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/2007/081407.shtm. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 14, 2007 Press Contacts 202-653-4628 Kevin O'Connell, [log in to unmask] IMLS Calls for 2008 Connecting to Collections: Statewide Planning Grants Application Deadline: October 16, 2007 Washington, DC-The Institute of Museum and Library Services invites proposals for statewide, collaborative planning grants to address the recommendations of the Heritage Health Index (HHI, see www.heritagepreservation.org/HHI), a landmark study conducted by Heritage Preservation in partnership with IMLS. HHI found the collections held in the public trust by libraries, museums, and archives to be at great risk. The report offered four recommendations for collecting institutions: * that they provide safe conditions for their collections; * that they develop an emergency plan; * that they assign responsibility for collections care; and * that they marshal public and private support for and raise public awareness about collections care. These grants are aimed at fostering effective partnerships among organizations that have a strong commitment to the collections stewardship goals of a given state, commonwealth, or territory. Over the course of two years, IMLS hopes to make one grant to each eligible state or territory so that each of these entities can move closer to achieving the recommendations of the HHI through an appropriate and achievable plan for action. For the past year, IMLS and its partners have been drawing attention to the findings and recommendations of HHI. The Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action initiative (see www.imls.gov/about/collections.shtm) has already resulted in a successful national summit on conservation and preservation, the signing of a cooperative agreement to create a conservation "bookshelf," and the issuance of a request for proposals to support Connecting to Collections: The National Tour. The Statewide Planning Grants represent an equally important component of this national initiative. Application guidelines are available in PDF format at www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/pdf/CtoC_2008.pdf (608KB). Please note that the Institute will only accept applications submitted through Grants.gov, the federal government's online application system. All applicants who are using Grants.gov must register with Grants.gov before submitting their application. Applicants who are not already registered should allow at least two weeks to complete this one-time process. See www.imls.gov/applicants/grantsgov/checklist.shtm for more information on registration. Please direct any questions about the Statewide Planning Grants to Christine Henry, 202-653-4674, [log in to unmask] 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).