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 http://www.imls.gov/news/2008/042108.shtm. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 21, 2008 IMLS Press Contacts 202-653-4632 Jeannine Mjoseth, [log in to unmask] Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask] Plan Projects for Accountability with Shaping Outcomes Course WASHINGTON, DC--Museum and library professionals are encouraged to participate in Shaping Outcomes, a low-cost online course on outcomes-based planning and evaluation (OBPE). The instructor-mediated course, which will help participants improve program designs and evaluations, was developed in 2007 through a cooperative agreement between the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis (IUPUI). Participants in Shaping Outcomes work at their own pace through five interactive modules over approximately four weeks. The best time to take the course is prior to applying for IMLS grants because it helps applicants refine project purposes and evaluation plans. Upon completing the course, museum and library professionals will be able to: * Communicate program benefits to the community * Determine which programs to expand, support, or replicate * Promote partnerships and collaboration * Attract new funding sources Show the human impact of museum and library programs * Articulate the purpose of their program clearly and open channels for healthy discussion of key issues * Produce grant proposals with data showing what a difference their institutions are making in the community * Measure effectiveness of current programs IMLS is funding a number of Shaping Outcome scholarships for museum and library professionals serving economically challenged populations. Assistance is based characteristics of the parent institution and the individual's commitment as reflected in a project proposal. People interested in this option should email Shaping Outcomes staff. Without the scholarship, the course costs $150 per person. "We have found OBPE incredibly helpful in designing and evaluating our programs," said Jane Pickering, Deputy Director and Assistant Director for Public Programs at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. "It provided a framework for us to think about what we were doing and why, and, in particular, to identify the all important 'outcomes' as well as the 'outputs' that we had been measuring. It enabled us to ask the right questions of our audiences and refine our program to better serve their needs." Pickering's remarks, and others who have taken the course, can be found under the testimonial section of the Shaping Outcomes Web site. For educators and librarians, "continuing education" units may be available. To learn more or to register for the course, please explore the Web site www.shapingoutcomes.org, or contact the project manager by email at [log in to unmask] or through postal mail at: Shaping Outcomes Continuing Education 755 W. Michigan St., UL 3100 Indianapolis, IN 46202 Voice: 317-278-2385 Fax: (317) 278-1807 (Call first) 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).