FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) proudly announces release of a podcast on 21st century skills by IMLS Acting Director Marsha L. Semmel.

To listen to the podcast, click here.

In the 4.30 minute podcast, Semmel explains:

• What are 21st century skills?
• Where did the 21st century skills movement come from?
• 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.

On August 20, IMLS staff will travel to Columbia, South Carolina, to hear about the city’s assets and how museums, libraries, and civic leaders are working together to create a shared vision for cooperative, supportive 21st century learning environments. Workshop participants will produce a defined set of action steps to ensure that museums, libraries, and community stakeholders continue to collaborate in order to meet the 21st century learning needs of their community.

In the coming months, IMLS will announce the other workshop tour stops, dates for webinars, and contest details.

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. 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.