December 23, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 23, 2010

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4732
Natasha Marstiller, nmarstiller@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

Senate Confirms President’s Nomination of New IMLS Director

Susan H. Hildreth Becomes New Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services

Washington, DC—On December 22, 2010 Susan Hildreth's nomination to be director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) was confirmed by unanimous consent by the United States Senate. The Institute, an independent United States government agency, is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums.

"I am truly honored to have been appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as the fourth Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services," said Hildreth. "I cannot imagine a more exciting and challenging responsibility than helping to create strong libraries and museums that sustain our heritage and culture and connect people to information and new ways of thinking."

"Although we will certainly miss Susan in Seattle, she is going to be an outstanding leader for the Institute of Museum and Library Services," said Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). "Susan and I share a passion for making sure that children across America get the literacy skills they need to succeed in school and in life. And I am confident that she will continue the Institute’s great work supporting families and communities across the country."

Hildreth was previously appointed as California’s state librarian by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Prior to her position as California state librarian, Hildreth was at the San Francisco Public Library, where she served as deputy director and then city librarian. Her background also includes five years as deputy library director at the Sacramento Public Library, several years as Placer County's head librarian and four years as library director for the Benicia Public Library, all in California. She began her career as a branch librarian at the Edison Township Library in New Jersey.

Hildreth will serve a four-year term as the Director of the Institute. The directorship of the Institute alternates between individuals from the museum and library communities. She succeeds Marsha L. Semmel, who served as IMLS Acting Director since March 14, following the departure of IMLS Director Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Ph.D., at the conclusion of her four-year term. Semmel is currently the deputy director for museums and director for strategic partnerships.

Active in the American Library Association, Hildreth served as president of the Public Library Association in 2006. She has a master's degree in library science from State University of New York, Albany, a master's degree in business administration from Rutgers University and a bachelor of arts, cum laude, from Syracuse University.

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.