FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IMLS Press Contact
202-653-4799
Giuliana Bullard gbullard@imls.gov
Washington, DC—What is the condition of your collections? Heritage Preservation has launched Heritage Health Information 2014: A National Collections Care Survey (HHI 2014), and your collecting institution may be asked to participate.
HHI 2014 is the first study since the landmark Heritage Health Index ten years ago that found that 190 million artifacts were at risk. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the National Endowment for the Humanities are partnering on HHI 2014 and helping to fund it.
Heritage Preservation has begun issuing email invitations to more than 14,000 collecting institutions to participate. Because the survey is based on a sampling, not all collecting institutions will receive an invitation. Institution directors should look for an email with the subject:
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS - The HHI 2014 National Collections Care Survey is here!
“We encourage those who received a survey to complete it,” said IMLS Director Susan H. Hildreth. “With your participation, we’ll be able to measure progress in the field over the last ten years. In addition to collecting comparable data, HHI 2014 includes a new emphasis on digital collections. It is a critical next step to preserving our nation’s treasured cultural heritage.”
The HHI 2014 is a national survey on the condition of collections held by archives, libraries, historical societies, museums, scientific research collections, and archaeological repositories. The survey includes questions ranging in topics from the care of digital material to staffing. It will take selected institutions an estimated one to three hours to complete and submit.
Museums, libraries and other collecting institutions are encouraged to promote awareness of the survey. More information about the effort and a media toolkit are available on the Heritage Health Information 2014 website. With your help and support, the HHI 2014 will once again prove to be a fundamental tool in the effort to preserve our shared heritage.
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 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.