FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Natasha Marstiller, nmarstiller@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) invites proposals to develop and host the 2012 and prospectively 2013, WebWise Conferences on Libraries and Museums in the Digital World in cooperation with IMLS.

The cooperative agreement will last for two years. The maximum award for the 2012 conference will be $75,000.  If IMLS decides to proceed with a 2013 conference, another award of up to $75,000 will be made; funds for the 2013 conference will be released only upon successful completion of the 2012 conference, availability of federal funds, and approval of the IMLS Director.

The WebWise conference brings together technology experts and representatives of museums, libraries, archives, systems science, education, and other fields to explore the many opportunities to serve their communities through the innovative application of new technologies and to encourage broad geographic participation and input. To achieve this goal, IMLS seeks to offer the 2012 conference in the Western US (Oregon, Washington, California, or Nevada). The 2013 conference is prospectively planned to take place in Washington, DC.

Organizations eligible for the award include:

• public and not-for-profit institutions of higher education,
• all types of libraries and library consortia,
• all types of public and not-for-profit museums and museum consortia, and
• professional associations serving the museum or library field.

Federally operated and for-profit museums and libraries are not eligible to apply to host the conference.

The program announcement is available on the IMLS Web site and through www.grants.gov, Funding Opportunity Number WEBWISE-FY11. Proposals must be submitted through www.grants.gov no later than July 22, 2011. Awards will be announced in August 2011.

For more information, please contact Kevin Cherry, Senior Program Officer, Office of Library Services, Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1800 M Street NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20036-5802. Telephone (202) 653-4662, E-mail kcherry@imls.gov.

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.