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/2008/070208.shtm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2008

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632

Jeannine Mjoseth, [log in to unmask]
Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask]

Midwest Museums Receive Emergency Assistance from IMLS and Partners

On June 28, the first of four teams of conservators was deployed to the
Midwest to provide immediate aid to museums in Iowa and other states
that have suffered significant flood damage to collections and
facilities, announced the Institute of Museum and Library Services
(IMLS) and project partner, the Foundation of the American Institute for
Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works (FAIC).

"Our hearts go out to Midwest museums and historical houses that have
been affected by these floods," said Anne-Imelda M. Radice, IMLS
Director. "Fast and effective response teams will provide museums with
expertise, an emergency response, and the supplies to start salvaging
collections and restoring operations."

IMLS approved reallocation of almost $16,000 to purchase supplies for
direct assistance and to stock depots established by the Iowa
Association of Museums in Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. IMLS is
contributing an additional $35,000 to support deployment of AIC-CERT
(Collections Emergency Response Team) members to Midwest collecting
institutions affected by the recent flooding.

In 2006, FAIC used a 21st Century Museum Professionals grant from IMLS
to create a team of "rapid responders" that can be mobilized to provide
emergency assistance to museums in the wake of hurricanes, earthquakes
and other natural and man-made disasters. FAIC conducted high level
training on emergency response procedures, damage assessment methods,
salvage techniques, and the organization and management of a recovery
operation.
A total of four teams will each spend five days each providing emergency
assistance to museums and testing the training they received in the
AIC-CERT project. Post-deployment evaluations from AIC-CERT members will
help to identify successes and gaps in the training provided. These
results will be used to plan and design future refresher courses for
AIC-CERT members as well as any future training for new team members. 
Midwest museums that need assistance from AIC-CERT members should call
(202) 661-8068 (24-hour monitoring).
 
In related news, Heritage Preservation is posting online information on
coping with water-damaged collections from the Field Guide to Emergency
Response DVD with financial support from IMLS and the National Endowment
for the Humanities. Click here to view the chapter:
http://www.heritagepreservation.org/PROGRAMS/WaterSegmentFG.HTM.

The 10-minute segment combines hands-on demonstrations with concise
advice from preservation experts. Practical tips on safety, equipment,
and salvage priorities also make the video a useful guide for rescuing
family treasures. The Field Guide was published in 2006 with support
from the National Endowment for the Humanities. 

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.

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