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.
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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.
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