FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Natasha Marstiller, nmarstiller@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

What Works and Lessons Learned in Library and Museum Service

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), today announced the launch of a new blog, UpNext!

The primary goal of the blog is to be a relevant and engaging online community where readers and contributors have a collaborative, open, and transparent environment to share their views and expertise. IMLS wants the blog to be a place where libraries, museums and their partners can share ideas, questions, and experiences.

Focusing on what works and lessons learned in library and museum service, the blog will feature a wide variety of topics and discussions for readers to explore as well as the opportunity to get to know more about IMLS projects, initiatives and staff and to engage with thought leaders both in and outside the museum and library communities.

"In the past month we heard ideas and comments from 1,400 users who participated in our online community to help shape the IMLS strategic plan," said Susan Hildreth, IMLS Director. The UpNext blog provides one response to users who called on IMLS to create more opportunities to share best practices, spur innovation and reach out to partners. We welcome you to continue that conversation and share what you know."

Visitors to http://blog.imls.gov can subscribe to UpNext! and receive email updates when new articles are posted. Along with release of the blog, visitors to the IMLS website will notice some additional changes. The site offers users new page views that aggregate content from across the site. Users can view all content associated with a particular grant program or a particular "issue" and get more in-depth information about their interests.

Click here to learn more about other IMLS Web 2.0 initiatives.

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.