January 3, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IMLS Press Contact
202-653-4799
Giuliana Bullard, gbullard@imls.gov

 


Maura Marx Selected as IMLS Deputy Director for the Office of Library Services 

Washington, DC—Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Director Susan H. Hildreth announced today that she has selected Maura Marx to be the IMLS Deputy Director of the Office of Library Services.

"I am delighted that Ms. Marx has accepted this position," said Director Hildreth. "Maura brings a breadth of leadership experience and a depth of understanding about how digital technology is changing the role of libraries in the U.S. She will be a tremendous partner to guide IMLS programs and initiatives as libraries develop new business models to meet the ever changing information needs of the 21st century learner."

Ms. Marx said, "I am thrilled to be joining the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The agency’s position as the leading U.S. agency responsible for federal policy as it relates to America’s libraries and museums is tremendously exciting to me. I look forward to helping to assure that the American tradition of strengthening communities by providing broad public access to the resources and services of U.S. libraries continues in this digital age."

Ms. Marx currently serves as Director of the Digital Public Library of America Secretariat at the Berkman Center at Harvard University, a position she will continue until she begins working at IMLS in May 2013.

Previously, she served as Executive Director of the Open Knowledge Commons, where she worked to catalyze and raise funds for libraries working on collaborative digital library initiatives. She founded the digital library program at the Boston Public Library and was responsible for its dedication to open principles. Her interests are in cultural heritage, collaboration, and the promotion of all types of open knowledge. 

Maura was named a "Mover and Shaker" by Library Journal in 2006 and has been a Fellow at the Berkman Center at Harvard University since 2010. She has a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, an M.A. from Middlebury College, and an M.S.L.I.S. from Simmons College.

According to the Museum and Library Services Act, IMLS’s Office of Library Services shall be headed by a Deputy Director, who shall be appointed by the Director from among individuals who have a graduate degree in library services and expertise in library and information services. The Deputy Director also serves as a non-voting member of the National Museum and Library Services Board.


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 grantmaking, 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 http://www.imls.gov or follow @US_IMLS on Twitter.