FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2009

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

IMLS Launches “Libraries to the Rescue” Podcast Series

Discussions Focus on What Libraries are Doing to Help Citizens Through the Economic Crisis

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal funding for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums, today announced the launch of the Libraries to the Rescue series of podcast episodes. Library use is on a steady rise and the economic downturn has resulted in even greater need for library services. IMLS introduced Libraries to the Rescue to share with libraries steps that other libraries have taken to help their communities.

“Libraries have emerged as one of the go-to place for people looking for work or filing for unemployment, starting new businesses, or learning how to use computers for the first time,” said Anne-Imelda Radice, IMLS Director. “Libraries are proving just how important they are to their communities. In these episodes, library leaders share their expertise so others don’t have to reinvent the wheel.”

Libraries to the Rescue provides valuable insights from:

• Mary Boone, State Librarian of North Carolina
• Bernard Margolis, State Librarian of New York
• Sheryl Mase, Library of Michigan's Director of Statewide Services
• Jan Walsh, State Librarian of Washington, and Randall Simmons, Program Manager for Library Development in Washington
• Kendall Wiggin, State Librarian of Connecticut

The five episodes cover a range of topics, including how libraries are increasing access to key information through virtual libraries, the importance of broadband access, and new partnerships between libraries and state and federal agencies to help citizens access all types of assistance. The Libraries to the Rescue episodes are short (12-15 minute), digestible audio episodes designed to educate IMLS’s library audience.

Accompanying the series is a list of online resources for libraries that are still navigating the new terrain. To view the list of resources, click here. If you have additional online links to share, please email them to IMLS Public Affairs Officer Jeannine Mjoseth at jmjoseth@imls.gov.

Libraries to the Rescue can be accessed and enjoyed at the listener’s convenience. Audio can be accessed on the IMLS Web site or through iTunes.

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.