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 www.imls.gov/news/2006/121106.shtm.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2006

Press Contacts
202-653-4628
Kevin O'Connell, [log in to unmask]
Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask]

IMLS to Explore Feasibility of State Formula Grant for Museums

Washington, DC--Dr. Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Director of the Institute of
Museum and Library Services (IMLS), announced today that the agency will
undertake an effort to explore the feasibility of formula grants to the
states to support museum services.

Dr. Radice said, "For fifty years there has been a population-based
formula grant to each state and the territories to support library
services. In recent years the museum community has been engaged in
discussions about the feasibility of a similar program for museum
services, and the agency has received several requests from members of
Congress to explore the issue. This is a serious issue and must be fully
examined by bringing a variety of voices to the table. I have asked
Celeste Colgan to lead this effort. Celeste is an outstanding strategist
and policy advisor with a passion for education and a keen interest in
the role of cultural institutions in the United States. I am delighted
that she has agreed to take on this important task."

In the coming year Dr. Colgan will review relevant funding models and
work with community leaders, museum professionals, and educators across
the country to convene local hearings to investigate the public's needs
for museum services and the potential for meeting these needs through
federal grants to the states. She will also convene national leaders to
discuss her findings. A report will be published in December 2007.

Dr. Colgan is a consultant on higher education academic matters and the
intermountain coordinator for the American Council of Trustees and
Alumni for teacher preparation reform. Her academic and policy roles
have included senior fellow at the National Center for Policy Analysis
(NCPA), director of the State of Wyoming Department of Commerce, and
deputy chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. She was
also an adjunct professor at the University of Wyoming and the chairman
of the Division of Language and Literature at Casper College. Dr. Colgan
received a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Wyoming and a Ph.D. from
the University of Maryland.

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.

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).