FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

Washington, DC—Museums can play a central role in cultivating the creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communications skills that individuals need to be successful in the 21st century. To help support and further these efforts, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is hosting a September 29 webinar to introduce museum professionals to its Museums, Libraries, and 21st Century Skills report (PDF, 2.2MB) and the accompanying self assessment tool.  The report, developed over an 18 month period with input of 100 museum and library professionals, focuses on how museums and libraries can help equip individuals with new skills in light of shifting demographics, global competition, and technological developments. 

During the webinar, participants will hear stories from museum professionals on their use of the report and self assessment tool, what has worked for them, what has resonated with their stakeholders, and lessons learned. Speakers include Gary Vikan, director of the Walters Art Museum, and Tammie Kahn, executive director of the Children’s Museum of Houston. Webinar participants can expect to:

• Understand how to use the IMLS tools to integrate 21st century skills within their institutions
• Learn about best practices from the Walters Art Museum and the Houston Children’s Museum
• Receive an update from IMLS Acting Director Marsha L. Semmel about funding opportunities for leaders who are interested in pursuing 21st century skills work

In addition to the webinar, IMLS’s 21st century skills campaign includes an eight-city Making the Learning Connection workshop tour, a national contest, new online tools and resources.  In the near future, IMLS will host a webinar for library professionals.

To learn more about 21st century skills, please listen to Semmel’s podcast: http://www.imls.gov/resources/21st_century_skills_podcast__august_11_20101.aspx

Making the Learning Connection: Museums and 21st Century Skills Webinar
September 29, 2010
3:00 – 4:30 PM ET

Instructions:
Click on the Webinar link: http://instmus.acrobat.com/imls21cs. Access audio in one of two ways:

• Follow the instructions in the Webinar’s "Join Teleconference" dialogue box to allow the computer to call your phone line.
• If you do not have a direct phone line (or a computer), call the following conference call number: 1-888-850-4523; Participant Passcode: 761243

Please test your computer’s compatibility with Adobe Connect Pro by visiting the following link: http://my.adobe.acrobat.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm. We recommend you do this well before the conference begins.

Participants may begin logging in to the webinar up to 10 minutes prior to the conference start time. We recommend you log in to the webinar before calling the conference call line. If you do not have a computer available to you, you may participate solely through the conference call line.

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.