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/2007/100107.shtm.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2007

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, [log in to unmask]
Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask]

Heritage Preservation Chosen as Cooperator for the IMLS Connecting to
Collections: The National Tour

Washington, DC-The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has
chosen Heritage Preservation as the cooperator for Connecting to
Collections: The National Tour, which is a central part of the
Institute's multi-year initiative on conservation, Connecting to
Collections: A Call to Action. The goal of the National Tour is to raise
awareness among leaders of small and mid-sized museums and libraries
about the importance of collections care and to give them practical
information, tools, and resources to inspire action nationwide.

"Our nation's collections are at risk and we must act now to protect
them," said Anne-Imelda M. Radice, PhD, IMLS Director. "With Heritage
Preservation's help, the National Tour will take this important call to
action on the road." 

"Heritage Preservation is pleased to cooperate with IMLS on Collecting
to Connections: The National Tour," said Larry Reger, Executive Director
of Heritage Preservation. "The National Tour and other parts of the
Connecting to Collections initiative will help ensure that demonstrable
progress is made on the care of collections as advocated by the Heritage
Health Index (HHI)." The HHI, supported by IMLS and Heritage
Preservation, was the first major survey of the state of the nation's
collections. It concluded that immediate conservation treatment is
needed to prevent the loss of 190 million artifacts
(http://www.heritagepreservation.org/hhi). 

The four meetings of the National Tour will focus on such issues as
collections care expertise, technology and collections care, connecting
to the public, and fundraising. Each meeting will also explore a
particular conservation/preservation issue facing museums and libraries
today. The schedule tentatively includes:

* Atlanta, GA, Jan. 31-Feb.1, 2008. The forum, which will be held at the
High Museum of Art, will focus on issues related to diverse ethnic and
cultural collections.
* Denver, CO, June 2008. The forum, which will be hosted by the Denver
Public Library, will focus on collaboration in the digital age.
* San Diego, CA, in Jan. 2009. The forum, which will be held at the San
Diego Zoo, will focus on the care of living collections.
* Buffalo, NY, in June 2009. The forum will be hosted by the Art
Conservation Department at Buffalo State College and focus on training
in collections care.

In addition to the professionals representing small and mid-sized
museums and libraries, each meeting will include leaders from charitable
foundations; regional and national organizations focused on conservation
and preservation; library and museum boards; and local, state, or the
federal government. Attendance is expected to be at least 200 at each
forum and approximately 10,000 additional people via webcasts, DVDs, and
other communication technologies. 

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 http://www.imls.gov.

About Heritage Preservation
Heritage Preservation is the national organization dedicated to
preserving our nation's heritage. Its members include libraries,
museums, archives, historic preservation organizations, historical
societies, conservation organizations and other professional groups
concerned with saving the past for the future. For more information,
please visit http://www.heritagepreservation.org.

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