The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of
Museum and Library Services (IMLS). An HTML version of this release can
be viewed on the agency's Web site at
http://www.imls.gov/news/2009/092409.shtm.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2009

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632

Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov 

More than $1.7 Million Awarded to Support Training and Development for
Museum Professionals

Washington, DC-The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
announced today the seven recipients of $1,780,000 in 21st Century
Museum Professionals (21 MP) grants. With their grants, these awardees
will implement projects to strengthen leadership, management,
interpretation, and other important skills for thousands of museum
professionals nationwide. 

"The challenges facing the museum field continually evolve with the
advent of new technologies, research, and community needs. These grants
will help museum professionals develop the knowledge and leadership
skills necessary to navigate and succeed in this ever-changing field,"
said Anne-Imelda Radice, IMLS Director. 

Many of this year's 21MP projects will have long-lasting impacts. For
example:
* The California Indian Museum and Cultural Center will partner with the
National Indian Justice Center to create and pilot an online training
program, "Protecting Our Legacies: Liaison Skills for Tribal Museum
Personnel," which will bolster skills in government-to-government
communications for museum employees. 

* At the UC Davis Arboretum, collaborators will develop, test,
implement, and evaluate a multifaceted geographic information system
(GIS) training program for museum professionals. The program will
facilitate curation, conservation, facilities management, education, and
research by allowing easy access, manipulation, and flexible display of
information about living collections, exhibits, and site features.

* The Utah Humanities Council will partner with the Utah Museums
Association to transform the state's small and remote museums from
isolated repositories of objects on display to venues that tell the
story of their unique collections. "Museum Interpretation Initiative:
Telling Our Stories" will improve the curatorial, interpretive, and
educational abilities of museum professionals through training
opportunities focused on historical research, exhibit development, and
docent practices. 

To learn more about the 2009 21 MP grant recipients and their innovative
projects, click here. http://www.imls.gov/news/2009/092409_list.shtm

The next deadline for the 21st Century Museum Professionals program is
March 15, 2010. Click here for more information.
http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/21centuryMuseums.shtm
 

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 123,000 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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