The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of
Museum and Library Services (IMLS). An HTML version of this release can
be read on the agency's Web site at
http://www.imls.gov/news/2008/061708.shtm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2008

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632

Jeannine Mjoseth, [log in to unmask]
Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask]

Institute of Museum and Library Services Awards More Than $20 Million to
Support Librarians

Washington, DC-On June 17, the federal Institute of Museum and Library
Services (IMLS) awarded 31 institutions grants totaling $20.3 million as
part of the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. This year's
grantees will provide educational opportunities to library students and
staff to strengthen Gulf Coast libraries; support school library media
programs; increase the number of librarians, archivists, and library and
information science professors; increase diversity in the library
workforce; and strengthen that workforce to better meet the needs of
users of all types of libraries. To see a list of awardees and
descriptions of how they intend to use their grants, please go to
http://www.imls.gov/news/2008/061708_list.shtm.

"Since the program began in 2003, the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian
Program has awarded more than $100 million to recruit and train the next
generation of librarians. Whether working in public schools, colleges,
or local public libraries, librarians are essential contributors toward
student and community success," said Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Ph.D., IMLS
Director.

First Lady Laura Bush announced the President's multimillion dollar
support of an initiative to help bolster the library profession in 2002.
Since then, IMLS has helped fund the education of 3,220 master's degree
students, 186 doctoral students, 1,256 pre-professional students, and
26,186 continuing education students. 

The next deadline for the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program is
December 15, 2008. For information, please go to
http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/21centuryLibrarian.shtm.

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 122,000 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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