FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Revised February 22, 2006
Originally Posted February 17, 2006

Press Contact
202-653-4632
Eileen Maxwell, emaxwell@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

IMLS Awards Youth Research Contract to Institute for Learning Innovation

WASHINGTON, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is pleased to announce that it has contracted with the Institute of Learning Innovation to analyze the agency’s grants in the area of youth development. This activity is part of its “Museums and Libraries Engaging America’s Youth” initiative.

The Institute of Learning Innovation will examine IMLS supported projects that serve youth ages 9 – 19. The study will engage and inform the museum and library community, and the formal and informal education fields about the needs, trends, goals, and results of programs in youth development services. The Institute for Learning Innovation will survey approximately 500 grants awarded between 1998 and 2003, develop case studies of select grants, and convene a number of meetings which will include grantees, policy makers, researchers and museum and library practitioners in the youth development field,

“We know that museums and libraries have an essential role to play in helping America’s youth succeed in school and in life,” said Mary L. Chute, Acting Director of IMLS who launched the initiative at the sixth meeting of the National Museum and Library Services Board on October 31, 2005. She noted that “this analysis will help us learn more about what works, build bridges with policy makers, and share best practices.”

Dr. Lynn D. Dierking, Associate Director, Institute for Learning Innovation, said, "This opportunity to work with IMLS on its "engaging America's youth initiative" is truly aligned to our core strengths." She added, "We bring twenty years of experience helping libraries, museums and other institutions support lifelong learning."

The final report, including an analysis of the impact, effectiveness, and best practices of IMLS grants, will be of interest to researchers, educators, public policy makers, funders, and other stakeholders in the museum and library field. IMLS plans to make the results of its analysis available in late 2006/early 2007.

To learn more about the Institute of Museum and Library Services Youth Initiative, please visit our Youth Initiative Web page.

About the Institute for Learning Innovation
Established in 1986 as a not-for-profit learning research and development organization, the Institute for Learning Innovation is dedicated to changing the world of education and learning by understanding, facilitating, advocating and communicating about free-choice learning across the life span. For more information, please visit: http://www.ilinet.org