FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2008

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

IMLS Calls for Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Grant Applications

Application Deadline: December 15, 2008

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) invites proposals from libraries, archives, and library agencies, associations, and consortia for the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant program.   

Categories of funding for the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian program are as follows:

• Doctoral programs in library and information science;
• Master’s programs in library and information science;
• Research about library and information science as a profession, establishment of ongoing research capacity in graduate schools of library and information science, and research conducted by untenured, tenure-track faculty in graduate schools of library and information science in their field of research (Early Career Development program);
• Pre-professional programs to interest future professionals in library and information science as a career;
• Programs to build institutional capacity in graduate schools of library and information science by developing or enhancing programs; and
• Continuing education for library and archives staff.

The grant period for these projects is up to three years, except for doctoral program projects, which may be up to four years.

In 2003, with a shortage of professional librarians on the horizon, First Lady Laura Bush called on the Institute of Museum and Library Services to help recruit “a new generation of librarians.” Since then, the Institute has funded 3,220 master’s degree students, 186 doctoral students, 1,256 pre-professional students, and 26,186 continuing education students.

IMLS staff will be hosting two audio conference calls to provide an opportunity for prospective applicants to learn more about the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant program. The calls will be held on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, October 21 at 2:00pm ET
Thursday, November 6 at 2:00pm ET

Please check the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian page closer to the date of the call for specific dial-in instructions.

Application guidelines and instructions are available here. Please direct any questions about the program to Kevin Cherry, Senior Program Officer, 202-653-4662, kcherry@imls.gov; Chuck Thomas, Senior Program Officer, 202-653-4663, cthomas@imls.gov; or Karmen Bisher, Program Specialist, 202-653-4664, kbisher@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 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.