About Us - National Initiatives
Home A Closer Look Community Toolkit Success Stories Resources

 

  What Are 21st Century Skills?
  Listen to the podcast here
 
Download podcast (MP3, 4.1MB).
Download transcript (PDF, 70KB).
Read more about the skills
   

Why are 21st century skills important to libraries and museums?

Combining strengths in traditional and digital learning, libraries and museums are well-positioned to build the skills Americans need in the 21st century. Find out how your institution can get started.

How can libraries and museums help create a network of community organizations that together address the 21st century learning needs of their citizens?

Libraries and museums are strong community anchors that, together with formal education and other community organizations, create a network of learning within a community. Find out how you can host a community workshop to raise awareness about 21st century skills.

Want to see 21st century skills in action?

At IMLS we have gathered success stories that demonstrate how libraries and museums are transforming their institutions and making a difference in their communities. Hear firsthand stories of success.

What's New with IMLS and 21st Century Skills:
Calling All Youth Gamers: Contest for Original Video Games Now Open

February 11, 2013 12:24 PM
IMLS is expanding opportunities for libraries and museums to support the 2013 National STEM Video Game Challenge, which is now excepting applications. Read More

 
New Grants Help Museums and Libraries Connect Youth with Friends, Learning, and Mentors to Link their Passions to Future Success

November 8, 2012 07:57 AM
Learning Labs Foster Creativity and Collaboration through Creation in STEM and Beyond. Read More

 
IMLS Award to the Public Library Association will Develop Online Digital Literacy Resource

September 14, 2012 08:48 AM
Lack of digital skills impacts the lives millions of Americans. This new resource will provide free high quality tools and training. Read More

 
Expanded Learning
Blog Post: Out-of-School Takes Center Stage

February 13, 2013 07:42 AM
New resource highlights the positive outcomes of learning after school and during the summer. Read More

 
photo of a boy using tools at Maker Faire
Blog Post: Makers on the Move in Libraries and Museums

December 20, 2012 03:08 PM
Maker spaces are part of a growing movement of hands-on, mentor-led environments that encourage entrepreneurship and unleash the inner inventor in all of us, particularly children. Read More

 
Photo of Susan Hildreth
Blog Post: Looking Ahead

October 17, 2012 08:40 AM
Director Hildreth identifies five strategies for museums and libraries that are making a difference in their communities. Read More

 
cover of Museums, Libraries, and 21st Century Skills report
Museums, Libraries, and 21st Century Skills Report


This report outlines a vision for the role of libraries and museums in the national dialogue around learning and 21st century skills and includes case studies of innovative audience engagement and 21st century skills practices from across the country. Read More

 
cpver of Talking Points: Makerspaces
Talking Points: Museums, Libraries, and Makerspaces


Quick summary of makerspaces -- hands-on, mentor-led learning environments to make and remake the physical and digital worlds -- in museums and libraries. Read More

 
21st Century Skills podcast

August 11, 2010 03:54 PM
In this podcast, Acting Director Marsha L. Semmel explains: 1) What are 21st century skills? 2) Where did the 21st century skills movement come from? 3) Where do museums and libraries fit in the 21st century skills movement? Semmel also describes Making the Learning Connection, IMLS’s national campaign to better understand the opportunities, challenges, and key issues facing today’s museums and libraries in their efforts to meet their communities’ 21st century learning needs. The campaign includes an eight-city workshop tour, a national contest, new online tools and resources, and a series of interactive webinars. Read More