The following is a press release from the federal Institute of Museum
and Library Services.  An HTML version of this press release can be read
on the Institute's Web site at:
http://www.imls.gov/whatsnew/current/110805.htm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2005

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

Museums and Libraries: Engaging America's Youth

Washington, DC -- Calling museums and libraries "essential to helping
America's youth succeed in school and in life," Mary L. Chute, Acting
Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services launched a new
initiative at the sixth meeting of the National and Library Services
Board. Special guests Robert Flores, Administrator, Office of Juvenile
Justice and Delinquency Prevention and Karen Pittman, Executive Director
of the Forum for Youth Investment, underscored the importance of
creating communities where children have opportunities to learn and
belong.

The Experts

Youth development experts and public policy makers increasingly
recognize the importance of community institutions in formal learning as
well as the informal learning that can take place after and out of
school. 

Mr. Flores invited museums and libraries to work with one another while
highlighting the recently-released "Community Guide to Helping America's
Youth" (www.helpingamericasyouth.gov). The guide helps communities
assess their needs and resources, build partnerships, and find program
designs that can be replicated. It identifies the steps involved for
building strong support for youth. "An environment in which books and
learning are important to our youth will foster excitement and a
brighter outlook for tomorrow," said Flores. "All community systems must
operate at optimal levels to support youth. Museums and libraries can be
the impetus our young people need to make positive life choices." 

Ms. Pittman noted that "young people don't grow up in programs but in
families and communities." She pointed out that young people spend only
about one-third of their time in schools and talked about the importance
of filling out of school time productively. It is important that all
community settings take what is known about young people and how they
develop and apply it to their work. She shared the Forum for Youth
Investment's Core Assumptions about Youth, which summarizes key research
to inform communities about what they need to ensure that all children
and youth achieve their full potential
(www.forumforyouthinvestment.org). She asked, "How can libraries and
museums create community settings that are more supportive of youth?" 

The Role of Museums and Libraries

Libraries and museums that make serving youth central to their mission
can help young people acquire twenty-first century skills like
increasing global awareness, building information literacy and
increasing self-reliance. They can help young people learn about and
express cultural traditions and connect to history, art, culture and
science both online and in their communities. Libraries and museums can
provide opportunities for civic engagement that involve family, schools
and community partners.

Libraries and museums that engage young people also benefit; youth bring
vitality and help cultural institutions stay relevant and build lasting
community relationships. By working with young people both in and out of
school, libraries and museums can make a difference in the lives of
America's youth and in the quality of community life.

The Initiative 

In the coming year the Institute will place a spotlight on the role of
Museums and Libraries Engaging America's Youth. This initiative will
build upon past support in this area, which has included research,
convenings, publications, and over $240 million in grants over the past
six years. The initiative will focus primarily on young people aged 9 -
19. It will examine what works, share best practices, encourage more
effective programming, and build bridges among libraries, museums, and
public policy makers.

During the next year the Institute will analyze its past grant-making,
develop case studies to explore best practices, provide monthly updates
with project profiles, resources and tips on its web site, and encourage
the development of new models through its National Leadership Grant
program. Next fall the Institute will convene a national conference and
publish the results of its analyses and case studies. 

The Institute invites other federal agencies and a wide range of
non-governmental organizations representing public policy and youth
development to become partners and highlight how libraries and museums
can help connect young people to information and ideas, support families
and schools, and stimulate learning for life. 

Resources, links, and updates on the Institute's Museums and Libraries
Engaging America's Youth Initiative are available at
http://www.imls.gov/youth.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is an independent federal
grant-making agency dedicated to creating and sustaining a nation of
learners by helping libraries and museums serve their communities. The
Institute fosters leadership, innovation, and a lifetime of learning by
supporting the 15,000 museums and 122,000 libraries in America. The
Institute also encourages partnerships to expand the educational benefit
of libraries and museums. 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]

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