> For Immediate Release
> Press Contact Eileen Maxwell (202) 606-8339
> June 25, 1999
> Grant Contact Jeanne McConnell (202) 606-5389
>
> IMLS Study Says Library and Museum Partnerships are a Natural
>
> At the American Library Association annual meeting in New Orleans, LA ,
> IMLS will release highlights of its research on library/museum
> partnerships.  The quantitative and qualitative study found an interesting
> paradox.  Interview findings show that museums and libraries typically do
> not consider each other as partners but when they do partner they report a
> very positive experience.  Together they find they can:
> *     increase access to information in their communities
> *     enhance education
> *     attract new audiences
> *     expand the reach of their programs
>
> Partners report that they have similar missions and audiences and once in
> a partnership both museum and library partners view their collaborations
> as a natural fit.
>
> What would help more libraries and museums achieve these benefits? The
> majority of libraries indicate that the availability of outside funding is
> a key criterion when considering a new partnership; however, very few are
> aware of IMLS funding that supports library/museum partnerships.
>
> In 1998, IMLS awarded the first grants for library/museum partnerships
> under its National Leadership Grants.  IMLS performed this study to assess
> the program's potential and gather insights to help encourage
> library/museum partnerships.  The study details the partnership
> experience, the audiences targeted by partnerships, challenges and success
> factors, and resources and contribution needs.  IMLS National Leadership
> Grant guidelines for FY 2000 will be available in mid-fall, the deadline
> for application is Apri1, 2000.
>
> Typical partnerships vary in scale. Large-scale projects include:
> *     Opening new exhibit spaces
> *     Cataloging and digitizing collections
> *     Creating joint databases
> *     Creating digitized exhibits and/or collections on the Internet
> *     Opening a Children's Discovery Center
> *     Offering computer training
> *     Developing traveling exhibits
>
>  Some small-scale projects include:
> *     Writing a short column for a museum newsletter
> *     Displaying artwork and creating exhibit-related bibliographies
> *     Distributing free museum admission passes
> *     Hosting lectures and workshops
> *     Developing children's summer reading programs
>
> The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) was created by the
> Museum and Library Services Act of 1996, P.L. 104-208. IMLS is an
> independent Federal grantmaking agency serving the public by strengthening
> museums and libraries. For more information, including grant guidelines,
> contact: Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1100 Pennsylvania
> Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20506, (202) 606-8536, or www.imls.gov
> <http://www.imls.gov/>.  Contact [log in to unmask] for the full report.
>

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