FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2007

Press Contacts
202-653-4628
Kevin O'Connell, koconnell@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

IMLS Requests Proposals to Study Impact of Free Access to Computers and the Internet in Public Libraries

Deadline: March 26, 2007

Washington, DC--The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) invites proposals to study the impact of free access to computers, the Internet, and related services at public libraries. IMLS will conduct this study with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

“I am very pleased to partner with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on this important study,” noted Dr. Anne-Imelda Radice, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “The federal government, the foundation, and many others have invested significant resources in providing free access to computers in public libraries. The study will examine the social, economic and educational impact of computers in public libraries.”

Previous studies about computers and public libraries in the United States have focused on how many computers are available, what kind of Internet access they provide, and how often they are used. To date very few studies have examined the benefits that computers in public libraries provide to individuals, families, and communities, or how the lack of these service impacts the public. Free access to computers and the Internet in public libraries is nearly ubiquitous, yet maintaining and improving access requires that policymakers have data about public impact so that they can make appropriate decisions about whether to invest dollars to renew technology and information resources and provide training for public library staff and library users. Decision makers at all levels require information about public impact to analyze funding priorities. This study will provide much needed data on public impact to guide future public and private investments in these services and public policy decisions.

The Request for Proposals can be found at:
www.fbo.gov/spg/IMLS/IMLS/IMLS/RFP-07-1/Attachments.html.
The deadline for submissions is March 26, 2007.

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.

About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to reduce inequities and improve lives around the world. In developing countries, it focuses on improving health, reducing extreme poverty, and increasing access to technology in public libraries. In the United States, the foundation seeks to ensure that all people have access to a great education and to technology in public libraries. In its local region, it focuses on improving the lives of low-income families. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Patty Stonesifer and Co-chairs William H. Gates Sr., Bill Gates, and Melinda French Gates. More information is available at www.gatesfoundation.org.