• Libraries and Museums as Afterschool Allies

    October 18, 2012

    By Kamila Thigpen Associate, Afterschool Alliance Cross-posted from

  • Looking Ahead

    October 17, 2012

    By Susan Hildreth Director, IMLS October 1st is the start of the new year for federal agencies. At IMLS we are looking at the past year’s accomplishments and planning for the future. Last year we made 701 grants and awards totaling more than $215,000,000 for activities that will strengthen library and museum services in thousands of communities all across the country.

  • From the Bench: New Discoveries from What Lies Beneath

    October 16, 2012

    This post is part of the “From the Bench” series celebrating the work of conservators. Part scientist, part detective, part artisan, part caretaker, they work to preserve the past for the future. This series features the voices of conservators who are working on IMLS-supported projects in museums across the United States.

  • From the Bench: Literally Hanging by a Thread

    October 9, 2012

    This post is part of the “From the Bench” series celebrating the work of conservators. Part scientist, part detective, they work to preserve the past for the future. This series features the voices of conservators who are working on IMLS-supported projects in museums across the United States.

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

    October 4, 2012

    By Connie Bodner, Senior Museum Program Officer IMLS, the American Institute for Conservation, and Heritage Preservation, welcome you to a new blog series, “From the Bench.” Every day in museum, library, and private labs across the country, conservators go about the work of ensuring that the objects that define us are protected and preserved for the benefit of our own and of future generations.

  • National Students Poets Program Debuts at National Book Festival

    September 28, 2012

    By Susan Hildreth Director, IMLS This past weekend, September 22-23, IMLS staff joined thousands of book lovers for the 2012 Library of Congress National Book Festival, celebrating books that have shaped America. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama acted as honorary co-chairs of the free festival featuring author appearances and eight pavilions with special presentations, games… Read more

  • National Leadership Grant Video: San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts' Center for Creative Energy

    September 26, 2012

    By Kevin O'Connell, IMLS Writer-Editor In this video interview, Curator of Education Megan DiRienzo describes the Center for Creative Energy, a partnership among the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, the Upper Colorado River Authority, and the local school district. It's a three-tiered project that teaches art to elementary school children by focusing on the topic of water, an issue of special… Read more

  • Role of Libraries and Workforce Development Highlighted in Washington D.C. Briefing

    September 20, 2012

    Left to right: Linda Carlisle, Kevin Perez , Amanda Ahlstrand, Mary Ellen Firestone, Susan Hildreth, and Jane Brady. Click image for a larger view.

  • Searching for the Hidden Structures of Serifs, Mathematician Finds New Career Path

    September 19, 2012

    By  James P. Ascher,  Assistant Professor of Rare Books and Assistant Professor of English, University of Colorado The IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant came at a crucial time for me professionally. As an undergraduate, I frequently found myself in libraries trying to answer questions independently using the catalog but didn’t initially think of a career in library service. In grad… Read more

  • Maryland’s iSchool to Launch Survey and Online Community for School District Library Supervisors

    September 17, 2012

    By Jeffrey DiScala, PhD Candidate College of Information Studies, University of Maryland We are excited to share the latest news about our research concerning school library supervisors at the district level. In July 2011, a research team at the University of Maryland’s iSchool began a three-year workforce study funded by IMLS. The Lilead Project (rhymes with Iliad) includes a national survey of… Read more