America’s collections are for everyone. They are
discovered billions of times a year in libraries and
museums across the country. They enlighten and
inspire all of us. Yet they are at risk.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services has created Connecting
to Collections: A Call to Action:
a multi-year, multi-faceted national initiative to raise public awareness and inspire action.

The initiative is grounded in the results of A Public Trust at Risk: The Heritage Health Index Report on the State of America’s Collections. Read more. Please visit this site often to find resources and ideas you can use to answer this urgent call to action.

The IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelf

A Letter from a Bookshelf Recipient
"With the guidance of the bookshelf, I am happy to say that we came through the storm with our structures and collections intact." Read more.

- Andrew Morrow, Executive Director
Mandarin Museum & Historical Society

Third Round Awarded!
Based on the enthusiastic response, IMLS offered a third round of competition and distributed an additional 907 Bookshelves. Read more.

Connecting to Collections Video

Developed to underscore the importance of collections held in museums, libraries and archives throughout the U.S., this video inspire communities to take action. Watch now.

The National Impact
of Connecting to Collections

Learn more about the national impact of the Connecting to Collections initiative by viewing the State by State profiles and U.S. impact map (PDF, 272KB)