April 16, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IMLS Press Contact
202-653-4630
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

IMLS Hosts Library Convening April 29 at the New York Public Library

U.S. Archivist David Ferriero and Other Experts To Discuss National Digital Platform

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) will hold a stakeholder convening about trends in library service on Tuesday April 29, from 9:30 a.m.-- 4:30 p.m. at the New York Public Library. The focus of the meeting, which is the first of three to be held nationwide, is the national digital platform.

IMLS invites broad participation via a live webcast, accessible here, and library professionals and the public are encouraged to participate through social media using the Twitter hashtag #imlsfocus. Seating at the event is extremely limited.

IMLS supports the work of libraries to meet the nation’s growing demands for digital content. A key strategic priority of IMLS is to promote access to digitized collections to facilitate discovery of knowledge and cultural heritage.

An analysis of IMLS grants to states program finds that states have used more than $1 billion in IMLS funding to support a wide range of digital investments, including massive digitization, repositories, and data aggregation; data residencies and skills training; self-publishing initiatives; providing access to e-books and developing digital tools.

At the convening library and archive leaders will discuss key needs, gaps, opportunities, and goals to consider in furthering national digital initiatives.

An agenda is available on the IMLS website. Specifically the discussion will cover:

  • Infrastructure: Examining the Hubs Model
  • Content
  • Use: Challenge and opportunities to broad use
  • Tool: Encouraging Innovation
  • Access at Scale
  • Skills

Among the speakers are:

  • Anthony Marx, President and CEO, New York Public Library,
  • David Ferriero, Archivist of the United States,
    Dan Cohen, Executive Director, Digital Public Library of America,
  • Sari Feldman, Executive Director, Cuyahoga County Public Libraries,
  • Clifford Lynch, Director of the Coalition for Networked Information
  • Rachel Frick, Director, Digital Library Federation
  • Josh Greenberg, Program Director for Digital Information Technology, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
  • Brett Bobley, Chief Information Officer, National Endowment for the Humanities
  • Elliott Shore, Executive Director, Association of Research Libraries

The next two meetings will be on May 15 on learning spaces in libraries at the San Francisco Public Library and on June 5 on STEM learning at the Chicago Public Library. IMLS will release a revised National Leadership Grant application this summer that will reflect the priorities identified during these meetings.

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. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Programs
National Leadership Grants for Libraries