Wisse Amram, Director, Alele Museum, Public Library & National Archives

Project Examples

Archiving and Scanning the deBrum Document Collection 
Alele Museum, Public Library and National Archives continued work to preserve and digitize culturally significant documents. Joachim deBrum, an indigenous islander, left the largest document collection in the Marshall Islands, covering the 1880s to the 1940s. The collection has historic significance because it covers a time when great changes were taking place. During the project period, staff hand cleaned each paper document in the collection, placing it in a new archival folder and expanding envelope, and then in a new archival box. Staff also sorted and organized each paper document by type and date before digitization. By protecting the paper originals and making digital copies available for research, this effort is making the collection more accessible for everyone.
IMLS funds: $15,919.38 

Library Use and Computer Classes 
Alele, the only public library in the Marshall Islands, supported access to information through its technology, programs, and collections. The library’s Pacific Collection of historic documents and reports is the only one of its kind in the country, and is of great value to the community. During this grant period federal funds went toward internet expenses, a new computer, supplies, and staffing. The library was open to the public for general use, to attend computer classes, and to conduct research. Approximately 244 adults and students were involved in basic computer instruction. Others accessed the internet and newly reorganized Pacific Collection to research their assignments for college courses.
IMLS funds: $59,752.29 

Video and Audio Project 
Alele Museum, Public Library and National Archives continued digitizing its large video and audio collection, which includes local television programs from the 1980s and 1990s, traditional stories and proverbs, an annual celebration, and other community activities. In addition to cleaning and digitizing the video and audio tapes, staff catalogue them for easy future reference. Many of these recorded traditions are not known by anyone living today, and there are often requests that can only be fulfilled through the digitized materials. The one-of-a-kind recordings in this collection are an important resource for the community, preserving the ways of life that were common knowledge in the past.
IMLS Funds: $12,650.33

Review recent Grants to States projects from this state library in the State Program Report database.

Search the Awarded Grants Database for additional details about awards in this state or view the State Details Dashboard.

Five-Year Plan Highlights

Goal 1: Maintain, enhance, and promote literacy programs. 

• Projects include:
  • Marshallese collection of books
  • Alele bookmobile
  • Electronic cataloging and book circulation database 
  • Collaboration with community-based organizations
  • Library music program for after-school youth 

Goal 2: Maintain, expand, and promote Computer Lab services. 

• Projects include:
  • Needs assessment for computer lab users and potential users 
  • Computer classes and internet research skills 

Goal 3: Provide access to Marshallese historical documents and research resources contained within the library and museum collections to users and the public. 

• Projects include:
  • Archival processing of Joachim deBrum collection
  • Digitization of video and audio collections 
  • Online access to digitized materials 

Goal 4: Provide and promote the professional development of the Alele Workforce. 

• Projects include:
  • Professional development workshops, trainings, and conferences for library personnel 

IMLS Data Collection

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