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:
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
June 6, 2012 10:59 AM
Libraries to develop new tools to combat summer learning loss.
Read More
April 13, 2012 01:12 PM
IMLS has made new resources available to museums and libraries looking to build 21st century skills in their communities.
Read More
August 9, 2012 09:52 AM
Did you know that August is Connected Educator Month? Find out how the Department of Education is connecting educators of all disciplines and levels collaborate online—it’s not too late to participate!
Read More
June 7, 2012 11:42 AM
Karen Archer Perry, a senior program officer for U.S. Libraries with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Chauncy Lennon, a program officer with the Ford Foundation, share their insights about the community and economic development power of broadband adoption.
Read More
May 16, 2012 04:49 PM
IMLS Director Susan Hildreth describes how lack of access to summer learning opportunities can put young people at risk. Education policy makers are looking for strategies to combat “summer slide” and libraries and museums are part of the solution.
Read More
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
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
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