The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of
Museum and Library Services (IMLS). An HTML version of this release with
important links and a photo can be viewed on the agency's Web site at
http://www.imls.gov/news/2009/110609b.shtm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2009

NASA Press Contact:
202-358-1100
Michael Curie, [log in to unmask]

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

NASA Invites Museums and Libraries to Apply for Free Space Shuttle
Artifacts 

Washington, DC-Museums and libraries are invited to apply for free NASA
space shuttle artifacts, including small items such as astronaut
helmets, gloves, and boots, and large items such as shuttle Motion Based
Simulators and Crew Compartment Trainers. NASA will retire the Space
Shuttle Program at the end of 2010 and is eager for the public to learn
about the wonders of space exploration through museum and library
exhibitions. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is helping
NASA reach out to eligible institutions, including museums attended by
the public and free libraries serving all residents of a community,
district, state, or region. 

Museums and libraries must first be determined as eligible through the
State Agency for Surplus Property in their state. Artifacts, which will
be released as they are no longer needed by the Space Shuttle Program,
may be viewed by eligible institutions that have been given a log-on and
password at the Web site http://gsaxcess.gov/NASAWel.htm. 

The artifacts are free, but eligible recipients must cover shipping and
special handling fees. Shipping fees on smaller items will be relatively
inexpensive, while larger items may involve extensive disassembly,
preparation, shipping, and reassembly costs. NASA will work closely with
potential recipients, on a case by case basis, to address any unique
special handling costs.

The artifacts are offered in batches. For eligible museums and
libraries, the current screening period ends November 29, 2009. A new
batch of artifacts will be made available in January 2010. For the
latest information about NASA shuttle transition and artifacts, visit
http://www.nasa.gov/transition.

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 123,000 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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