February 1, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Washington, DC—President Obama has requested $265,869,000 for fiscal year 2011 for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The request, which was transmitted to Congress today, is the same as the FY 2010 enacted levels for the Institute’s programs and administration. The proposed budget will support museums and libraries as they re-energize the economy, fuel partnerships and knowledge sharing, and provide much-needed services to their communities.

"We are gratified that essential services of the nation’s 17,500 museums and 123,000 libraries have been recognized in President Obama’s continued support of these institutions," said Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Director of IMLS.

The President requested $213,523,000 for the nation’s 123,000 libraries. Of that amount, approximately 80 percent ($172.5 million) is distributed through the Grants to States program to the State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and freely associated states, according to a population-based formula. These grants help libraries meet the community needs, use technology to develop new service models and reach underserved populations. Library funding also supports the following programs:

  • National Leadership Grants to support creation of new tools, research, models, services, practices, or alliances to shape tomorrow’s libraries.
  • Native American and Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants to support improved access to library services for Native Americans, Alaska Native Villages, and Native Hawaiians.
  • Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grants that build the professional capacity of libraries by improving staff knowledge and skills.

In support of the nation’s 17,500 museums, the President requested $35,212,000 for the following grant programs:

The President’s budget provides $2.1 million in continued support for research and policy activities, including funding for the Public Library Survey and the State Library Agency Survey. From its inception in 1989 through 2007, these two surveys were administered by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). In 2009, IMLS released the following:

A detailed table of President Obama’s budget request (PDF, 57KB) for IMLS with recent budget history accompanies this release.

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.

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