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New Federal Webinar Series Explores Immigration Resources for Public Librarians

The first webinar is December 12, 2013

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced the first in a series of four free webinars for public libraries about immigration and U.S. citizenship issues. The webinar series was developed as part of a broader effort through a federal partnership between IMLS and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to ensure that librarians have the necessary tools and knowledge to refer their patrons to accurate and reliable sources of information on immigration-related topics.

The first webinar, entitled Immigration and Naturalization 101, will take place December 12 from 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. EST.

The webinar will include a question-and-answer session and will cover

• basic immigration procedures and benefits,
• the role librarians can serve, and
• new online resources for librarians on the USCIS website.

Presenters include

• Susan Hildreth, IMLS Director;
• Rachel Ellis, Branch Chief of Customer Access Branch in the Public Engagement Division, USCIS; and
• Haleh Holly Taghavi, Management and Program Analyst in the Public Engagement Division, USCIS.

To participate, go to this Blackboard Collaborative Meeting Room at the time of the webinar. You may listen using your computer’s speakers, or dial 1-866-299-7945 and when prompted, enter the passcode 7434925#.

To sign up for updates about upcoming webinars and additional immigration and citizenship resources, register your email address at the USCIS website here. 

The series will comprise four quarterly webinars in all, covering such immigration topics as the naturalization process and test, the unauthorized practice of immigration law, and USCIS systems such as E-Verify and the USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS).

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. 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.