The following is a press release from the federal Institute of Museum
and Library Services.  An HTML version of this release can be read on
the IMLS Web site at: http://www.imls.gov/news/2006/041206b.shtm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2006

Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Eileen Maxwell, [log in to unmask]
Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask]


New Research Shows Technology and Digitization at America's Libraries
and Museums on the Rise

Small Museums and Small Public Libraries Make Great Strides

Washington, DC-The Institute of Museum and Library Services has
published new research into the use of technology and digitization at
the nation's museums and libraries. Status of Technology and
Digitization <http://www.imls.gov/publications/TechDig05/index.htm>  is
a follow-up study to first-ever research
<http://www.imls.gov/publications/TechDig02/index.htm>  conducted on the
subject in 2001. The initial study established baseline data about the
kinds of technologies libraries and museums employed and the emerging
digitization activities that were beginning to make collections widely
available.

The second study delves deeper and discovers more about how and why our
cultural institutions use technology and undertake digitization
projects. "I am happy to report that using technology to enhance library
and museum services for all Americans and digitizing collections to
provide them broader access to the nation's rich holdings is prevalent
among our cultural institutions and increasing dramatically at the small
ones," said Dr. Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Director of the Institute. "More
work needs to be done, but we are well on our way."

The 2004 survey was conducted among five groups: museums, public
libraries, academic libraries, archives, and state library
administrative agencies. Below are highlights of some of the key
findings about technology.
<http://www.imls.gov/publications/TechDig05/findings.htm> 

* The percentage of small museums with Web sites grew from the first
survey's 40 percent to 78 percent. 
* 84.5 percent of small museums now use e-mail, up from only 53.1
percent in 2001. 
* 70 percent of small public libraries have an online catalogue of
library or other collections.

Broadband Internet connections are easing out dial-up/modem connections,
even among smaller institutions: large museums (84.9%), small ones
(39%); large public libraries (90.4%), small public libraries (67.3%);
academic libraries (90.8%); archives (78.6%); and state library
administrative agencies: (100%). WiFi wireless networks are also widely
implemented, including 23.6 percent of large museums; 47.1 percent of
large public libraries; 76.5 percent of large academic libraries; 42.9
percent of medium-sized archives; and 42.5% of state library
administrative agencies.

Digitization activities have also increased among all groups, with
archives, state library administrative agencies, and museums leading the
way. Ninety-four percent of archives reported some digitization activity
over the past 12 months, as did 77 percent of state library
administrative agencies, 74.4 percent of museums (up from 32 percent in
2001), 60 percent of academic libraries, 55 percent of large public
libraries (compared to 25 percent in 2001), and approximately 18.5
percent of small and medium public libraries (double the percentage from
2001). 

More than three-quarters of state library administrative agencies and
archives, the majority of museums and large academic libraries, and
one-third of large public libraries that digitized materials make their
digital images freely available to the public. However, 64 percent of
archives and 51 percent of state library administrative agencies said
they have 25,000 or more items still to be digitized. Academic libraries
indicate that over 19 percent of their institutions have 25,000 or more
items left to digitize. And over 90 percent of museums report still
having items to be digitized, with 16.5 percent having more than 25,000
items and 15 percent having 1 to 500 items to digitize.

Lack of sufficient funding and staff time limit the ability of
institutions in all groups to implement technologies that will enable
them to fully meet their missions. Almost two-thirds of museums, 31
percent of archives, half of large academic libraries, and the majority
of small public libraries say their technology is less than adequately
funded. More than two-thirds of institutions among all the groups
reported that they do not have enough skilled staff to accomplish their
technology objectives.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services will use the survey results
to inform staff, shape programs, and raise awareness of stakeholders.
"We encourage you to read, discuss, and share this survey report," said
Radice. "It provides important insights about technology and
digitization trends and developments, and the needs of the nation's
libraries, museums, archives, and state library administrative
agencies."

		
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 15,000 museums.
Its mission is to grow and sustain a "Nation of Learners" because
life-long learning is essential to a democratic society and individual
success. Through its grant making, convenings, research and
publications, the Institute empowers museums and libraries nationwide to
provide leadership and services to enhance learning in families and
communities, sustain cultural heritage, build twenty-first-century
skills, and increase civic participation. To learn more about the
Institute, please visit: http://www.imls.gov.

								***

Eileen Maxwell
Public Affairs Officer
Institute of Museum and Library Services
1800 M Street, NW
9th Floor
Washington, DC  20036-5802
202-653-4632
202-653-4600(fax)
[log in to unmask]

Visit the Institute of Museum and Library Services virtual press room
for the agency's latest news releases, publications, logos, and Primary
Source our monthly e-newsletter at:  http://www.imls.gov/pressroom.shtm.







 

Eileen Maxwell
Public Affairs Officer
Institute of Museum and Library Services
1800 M Street, NW
9th Floor
Washington, DC  20036-5802
202-653-4632
202-653-4600(fax)
[log in to unmask]

Visit the Institute of Museum and Library Services virtual press room
for the agency's latest news releases, publications, logos, and Primary
Source our monthly e-newsletter at:  http://www.imls.gov/pressroom.shtm.

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