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 IMLS Web site at: http://www.imls.gov/news/2006/021406_21mp.shtm FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 14, 2006 Press Contacts 202-653-4632 Eileen Maxwell, mailto:[log in to unmask] Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask] Institute of Museum and Library Services Calls for 21st Century Museum Professionals Grant Applications Application Deadline is March 15, 2006 WASHINGTON, DC--Washington, D.C. - The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is calling for grant applications from museums, museum service organizations, and universities for proposals that will enhance the professional development of museum staff. The purpose of the 21st Century Museum Professionals program is to increase the capacity of museums to create and sustain a nation of learners by improving museum professionals' knowledge, skills, and leadership in the full range of museum operations, including interpretation, collections care, conservation, and management. Applicants may request from $15,000 - $500,000 for a grant period of up to three years. The application deadline is March 15, 2006. Downloadable guidelines and fill-in forms are available on the IMLS Web site at http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/21centuryMuseums.shtm. Museums play a critical role in preserving America's rich cultural heritage and transmitting it from one generation to the next. New technology, changing demographics, and evolving economic models impact all museum professionals. Museum professionals need high levels of expertise to provide quality museum services to the broadest audience possible. The IMLS 21st Century Museum Professionals grant program provides a special opportunity for museum professionals from all types of museums, from art museums to zoos, to update their knowledge and skills. Click on the following URL for descriptions of FY 2005 projects, the inaugural year of the 21st Century Museum Professional Grant program http://www.imls.gov/results.asp?keyword=&inst=&city=&state=&year=10&prog ram=1064&description=on&sort=year About the Institute of Museum and Library Services The Institute of Museum and Library Services, an independent federal agency, grows and sustains a "Nation of Learners" because life-long learning is critical to both societal and individual success. Through its grant making, convening, 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 21st century skills, and provide opportunities for 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. ========================================================= 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).