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.
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