FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2008

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

IMLS Releases Nine to Nineteen: Youth in Museums and Libraries;
A Practitioner’s Guide

WASHINGTON, DC—As centers of lifelong learning, museums and libraries contain a wealth of resources and information that can help youth fulfill their vast potential. To assist museums and libraries in their development of effective and engaging youth programs, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has published Nine to Nineteen: Youth in Museums and Libraries; A Practitioner’s Guide, the newest resource in the Museums and Libraries Engaging America’s Youth Initiative series.

The guide features several examples of successful youth programming from around the country, as well as useful information for planning exemplary youth programs. In the guide, practitioners can find resources on funding, evaluation, and out-of-school programs gathered from those working in the youth and community development, education, and informal learning fields. Nine to Nineteen is geared toward museums and libraries, but is also useful to community planners, youth development leaders, and educators who want to connect with the many types of organizations and institutions that serve youth in our communities.

“Young people respond to appropriate structure, positive relationships, and a sense of accomplishment—and in return, they provide talent, creativity, and community connections that enrich libraries and museums,” said Anne-Imelda Radice, IMLS Director.

The guide’s content is informed by the IMLS study on youth programs in museums and libraries, the results of which showed that museums and libraries are unique in their ability to influence and educate youth. Nine to Nineteen culls and itemizes the information disseminated in this study, published in Museums and Libraries Engaging America’s Youth: Final Report of a Study of IMLS Youth Programs, 1998-2003, (PDF, 854KB). The Youth Action Committee, a group of experts convened by IMLS to advise on the content and focus of the study, helped develop this guide. The committee consists of the following individuals:

Nine to Nineteen is divided into the following sections:

1) What Works for Youth in Museums and Libraries, with chapters on:
• Why Are Museums and Libraries Important to Youth?
• What Do Effective Youth Programs Look Like?
• What Can You Do in Your Community?
• What Role Can Young People Play?
• Strategies for Success: Partner, Evaluate, Sustain

2) Resources for Practitioners: A variety of resources, references, and frameworks that will assist the museum or library practitioner in seeking out valuable lessons.

Nine to Nineteen is available online at http://www.imls.gov/pdf/YouthGuide.pdf (PDF, 657KB). To receive a hard copy of the guide, please email your request to imlsinfo@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.