National Initiatives

Institute of Museum and Library Services

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		Museums, Libraries, and 21st Century Skills The Institute's Museums, Libraries, and 21st Century Skills initiative underscores the critical role our nation’s museums and libraries play in helping citizens build such 21st century skills as information, communications and technology literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, civic literacy, and global awareness.

		Building Digital Communities Full participation in American society requires the ability to access and use digital content and technologies. Libraries, businesses, hospitals, schools, cultural institutions, community technology centers and local governments are community anchors that can create and sustain access to broadband technologies.

		Connecting to Collections Connecting to Collections is a national initiative to raise public awareness of the importance of caring for our treasures, and to underscore the fact that these collections are essential to the American story.

		Engaging America's Youth Engaging America’s Youth looks at the contributions IMLS grants have made to positive outcomes for youth aged 9–19, with four key goals: to examine what works, to share best practices, to encourage effective programming, and to build bridges with policy makers.

		The Future of Museums and Libraries UpNext: The Future of Museums and Libraries Wiki was a platform where individuals inside and outside of museums, libraries, and related fields can discuss, dissect, expand, and inform the issues outlined in the Future of Museums and Libraries: A Discussion Guide.

		International Strategic Partnership Initiative The International Strategic Partnership Initiative is a project that will strengthen cross-cultural connections between U.S. museums and libraries and their global counterparts.

		Let's Move! Museums & Gardens This new national initiative will provide opportunities for millions of museum and garden visitors to learn about healthy food choices and promote physical activity through interactive exhibits and programs.

		National Medal for Museum and Library Services The National Medal honors outstanding institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Selected institutions demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service, exceeding the expected levels of community outreach.

		WebWise The WebWise Conference annually brings together representatives of museums, libraries, archives, systems science, education, and other fields interested in the future of highquality online content for inquiry and learning.