IMLS Connecting to Collections: Statewide Planning Grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2007

Press Contacts
202-653-4628
Kevin O’Connell, koconnell@imls.gov

IMLS Calls for 2008 Connecting to Collections: Statewide Planning Grants

Application Deadline: October 16, 2007

Washington, DC-The Institute of Museum and Library Services invites
proposals for statewide, collaborative planning grants to address the
recommendations of the Heritage Health Index (HHI, see
www.heritagepreservation.org/HHI), a landmark study conducted by
Heritage Preservation in partnership with IMLS. HHI found the
collections held in the public trust by libraries, museums, and archives
to be at great risk. The report offered four recommendations for
collecting institutions:

* that they provide safe conditions for their collections;
* that they develop an emergency plan;
* that they assign responsibility for collections care; and
* that they marshal public and private support for and raise public
awareness about collections care.

These grants are aimed at fostering effective partnerships among
organizations that have a strong commitment to the collections
stewardship goals of a given state, commonwealth, or territory. Over the
course of two years, IMLS hopes to make one grant to each eligible state
or territory so that each of these entities can move closer to achieving
the recommendations of the HHI through an appropriate and achievable
plan for action.

For the past year, IMLS and its partners have been drawing attention to
the findings and recommendations of HHI. The Connecting to Collections:
A Call to Action initiative (see www.imls.gov/about/collections.shtm)
has already resulted in a successful national summit on conservation and
preservation, the signing of a cooperative agreement to create a
conservation “bookshelf,” and the issuance of a request for proposals to
support Connecting to Collections: The National Tour. The Statewide
Planning Grants represent an equally important component of this
national initiative.

Application guidelines are available in PDF format at
www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/pdf/CtoC_2008.pdf (608KB). Please note
that the Institute will only accept applications submitted through
Grants.gov, the federal government’s online application system. All
applicants who are using Grants.gov must register with Grants.gov before
submitting their application. Applicants who are not already registered
should allow at least two weeks to complete this one-time process. See
www.imls.gov/applicants/grantsgov/checklist.shtm for more information on
registration. Please direct any questions about the Statewide Planning
Grants to Christine Henry, 202-653-4674, chenry@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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