 May
16, 2008
Dear Colleagues:
I have just returned from the Salzburg
Global Seminar in Austria, where I was a faculty member
for a five-day course on how to facilitate international
exchanges of people (expertise) and objects, and overcome
circulation obstacles, such as legal and political issues.
The meeting was truly international. Throughout my career
I have found that people talking to people is the most
powerful kind of cultural exchange, and I am convinced
that the most important thing is simply making connections.
We live in a global society, and our American
libraries and museums have so much to share with, and
learn from, people engaged in library and museum work
throughout the world. Last year our board spent an entire
meeting talking about the stunning array of cross cultural
connections taking place between U.S. libraries and museums
and their counterparts throughout the world.
I want IMLS to take a leadership role in
fostering collegial information sharing all over the world.
I am establishing an international strategic partnership
effort, and have asked my senior staff to make connections
with others around the globe. I welcome your input on
the best ways to establish these important connections.
Please be in touch with Marsha Semmel (msemmel@imls.gov),
IMLS Deputy Director, Office of Museum Services, and Director
of Strategic Partnerships, with your thoughts.
- Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Ph.D., Director,
IMLS |
