding comments. Read More

 
Blog Post: New Report Shows Trends in U.S. Library Service
Report Cover for the FY2010 Public Library  Survey

Jan 22, 2013

Circulation, public programs and digital services on the rise. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: AAHC Forum: How a South Carolina State University Accounting Major Found a Passion for Museum Work
Davion and the Gregori family securing a collection of African Art for the I.P Stanback Museum and Planetarium

Jan 17, 2013

Through his internship at the I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium, Davion Petty found a passion for museum work by helping secure a collection of African Art. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: The I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium: Creating Life-Changing Opportunities for Students
Interns and Director receiving 2011 Governor’s Award for the Humanities

Jan 17, 2013

A grant from IMLS provides students at South Carolina State University with internship opportunities and participation in national museum conferences. Read More

 
Blog Post: Libraries and Museums Bring Communities Together to Celebrate Two Historic American Traditions
Photo of Susan Hildreth

Jan 16, 2013

This year two historic events will fall on the same day. Join museums and libraries across the country as we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the 57th presidential inauguration. Read More

 
Blog Post: WebWise 2013: And Now for Something Completely Different
Participants at a WebWise Conference

Jan 16, 2013

WebWise 2013 unveils a new interactive format that gives everyone more opportunities to learn and collaborate. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Rebuilding the Museum, One Person at a Time
Visitors at the National Civil Rights Museum

Jan 10, 2013

IMLS-supported professional development sessions at the National Civil Rights Museum help staff to develop new and innovative programs and exhibits. The museum is preparing for the grand reopening of their main building, the historic Lorraine Motel, assassination site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Read More

 
Blog Post: Makers on the Move in Libraries and Museums
photo of a boy using tools at Maker Faire

Dec 20, 2012

Maker spaces are part of a growing movement of hands-on, mentor-led environments that encourage entrepreneurship and unleash the inner inventor in all of us, particularly children. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Museums Challenged to Serve – Beyond Borders
Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network Training Session.

Dec 20, 2012

John G. Riley Museum Founder & Executive Director, Althemese Barnes, explains how she founded the Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network (FAAHPN) to reach out to museums in the African American museum community. Read More

 
Blog Post: From the Bench: Team Pachacamac Triumphs, Making Peruvian Collections Accessible
Post-graduate fellows Ainslie Harrison (left) and Fran Baas (right).

Dec 19, 2012

Two recent conservation graduates assembled and oversaw a large cadre of volunteers, work-study students, and pre-program interns to survey, relocate, and create customized storage solutions for a 3,600 object collection. They also treated 60 of the artifacts and created a 10,000-image online database for use by researchers near and far. Read More

 
Blog Post: From the Bench: A 400-Year-Old Carpet is Restored to Show Original Persian Artistry
Large Persian rug in lab for conservation treatment

Dec 19, 2012

The Frick Collection stabilized a beloved carpet that had been on display for nearly one hundred years with the help of IMLS funding. Read More

 
Blog Post: From the Bench: Trellised Garden with Animals on View at Memorial Art Gallery Thanks to Tapestry Initiative
Pannemaker installation process in April 2012

Dec 19, 2012

A European Tapestry Initiative begun in 2009 enables treatment and display of popular Medieval and Renaissance tapestries, such as Trellised Garden with Animals and Battle of the Animals. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Leadership Succession Planning at the John G. Riley Center/Museum Places Baton in the hands of the Next Generation
Marion McGee & Althemese Barnes pictured in front of the John Gilmore Riley Historic House Museum in Tallahassee, Florida.

Dec 13, 2012

Marion McGee, Assistant Director at the John Gilmore Riley Center/Museum of African American History & Culture, explains how the executive apprenticeship under Founder & Executive Director Althemese Barnes has prepared the museum for new leadership. Read More

 
Blog Post: From the Bench: Upgrade of American Sculpture and Decorative Arts Storage
After view of the DIA store room

Dec 11, 2012

With support from IMLS, the Detroit Institute of Arts upgraded storage for its American decorative arts and sculpture collections dating from the beginning of the European settlements until 1950. Read More

 
Blog Post: From the Bench: Preservation Project Protects 65 Million-Year-Old Fossilized Leaves for Scientific Study
DMNS Leaf fossil

Dec 11, 2012

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is rehousing beautiful, ancient fossil leaf specimens from Denver Basin excavations to protect them from physical and water damage. Read More

 
Blog Post: Things are Going SWIM-ingly Out West
The 38 members of the first SWIM class to receive library degrees from the University of North Texas.

Dec 07, 2012

Through careful use of funds, Montana State Library partnering with state library agencies in South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho and the University of North Texas, has been able to provide 54 individuals with Master’s in Library Science degrees and 16 with School Library Media endorsements since 2009. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: An Eight-Month Internship Commitment Turned into Three Years of Excellent Experience
An interactive Chieko completed for After Hours.

Dec 06, 2012

Curatorial assistant Chieko Phillips describes how the curatorial internship at the Northwest African American Museum helped prepare her for a career in the museum field. Read More

 
Blog Post: Digital Public Library of America Hosts its First Appfest
The 4th Floor at Chattanooga Public Library.

Dec 05, 2012

Diverse teams of coders, metadata specialists, designers, “idea people,” librarians, and user-experience professionals gathered at the DPLA Appfest to develop web and mobile apps and other compelling projects. Read More

 
Blog Post: From the Bench: Conservators Save Colonial-Era Artifacts from Corrosion
The recreated settlement at Wolstenholme Town.

Dec 04, 2012

Artifacts from a 1618 Virginia settlement receive conservation treatment for the second time since their discovery in 1976. Read More

 
Blog Post: National Leadership Grant Video: Rochester Institute of Technology Preserving Inkjet Prints

Nov 30, 2012

IMLS-funded research shows that inkjet prints are susceptible to damage from airborne pollutants. Senior Research Scientist Daniel Burge describes measures that can be taken to mitigate the damage. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: The Development of MoCADA’s Curatorial Fellowship

Nov 29, 2012

With the help of an IMLS grant the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts’ Curatorial Fellowship program helps train young museum professionals. Read More

 
Blog Post: From the Bench: The Peabody Museum Maps 140 Years of Anthropology Fieldwork
Researchers study original sketches of Las Monjas ruins at Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico.

Nov 27, 2012

Thanks to an IMLS grant, Harvard University’s Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology can now share more of its broad-ranging Map Collection with researchers. Read More

 
Blog Post: From the Bench: New Storage Safeguards Newark Museum’s Jewelry and African Art Collections
Jewelry Technician Sara Parmigiani with Jewelry Storage.

Nov 27, 2012

With the help of IMLS, the Newark Museum has slowly changed its collection storage to best protect important collections and let curators and researchers easily see the safely stored objects within it.​ Read More

 
Blog Post: Conservation Effort Opens View of Tiffany Window Designs
Tiffany window design


An IMLS grant to investigate, treat, and rehouse Tiffany drawings is making them accessible to the public and shedding new light on the process of designing stained glass windows. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Pacific Northwest Provides Professional Development for African American Museum Professionals
NAAM's building exterior.

Nov 15, 2012

A grant from IMLS permitted the Northwest African American Museum to expand the curatorial capacity of its exhibits department by providing internships and skill-building workshops for young museum professionals in the field of African American history and culture. Read More

 
Blog Post: From the Bench: These Face Lifts Require Heavy Lifting
Temporary lab for giant totem poles in the exhibition gallery


The American Museum of Natural History is conserving its longstanding totem poles with help from an IMLS grant. Read More

 
Blog Post: From the Bench: Preserving Civil War Artifacts in Cape Fear
Working on 34 Star US Flag smaller


An IMLS grant helped preserve two flags and a dress uniform from the Civil War at the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science. Read More

 
Blog Post: Honoring and Serving Those Who Serve
Photo of Susan Hildreth


In honor of Veterans Day, Director Hildreth thanks military personnel for their service to our county and highlights museums and libraries that provide opportunities and programs to support our veterans.​ Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: The Sustainability and Growth of the Margaret Walker Center
courtyard

Nov 08, 2012

Members of the Margaret Walker Center create a strategic plan to revamp their museum and archive for the historic collections at Jackson State. Read More

 
Blog Post: Raising the Bar: Receiving a Scholarship to Attend the ARSL Conference and the Power of a Free Iced Tea
Elizabeh Ann Watson

Nov 07, 2012

The Duplin County Library partnered with a local small business to raise awareness for the library. Read More

 
Blog Post: Libraries and Museums Respond to Superstorm Sandy
storytime at the book bus


Throughout the impacted region libraries and museums play important roles in recovery efforts. Read More

 
Blog Post: From the Bench: Conservator of All I Survey
Consultants Rob Waller (left) and Cathy Hawks (right) meet with Invertebrate Zoology Collections Manager Albert Kollar (center).


The Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s sole conservator conducted a general survey with the help of a team of consultants. In the process she gained a better understanding of the museum’s large collections and created a long-term plan for conservation. Read More

 
Blog Post: From the Bench: Seattle Art Museum’s Delicate Asian Screens Rehoused for Access and Preservation
new screen cabinets


Delicate Asian screens get new storage cabinets with sliding shelves to ensure safe long-term care as well as ease of access for research at the Seattle Art Museum. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Curatorial Fellowship at the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts Paves the Way for Young Curators
Artists gather around an exhibit at MoCADA.

Nov 01, 2012

Curatorial Fellow Jessica Lanay Moore explains the rewards and opportunities of the MoCADA program. ​ Read More

 
Blog Post: From the Bench: Preservation of Art Objects Helps Restore Historic Halls to Past Splendor
Side chair upholstered in 18th-century painted and gilded leather.

Nov 01, 2012

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum used IMLS funding to conserve several art objects, including a marble sculpture and leather side chairs, as part of a major capital preservation project to restore their Titian Room and the Tapestry Room galleries. Read More

 
Blog Post: From the Bench: Making Things Amber Clear
Fossils in amber before and after

Nov 01, 2012

The American Museum of Natural History is using IMLS funding to preserve its massive collection of life forms in amber, making work easier for researchers now and in the future. Read More

 
Blog Post: Grants to University of Michigan Help Answer Questions of Copyright
crmsworld graphic

Oct 26, 2012

The Copyright Office at the University of Michigan Library is working on IMLS-funded projects that will determine the copyright status of nearly 450,000 English-language books that are a part of the HathiTrust Digital Library. Read More

 
Blog Post: AAHC Forum: Join the National Online Forum on African American History and Culture Grant Program
IMLS grantees pose for a photo in the Museum Grants for African American History and Culture.

Oct 25, 2012

IMLS to launch new social media effort to identify strategies to support African American Museums and HBCU’s. Read More

 
Blog Post: From the Bench: A Collaborative Survey Shines Fresh Light on Korean Paintings
Visiting conservators discuss a Korean painting

Oct 23, 2012

The Asian Art Museum brought in consultants from the Seoul, Korea, to collaborate with a team of experts about their rare Korean paintings. Read More

 
Blog Post: From the Bench: Rehoused Instrument Collection Is Once Again Instrumental
objects in storage at the Peabody

Oct 23, 2012

An IMLS-grant to unpack and rehouse a scientific instrument collection, enabled the Peabody Museum to create an online inventory of the entire collection. Read More

 
Blog Post: Libraries and Museums as Afterschool Allies
logo afterschool alliance

Oct 18, 2012

Public libraries are undergoing a 21st century makeover, evolving into destinations for hands-on, collaborative and informal learning. With their museum and community partners they are taking a more active role in supporting children's learning and development in the hours after school. Read More

 
Blog Post: Looking Ahead
Photo of Susan Hildreth

Oct 17, 2012

Director Hildreth identifies five strategies for museums and libraries that are making a difference in their communities. Read More

 
Blog Post: From the Bench: New Discoveries from What Lies Beneath
photo of two women looking at a painting in low light

Oct 16, 2012

Using x-ray, x-radiograph, and other technologies, a painting conservator hired by the Shelburne Museum made discoveries about a number of the museum’s paintings. Read More

 
Blog Post: From the Bench: Literally Hanging by a Thread

Oct 09, 2012

A grant from IMLS permitted the Walters Art Museum to create a plan of action to care for a collection of Southeast Asian works of art and to safely relocate the majority of them into accessible, conservation-quality storage environments. Read More

 
Blog Post: From the Bench: New Blog Series Highlights the Work of Conservators

Oct 04, 2012

Part scientist, part detective, conservators help to protect and preserve objects that have great power to connect us to science, history, art, nature and culture. Read More

 
Blog Post: National Students Poets Program Debuts at National Book Festival
Susan Hildreth, Virginia McEnerney, Natalie Richardson, and Margo Lion

Sep 28, 2012

This past weekend, we had the opportunity to attend the 2012 Library of Congress National Book Festival with thousands of book lovers, poets, and authors, celebrating books that have shaped America. The new National Student Poets Program debuted at the National Book Festival with five outstanding high school poets. Read More

 
Blog Post: National Leadership Grant Video: San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts’ Center for Creative Energy

Sep 26, 2012

The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts has partnered with the Upper Colorado River Authority and the local school district to help students learn about water issues at the same time as they learn about art.​ Read More

 
Blog Post: Role of Libraries and Workforce Development Highlighted in Washington D.C. Briefing
Linda Carlisle, Kevin Perez , Amanda Ahlstrand, Mary Ellen Firestone, Susan Hildreth, and Jane Brady.

Sep 21, 2012

Libraries and the Workforce System are working together to deliver services more effectively. Read More

 
Blog Post: Searching for the Hidden Structures of Serifs, Mathematician Finds New Career Path

Sep 19, 2012

James P. Ascher describes his journey from mathematician to rare books professor with the help of an IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant. Read More

 
Blog Post: Maryland’s iSchool to Launch Survey and Online Community for School District Library Supervisors

Sep 17, 2012

The University of Maryland iSchool is using a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant to examine the under-researched position of school library supervisor. Read More

 
Blog Post: How bad is it? Researchers Identify Common Digitization Blunders
Paul Conway

Sep 13, 2012

Researchers use a severity score to help assess when a “my bad” is worrisome enough to impact readability and content. Read More

 
Blog Post: Databib is Tackling Tough Data Sharing Problems
photo of Michael Witt

Sep 07, 2012

A new approach to sharing research will make it easier to find and use data. Five hundred repositories to be cataloged by year end. Read More

 
Blog Post: National Leadership Grant Video: Queensborough Community College

Sep 06, 2012

Patricia Lannes and Kitty Bateman describe Queensborough Community College's Cultures & Literacies Through Art for the 21st Century (CALTA21), which builds partnerships between museums and institutions that teach English as a second language as a means of making art museums more accessible to immigrants.​ Read More

 
Blog Post: Behind the Scenes: Theater Archives and the Documentation of a Legacy
Sketch of actress Austene Van by costume designer Reggie Ray for Penumbra Theatre Company's production of "Ain't Misbehavin'."

Aug 30, 2012

An IMLS-funded planning project is paving the way for better archiving practices at theaters, particularly theaters of color. Read More

 
Blog Post: The Last Frontier

Aug 28, 2012

An IMLS program officer visits the Alaska State Library and finds federally funded projects on digital archives, early literacy, and preservation of cultural heritage. Read More

 
Blog Post: National Leadership Grant Video: Chicago Zoo's Welfare Track

Aug 24, 2012

The Chicago Zoo's Welfare Track project, funded by an IMLS National Leadership Grant, takes a different approach to monitoring the welfare of animals, focusing on causes of wellness in addition to what causes sickness. Read More

 
Blog Post: Is a Village Post Office Coming to a Library Near You?
Photo of Susan Hildreth

Aug 22, 2012

Reductions in local post office hours may provide new opportunities for public libraries. Read More

 
Blog Post: SafeArchive Promises to Preserve Digital Collections

Aug 17, 2012

The IMLS-funded SafeArchive system automates established replication policies and helps institutions collaborate to preserve digital content. Read More

 
Blog Post: Eureka! Job Fair in Georgetown County, SC, a Big Success
Dwight McInvaill

Aug 15, 2012

Dwight McInvaill, Director of the Georgetown County Library of South Carolina, got to see first-hand the benefits of his library's job fair, part of a project funded by the IMLS Grants to States program.​ Read More

 
Blog Post: One Good Thing Leads to Another: Santa Ana Public Library Builds on IMLS Grant

Aug 10, 2012

Receiving a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Grant from IMLS opened the eyes of the Santa Ana Public Library to other federal funding options, which led to the creation of the Seeds to Trees Digital Media Technology Academy. Read More

 
Blog Post: Ready for Back-to-School? Begin the Year as a Connected Educator!
Connected Educator Month logo

Aug 09, 2012

Did you know that August is Connected Educator Month? Find out how the Department of Education is connecting educators of all disciplines and levels collaborate online—it’s not too late to participate!​ Read More

 
Blog Post: National Leadership Grant Video: Art Beyond Sight/Museum of Science, Boston

Aug 07, 2012

Art Beyond Sight and the Museum of Science, Boston, are using an IMLS National Leadership Grant to help museums pilot tools for becoming more accessible to people with disabilities. Read More

 
Blog Post: Early Learning in the Pacific Region
IMLS staff with grantees from three U.S. Pacific Territories

Aug 03, 2012

IMLS went to check in with the Pacific island recipients of Grants to State Library Administrative Agencies and found a wealth of programs to benefit early learners. Read More

 
Blog Post: National Leadership Grant Video: Yale Peabody's Teacher Collaborative

Jul 27, 2012

David Heiser describes Yale University's Peabody Museum of Natural History's Event-Based Teacher Collaborative, which is funded by a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.​ Read More

 
Blog Post: Find a Let’s Move! Olympic Fun Day Near You!

Jul 24, 2012

First Lady Michelle Obama and IMLS Director Susan Hildreth want kids to be inspired by the 2012 Olympic athletes who start competition on Saturday, and to attend one of the many Let's Move! "Olympic Fun Day Meet-ups" being planned for that day. Read More

 
Blog Post: Museum Program Changes

Jul 23, 2012

More than 100 responses will help guide IMLS museum programs. Read More

 
Blog Post: 124 Communities Take up the Campaign for Grade Level Reading Challenge
Photo of Susan Hildreth

Jul 18, 2012

We know that more than 80 percent of children in poverty are not reading at grade level by the third grade, and many other children are falling behind as well; libraries and museums are taking up the challenge to improve learning outcomes for young children. Read More

 
Blog Post: Public Libraries, American Job Centers, and Digital Literacy
Connect2Compete: Lee Davenport,Howard Feldstein, Hilda Solis, Julius Genachowski, Susan Hildreth

Jul 18, 2012

Together America’s Public Libraries and America’s Job Centers are teaching digital skills that are essential for job searches and more. Read More

 
Blog Post: Let’s Read! Let’s Move! Summer Learning Series Launches at US Department of Education

Jul 13, 2012

IMLS Director Susan Hildreth joined Education Secretary Arne Duncan to launch a summer learning series with special celebrities and over 130 students from DC area schools, camps, and youth programs. Read More

 
Blog Post: Community Anchors in a Time of Crisis
library patrons at the Arlington Public Library

Jul 12, 2012

Libraries provide invaluable service to their communities every day. In a crisis like the recent storm that knocked out power to so many homes, libraries are a lifeline. Read More

 
Blog Post: National Medal Video: Weippe Public Library and Discovery Center

Jul 10, 2012

Terri Summerfield, director of the Weippe Public Library & Discovery Center in Weippe, ID, sits down with community member Gradi Thomson to discuss how the library has become her family’s home away from home. Read More

 
Blog Post: National Leadership Grant Video: The Great Ape Heart Project

Jul 05, 2012

Drs. Hayley Murphy and Marietta Dindo explain the Great Ape Heart Project, which is assisting nearly every ape in North America in the fight against heart disease, a significant factor in their morbidity and mortality. Read More

 
Blog Post: National Medal Video: Brooklyn Museum

Jul 03, 2012

Arnold Lehman, director of the Brooklyn Museum, sits down with visual artist Virginia Ines Vergara to discuss how the museum has helped her build confidence as a teacher and an artist. Read More

 
The Wing: At Home in an Era of Global Participatory Culture
image of Sikh American youth prepping materials for exhibition

Jul 02, 2012

Beth Takekawa, Executive Director of the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience, was one of 58 cultural leaders from 31 countries who participated in the IMLS/Salzburg Global Seminar on Libraries, Museums and the Era of Participatory Culture. She shares her reflections on finding kindred spirits and new inspiration. Read More

 
Blog Post: National Leadership Grant Video: Whitney Museum of American Art

Jun 28, 2012

Danielle I. Linzer, the Whitney Museum of American Art's manager of access and community programs, explains the IMLS-funded study of the impact of teen programs at four contemporary art museums. Read More

 
Blog Post: National Medal Video: Hill Museum & Manuscript Library

Jun 26, 2012

Father Columba Stewart, director of the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library in Collegeville, MN, sits down with Dr. Getachew Haile to discuss how he became the library’s Cataloguer of Oriental Manuscripts and Curator of the Ethiopian Study Center after fleeing his native Ethiopia. Read More

 
Blog Post: National Leadership Grant Video: Minnesota Historical Society

Jun 21, 2012

Wendy Jones and Jennifer Sly of the Minnesota Historical Society describe History in our Hands, a project funded by an IMLS National Leadership Grant that will allow school children to better understand the challenges faced by famous Minnesotans throughout history. Read More

 
Blog Post: “US Ignite” Highlights Library and Museum Potential for High-Speed Broadband Applications

Jun 20, 2012

President Obama Announces an initiative to make cities and towns test-beds for next-generation applications. Read More

 
Blog Post: National Medal Video: Erie Art Museum

Jun 19, 2012

John L. Vanco, director of the Erie Art Museum, sits down with Victoria Angelo, community member and a refugee from Southern Sudan, to discuss how the museum's Old Songs New Opportunities Project has helped her find employment and opportunities to teach and perform traditional Acholi song and dance.​ Read More

 
Blog Post: See you in Anaheim
Photo of Susan Hildreth

Jun 18, 2012

Library education grants, a grant for a new effort to increase broadband adoption, and a new "Talking Points" series are just some of the things keeping IMLS busy as we we prepare for ALA's annual meeting.​ Read More

 
Blog Post: National Leadership Grant Video: Colonial Williamsburg

Jun 14, 2012

Funded by a National Leadership Grant from IMLS, "Virtual Williamsburg" allows visitors to see the historic town as it was in 1776. Read More

 
Blog Post: National Medal Video: Alachua County Library District

Jun 12, 2012

Shaney T. Livingston, director of the Alachua County Library District in Gainesville, FL, sits down with community member Lenor Krome to discuss how Lenor and her family have taken full advantage of this small rural library. Read More

 
Blog Post: National Leadership Grant Video: San Diego and Memphis Zoos

Jun 08, 2012

Allen P. Messier of the San Diego Zoo and Andrew J. Kouba of the Memphis Zoo explain their complementary projects, both funded by IMLS National Leadership Grants, which seek to prevent the extinction of certain amphibians. Read More

 
Blog Post: Is Getting People Online the “Secret Ingredient” Needed to Achieve Your Mission?

Jun 07, 2012

Karen Archer Perry, a senior program officer for U.S. Libraries with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Chauncy Lennon, a program officer with the Ford Foundation, share their insights about the community and economic development power of broadband adoption. Read More

 
Blog Post: National Medal Video: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Jun 06, 2012

Frank Robinson, director of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, VA, sits down with volunteer Chris Corsello and his aide, Lisa Watts, to discuss the meaningful contribution he has made to the garden. Read More

 
Blog Post: Collections Matter
16th-century Flemish tapestry from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston.

Jun 01, 2012

IMLS Senior Program Officer Connie Bodner discusses the importance of collections care in light of the recently announced Conservation Project Support grants and her participation in the annual meeting of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works. Read More

 
Blog Post: National Medal Video: San José Public Library

May 29, 2012

San José Public Library director Jane Light sits down with community member Vikram K. Kanth to discuss how he has been a strong and effective advocate for the library. Read More

 
Blog Post: Mark Your Calendars for WebWise Reprise! Live Webinars Coming in June

May 25, 2012

Sharpen your skills this summer with two free professional development opportunities that explore innovative uses of technology to enhance public engagement in research and oral history programs. Read More

 
Blog Post: National Medal Video: Madison Children’s Museum

May 22, 2012

The director of the Madison Children's Museum, Ruth Shelly, sits down with Benjamin Perreth, a Visitor Services Associate at the museum, to discuss the impact the museum has had on his life, as well as how the museum has learned from him. Read More