February 2012

Fiscal Year 2013 Appropriations Request 

to the United States Congress

Creating a Nation of Learners
To limit printing costs, the Institute of Museum and Library Services is restricting the print run 

of this document to a limited number of copies. An electronic version is available for download 

at www.imls.gov/assets/1/AssetManager/FY13_CJ.pdf.

For all maps within this document:

Source: IMLS Administrative Data Geocoded

Cartographer: Rodney D Vese Jr.

Coordinate System: North America Albers Equal Area Conic

Projection: Albers

Datum: NAD 1983
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Contents

Introduction: Creating a Nation of Learners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Message from the Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Overview of Strategic Goals and FY 2013 Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Strategic Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Community............................................................. 6

Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Model Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

FY 2013 Appropriations Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Streamlining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Summary of Appropriations Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Table 1: IMLS Appropriations History, 2003–2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Program Fact Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Grants to State Library Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Table 2: State Allotments for FY 2007–FY 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

National Leadership Grants to Libraries............................................ 19

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Native American Library Services Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Basic and Enhancement Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Native Hawaiian Library Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Museums for America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

National Leadership Grants to Museums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Museum Grants for African American History and Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Research and Program Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

IMLS Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Administrative Costs Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Administrative Highlights and Future Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

GSA-Leased Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Grants Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Modernized Information Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Cyber Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Administrative Request by Object Class Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Table 3: IMLS History of Administration Costs, FY 2011–2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
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Contents

FY 2013 Performance Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Figure 1: IMLS Performance Implovement Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Authorizing Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

The Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

General Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

The Library Services and Technology Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

The Museum Services Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

The African American History and Culture Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
New York Botanical Garden in Bronx, NY.

Introduction: Creating a Nation of Learners
2 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

Introduction: Creating a Nation of Learners

Dear Members of Congress:

I am pleased to present this congressional justification of President Obama’s FY 2013 budget request for level 

funding of 231,953,777 for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

In 2010, the Museum and Library Services Act was reauthorized emphasizing the essential roles of museums 

and libraries in supporting the education and workforce development needs of our nation. The reauthorization added significant new functions including unique federal responsibilities for advising the President and 

Congress on library, museum, and information services and increased emphasis on data collection, program 

evaluation, and establishing a wide range of federal partnerships.

With the MLSA reauthorization as a foundation, IMLS worked over the last year in a transparent and collaborative manner to develop a new strategic plan. The plan was shaped by broad citizen-engagement including a 

robust online discussion about the future of IMLS services that engaged 1,400 participants. In FY 2013 all 

IMLS programs and activities will align with the goals of the strategic plan with a focus on the future and helping libraries and museums to navigate societal, economic and technology change.

Economic changes are causing reductions in all sources of public (state and local) and private (corporation, 

foundation, and individual) funding for libraries and museums. At the same time, public demand for library 

and museum services is increasing significantly. As stressed public agencies cut back on service, communities 

are more fully leveraging the assets of libraries and museums and calling on them to fill the gaps in providing 

workforce services, afterschool programming, teacher training and broadband access.

Just last month IMLS released a new report on the characteristics of library service in the U.S. New data reveal 

that library use is at an historic high, with more than 1.5 billion visits. Library use has steadily increased during the past 10 years, even with the growth of the Internet. Use grew 19 percent in the past decade and circulation grew 12 percent despite tight fiscal budgets. Results of a recent study supported by IMLS and the Bill 

and Melinda Gates Foundation demonstrate both the value of libraries and what is at risk when our commitment flags. One hundred sixty-nine million people used a public library last year and 77 million of these used 

library computers. They found jobs, continued their education, and got answers to critical health questions.

It is essential that every agency use precious taxpayer dollars as strategically and effectively as possible.

Through matching and maintenance of effort requirements, IMLS leverages the federal dollar with significant 

contributions from state and local sources. In addition IMLS is a sought after partner for national initiatives 

and vigorously pursues collaborations with federal (i.e. Department of Labor, Department of Education and 

Commerce Department) and foundation (John T. and Catherine D. MacArthur Foundation and the Bill and 

Melinda Gates Foundation) sources.

This budget helps museums and libraries level the playing field for the people of the Unites States. IMLS helps 

to provide access to technology, strengthen community relationships, and offer an entrée to services and information that some individuals might not otherwise have. Especially in our information age, libraries and museums are not luxuries; they are fundamental to supporting the civic life and well-being of our nation
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Introduction

In FY 2013, IMLS will:

•	 Provide direct support for thousands of libraries and museums to strengthen their roles as community anchors providing engaging learning experiences and broad access to collections and content.

•	 Leverage federal dollars with millions of dollars from non-federal sources through match requirements and 

through partnerships at the national level with high capacity foundations.

•	 Provide accurate timely data on the characteristics of public libraries; this data is used nationwide to plan 

for and evaluate a host of educational services.

•	 Provide the first-ever census of museums in the United States.

•	 Complete a household survey documenting demand for library and museum services to identify gaps and 

shape programs to meet public needs.

•	 Support the development of community technology hubs for teens in libraries and museums through a 

partnership with the MacArthur Foundation.

•	 Leverage federal dollars by supporting summer reading, early learning and school attendance through an 

alliance with the Campaign for Grade Level Reading.

•	 Strengthen programs at libraries and museums that help build the skills of the 21st century workforce, 

including programs that help people find work, start small business, and build expertise to compete in a 

global society.

•	 Provide data and policy briefs to help libraries navigate issues around sharing e-books and other electronic 

content to ensure the vitality of knowledge sharing in the digital age.

•	 Save thousands of unique treasures at risk of loss due to inadequate conservation and preservation capacity in our nation’s collecting institutions.

•	 Support innovative development of digital collections and develop new tools to help people find and use 

digital resources.

•	 Support the development of digital literacy skills.

•	 Support high quality teaching and learning by training thousands of teachers to enliven classrooms through 

the use of library and museum resources.

•	 Build its capacity to share lessons learned, identify best practices and provide rich resources for library 

and museum professionals to improve their services.

IMLS supports a wide range of programming that impacts the lives of millions of Americans. At any point in 

time our small, but dedicated staff, are monitoring approximately 2,000 active grants. We remain committed 

to furthering our administrative efficiencies and assuring the highest quality grant-making, data collection, and 

research activities.

I believe that the American public is best served by maintaining strong support for libraries and museums and 

I am respectfully recommending enactment of funding for IMLS at the President’s request level.

I am happy to meet and talk personally with you or your staff.

Respectfully Submitted,

Susan H. Hildreth

Director
4 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

Overview of Strategic Goals and FY 2013 Ac tivities

U.S. museums and libraries have a presence in nearly every community 

in the nation; they provide opportunities for powerful learning experiences 

to missions each year. There are 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums 

in the US. More than 169 million people in the U.S. over the age of 14 

(69% of the population) are library users; 148 million people in the U.S.

over the age of 18 are museum users.

IMLS is the federal voice for libraries and museums in the U.S. Our new 

strategic plan sets out a bold vision for “a democratic society where communities and individuals thrive with broad public access to knowledge, 

cultural heritage, and lifelong learning.” Our mission statement calls on 

the agency to “inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. We provide leadership through research, policy development, 

and grant making.”

Five goals span the programmatic, policy, research and administrative effectiveness of the agency.

Strategic Goals

Learning: IMLS places the learner at the center and supports engaging experiences in libraries and museums 

that prepare people to be full participants in their local communities and our global society.

Community: IMLS promotes museums and libraries as strong community anchors that enhance civic engagement, cultural opportunities, and economic vitality.

Content: IMLS supports exemplary stewardship of museum and library collections and promotes the use of 

technology to facilitate discovery of knowledge and cultural heritage.

Access: IMLS advises the President and Congress on plans, policies, and activities that sustain and increase 

public access to information and ideas.

Model Agency: IMLS achieves excellence in public management and performs as a model organization through 

strategic alignment of IMLS resources and prioritization of programmatic activities, maximizing value for the 

American public.

The following is a description of each goal and high capacity agency activities designed to carry out the goal.

A democratic society 

in the knowledge 

age demands that 

its citizens learn 

continually, adapt to 

change readily, and 

evaluate information 

critically. 
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Introduction

Learning: IMLS places the learner at the center and supports 

engaging experiences in libraries and museums that prepare 

people to be full participants in their local communities and 

our global society. 

To succeed in our rapidly changing society and economy, individuals 

must continually update their skills. Libraries and museums have special 

capacity to reach underserved audiences and to develop learning experiences in every discipline, including science and engineering, business, 

and basic, digital, health, and financial literacies. Through their collections, exhibitions, and onsite, offsite, and online programs and partnerships, these institutions serve as essential and trusted components of the 

nation’s learning infrastructure. They occupy a critical space for pre-K, 

out-of-school, and after-school, summer, and adult learning. Library and 

museum professionals must also continually update their skills to teach 

essential 21st century skills: critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation

Highlights

Museums, Libraries, and 21st Century Skills

The Museums, Libraries, and 21st Century Skills initiative underscores 

the critical roles of museums and libraries in reaching underserved communities and helping citizens build such 21st century skills as information, communications and technology literacy, critical thinking, problem 

solving, creativity, civic literacy, and global awareness. By providing online 

tools; convening local library and museum leaders, public officials, social 

service agencies, and educators in communities across the nation; and 

highlighting important investments, IMLS is engaging libraries and museums in an important national dialogue about learning in the 21st century.

Learning Labs in Libraries and Museums

IMLS and the MacArthur Foundation have joined together respond to 

improve outcomes in STEM learning in the U.S. Together we will support 

the planning and design of up to 30 learning labs in libraries and museums throughout the country. The labs are intended to engage middle- and 

high-school youth in mentor-led, interest-based, youth-centered, collaborative learning using digital and traditional media.

Early Learning Challenge

The importance of the early years in a child’s life has been well documented. The rallying cry can be heard across the nation, from schools 

and businesses to foundations and the public sector. The need to invest 

in young children is clear, as are the benefits of that investment. We are 

challenging libraries and to take action in three areas: school readiness, 

summer reading loss, and chronic school absence.

Objectives

Promote and support inclusive and accessible learning 

opportunities to individuals of diverse geographic, 

cultural, and socioeconomic 

backgrounds; individuals 

with special needs; and underserved communities.

Support communities of 

practice that draw on current research and evaluation 

literature to develop effective informal and formal 

learning experiences in 

museums and libraries.

Facilitate partnerships 

among museums, libraries 

and other education providers to expand learning 

opportunities for the public. 

Support the training and 

development of museum 

and library leadership to 

meet the needs of diverse 

publics in a rapidly changing 

environment.
6 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

Community: IMLS promotes museums and libraries as strong 

community anchors that enhance civic engagement, cultural 

opportunities, and economic vitality. 

Healthy, thriving, sustainable communities need institutions that 

strengthen civic life, understand and respond to community needs, and 

provide common experiences that knit together diverse interests. Libraries 

and museums help local communities and our nation advance solutions to 

our most difficult problems. They are safe places for community gathering, centers for community vitality, a connecting point for community 

services, and a venue for cultural expression and lifelong learning.

Highlights

Partnership with U.S. Department of Labor

Thirty million Americans used a library in 2009 to submit on-line applications, search for employment opportunities, and work on their résumés.

Many of them visit their library on a regular basis. Three-quarters of these 

people reported using the library at least once a week.

IMLS and the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training 

Administration (ETA) will continue to build the connection between the 

workforce investment system and public libraries. IMLS has supported 

the training of over 1,800 library staff in hard-hit communities across the 

nation. ETA officially encouraged its state and local workforce investment 

boards, state workforce agencies, and One-Stop Career Centers to partner 

with public libraries.

Let’s Move! Museums & Gardens

Developed in coordination with national museum and garden leaders and 

in conjunction with First Lady Michelle Obama’s fight against childhood 

obesity, Let’s Move! Museums & Gardens is a coalition of museums and 

gardens seeking to teach young people to make healthy food choices and 

be physically active.

Building Digital Communities

Libraries, businesses, hospitals, schools, museums, community technology centers, and local governments face difficult decisions about how to 

create and sustain access to broadband technologies to meet national 

priorities and create opportunity for difficult-to-reach populations. IMLS is 

developing new tools to help community leaders make strategic decisions 

about technology investments.

Objectives

Invest in projects that 

strengthen the role of libraries and museums as core 

components of the broader 

community learning and 

service infrastructure

Partner with other federal 

agencies to leverage the 

resources of libraries and 

museums in advancing 

national priorities, including 

education, health, disaster preparedness, digital 

literacy, and economic and 

workforce development.

Ensure that public and 

private sector leaders have 

the information they need 

to make strategic policy and 

investment decisions that 

leverage the infrastructure 

and expertise of museums 

and libraries.

Overview of Strategic Goals and FY 2013 Ac tivities
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Introduction

Content: IMLS support exemplary stewardship of museum 

and library collections and promotes the use of technology to 

facilitate discovery of knowledge and cultural heritage. 

Access to museum and library collections helps to fuel innovation, inspire 

the development of new knowledge, and increase global understanding, 

Too many of the collections held in U.S. libraries and museums are at 

risk and in need of proper storage, emergency planning, and conservation 

treatment. These institutions are embracing new opportunities to digitize 

and share their collections and develop new standards and protocols to 

preserve and provide access to “born digital” data and objects.

Highlights

Connecting to Collections

IMLS will continue Connecting to Collection, an initiative to aid libraries and museums in their efforts to provide the best possible care for the 

collections. The initiative was grounded in the results of A Public Trust at 

Risk: The Heritage Health Index Report on the State of America’s Collections, an IMLS-funded study that for the first time documented and quantified the dire state of the collections museums and libraries hold in trust 

for the public. Connecting to Collections includes convenings in the U.S.

and in Salzburg, Austria to explore collections-care issues; engagement of 

over 3,000 predominantly small museums that received the Connecting 

to Collections Bookshelf, a core set of books, DVDs, online resources, and 

an annotated bibliography; partnerships with the private sector to increase 

resources; and statewide planning activities in every state.

Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries and Museums 

A new funding opportunity provides small grants (maximum award 

$25,000) to encourage libraries, museums, and/or archives to test and 

evaluate specific innovations in the ways they operate and the services 

they provide. Sparks Grants support the deployment, testing, and evaluation of promising and groundbreaking new tools, products, services, or 

organizational practices.

Objectives

Support the care and 

management of the nation’s 

collections to expand and 

sustain access for current 

and future generations.

Develop and implement 

a nationwide strategy to 

expand the public’s access 

to the information, meaning, 

and content found in museum and library collections.
8 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

Objectives

Support and extend a 

national digital information 

infrastructure that leverages 

libraries and museums as 

key partners and providers of reliable, persistent, 

and widely available access 

to digital information and 

services. 

Promote federal policies that 

improve access to information services for underserved 

communities and help to 

remove barriers that prevent 

individuals from using these 

services effectively.

Identify trends and provide 

consistent and reliable data 

on museum and library services and use

Access: IMLS advises the President and Congress on plans, 

policies, and activities sustain and increase public access to 

information and ideas. 

In an economy powered by knowledge, libraries and museums play essential roles in assuring equitable access to information. New technologies 

are changing the ways in which people access and use information. Without careful attention to the means in which the United States promotes 

equitable access, the foundation of our economy, our democracy, and 

quality of life are at risk.

While use of information technology is increasing in the U.S., we are 

behind many other nations. The government and private sectors face 

difficult decisions about how to create and sustain library, museum, and 

information access. They need tools to make strategic decisions that keep 

our democracy and economy strong.

Highlights

Publishing Research, Data Analysis, and Issue Briefs

To inform policy makers at all levels, IMLS has released analysis in the 

following areas: Impacts of Budget Cuts to State Libraries; Distribution of Public Access Broadband by Rural, Suburban, and Urban areas; 

Demographics of Public Library Computer Users; Ten Years of Increasing 

Public Demand for Library Services and Decreasing Budgets; and Characteristics of Public Funding for Museums in the U.S. The findings of these 

analyses have been used by Congress, federal agencies (including DOL, 

HHS, ED, NTIA and FCC), foundations (including Pew, the Gates Foundation, and Mac Arthur Foundation), and local communities to inform 

investments in library and museum services. IMLS will continue publishing in these areas.

Museums Count

IMLS is undertaking a comprehensive census of museums in the U.S. At 

this time no accurate inventory exists and we believe that our current assumptions vastly underestimate the number of U.S. museums. This data 

will help public officials and practitioners make informed policy decisions 

about the future of museum service in the U.S.

Overview of Strategic Goals and FY 2013 Ac tivities
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 9

Introduction

Model Agency: IMLS achieves excellence in public management and performs as a model organization through strategic 

alignment of resources and prioritization of programmatic 

activities, maximizing value for the American public. 

IMLS continues its commitment to improving administrative efficiencies, 

focusing on is on high-quality stewardship of public funds and outstanding public service.

Highlights

Focus on Monitoring and Results

IMLS has created an Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation to carry 

out formal collections of nonpartisan, evidence-based data to inform grant 

making priorities. One example is new work with Grants to State Libraries, IMLS’s largest grant program, which is engaging library staff in every 

state and developing new metrics to measure success and inform future 

resource allocation. Another example is the recently completed independent evaluation of Museums for America, IMLS’s largest museum grant 

program. Findings from this study have been used to reshape the agency’s 

museum investments.

Citizen Engagement Strategies – Open Government

The agency has begun to use social media and other citizen-science-model strategies to enhance public participation in the development of agency 

programs and encourage collaboration. The agency recently launched an 

enhanced web site that allows the public to learn about agency investments in community institutions and find data and policy briefs associated with a variety of issue areas including early learning, health, workforce, 

STEM learning, broadband, global awareness, and education support.

In July, IMLS used IdeaScale, a social media platform, to engage citizen 

participation in developing its strategic plan. More than 1,400 users 

participated by voting for their favorite ideas, adding new ideas, and commenting on ideas. And just last month, we launched a blog to continue 

to engage the public in discussion of library, museum, and information 

service issues.

IMLS will continue citizen engagement and Open Government initiatives.

Objectives

Develop an exemplary model 

of efficient federal grants 

management. 

Cultivate a culture of 

planning, evaluation, and 

evidence-based practice 

to maximize the impact of 

public investments.

Promote greater transparency and accountability of 

IMLS operations.

Encourage and promote 

an engaged and energized 

IMLS workforce.
Michigan’s West Bloomfield Township Public Library.

FY 2013 Appropriations Request
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 11

FY 2013 Appropriations 

Request

Streamlining

As the Institute embarks on its new five-year plan, we believe we can serve the American Public more strategically by combining and streamlining the range of funding opportunities available to support the museum community. These changes are based on input from the museum community through the agency’s strategic planning process, recommendations from applicants, reviewers, and grantees, and in recognition of the agency’s 

recent reauthorization.

Merge the Conservation Project Support (CPS) program with the Museums for America (MFA) program: We 

believe that we can accomplish the goals of CPS through MFA funding and help alleviate the confusion we’ve 

heard over the past few years about the overlap in purpose of those programs relating to the care and conservation of museum collections. By merging the funding for CPS and MFA under the Museums for America program, we will continue to support eligible museums in a wide range of essential programming for the audiences 

they serve, while fully addressing goals 1, 2 and 3 of the IMLS strategic plan.

Merge the 21st Century Museum Professionals Grants (21MP) program with the National Leadership Grant 

(NLG) program: The eligible entities for these two programs are similar and, by combining the funding for these 

two programs, we believe we can more strategically identify projects that most effectively address nationwide 

issues in museum services and advance the professionalism of U.S. museums and their staffs.

We are recommending that the Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services (NANH) program and the 

Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (AAHC) program remain as separate and distinct application categories.

The changes we are implementing are intended to help museums serve their communities more efficiently and 

with greater impact.

•	 We will have fewer categories with better descriptions.

•	 We will have a simpler application schedule and process.

•	 It will be easier for organizations to see how their projects can link with our funding opportunities.
12 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

FY 2013 Appropriations Request

Summary of Appropriations Request

The FY 2013 IMLS budget request is $231,953,777. This amount includes $230,543,760 for programs and 

administrative costs authorized by the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA), which includes the Library 

Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and the Museum Services Act (MSA), and $1,410,017 for a grants program authorized by the African American History and Culture Act (AAHCA).

Research, Evaluation and Data Collection

Of the $230,543,760 requested for programs and administrative costs authorized by the MLSA, IMLS requests $1,885,904 to collect data, carry out research and identify best practices in cooperation with the nation’s libraries and museums.

Library Services

IMLS requests $184,704,088 for the following library grant programs authorized by the LSTA.

•	 Grants to State Library Agencies 

•	 Native American and Native Hawaiian Library Services 

•	 Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program 

•	 National Leadership Grants for Libraries 

Museum Services 

IMLS requests $29,448,921 for the following museum grants and related programs.

•	 Museums for America 

•	 Native American and Native Hawaiian Museum Services 

•	 National Leadership Grants for Museums 

African American Museum Services

IMLS requests $1,410,017 for the grant program authorized by the African American History and Culture Act.

Administration 

IMLS requests $14,504,847 for program administration. Funds support personnel compensation and benefits, 

rent and utilities, contractual services, communications, travel, printing, equipment and supplies, automated 

data processing, and other administrative services in support of the Institute’s programs and initiatives, including the Institute’s overhead costs in the area of research, evaluation, and data collection activities.
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 13

Table 1: IMLS Appropriations History, 2003–2013

(Budget Authority in 000’s)

Statutory Authority FY 2003 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012 

FY 2013 

Request

Museum and Library 

Services Act (MLSA)

General Provisions

Research, Analysis 

and Data Collection 1,903 1,886 1,886

Library Services 

Technology Act (LSTA)

Grants to States 150,435 157,628 160,704 163,746 163,746 160,885 171,500 172,561 160,032 156,365 156,365

Native American 

Library Services 3,055 3,206 3,472 3,638 3,638 3,574 3,717 4,000 3,960 3,869 3,869

National Leadership: 

Libraries 11,009 11,263 12,301 12,375 12,375 12,159 12,437 12,437 12,225 11,946 12,000

Laura Bush 21st 

Century Librarian 9,935 19,882 22,816 23,760 23,760 23,345 24,525 24,525 12,818 12,524 12,470

SUBTOTAL, LSTA 174,434 191,979 199,293 203,519 203,519 199,963 212,179 213,523 189,035 184,704 184,704

Museum Services 

Act (MSA)

Museums for America 15,381 16,342 16,864 17,152 17,152 16,852 19,176 19,176 18,453 18,030 20,643

Museum Assessment 

Program 447 447 446 442 442 434 460 460 --- --- ---

21st Century Museum 

Professionals 992 982 982 965 1,280 1,280 2,015 1,969 ---

Conservation Project 

Support 2,792 2,782 2,788 2,772 2,772 2,724 3,052 3,052 2,675 2,675 ---

Conservation 

Assessment Program 815 815 813 807 807 793 803 803 --- --- ---

Native American/

Hawaiian Museum 

Services

843 911 911 895 945 975 947 926 926

National Leadership: 

Museums 5,663 6,891 7,539 7,920 7,920 7,782 7,981 7,981 6,050 5,911 7,880

SUBTOTAL, MSA 25,098 27,277 30,285 30,986 30,986 30,445 33,697 33,727 30,140 29,449 29,449

African American 

History and Culture Act 

Museum Grants for 

African American 

History and Culture

842 842 827 1,310 1,485 1,443 1,410 1,410

Agency Wide

Administration 9,202 10,389 11,097 11,797 11,858 13,987 16,917 17,134 14,845 14,505 14,505

TOTAL, IMLS 

PROGRAMS AND 

ADMINISTRATION

208,734 229,645 240,675 247,144 247,205 245,222 264,103 265,869 237,393 231,954 231,954

Congressional 

Earmarks 35,156 32,595 39,889 0 0 18,285 10,737 16,382 0 0 0

TOTAL 243,890 262,240 280,564 247,144 247,205 263,507 274,840 282,251 237,393 231,954 231,954

FY 2013 Appropriations 

Request
Program Fact Sheets 

Tennessee’s Nashville Public Library.
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 15

Program Fact Sheets

Program Fact Sheet: Grants to State Library

Administrative Agencies

FY 2013 Budget Request: $156,365,300

Program Description

The Grants to State Library Agencies program is the largest federal program for libraries in the United States.

The program awards population-based formula grants annually to each State Library Administrative Agency 

(SLAA) in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, 

and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Grants are allocated by a population-based formula.

The Act limits the amount of funds available for administration at the state level to 4 percent, requires a 34 

percent match from nonfederal state or local funds and compliance with maintenance of effort requirements.

State agencies may use the appropriation for statewide initiatives and services. They may also distribute the 

funds through competitive subgrants or cooperative agreements to public, academic, research, school, or 

special libraries. Funds have been used to meet the special needs of children, parents, teenagers, the unemployed, senior citizens, and the business community, as well as adult learners. Many libraries have partnered 

with community organizations to provide a variety of services and programs, including access to electronic 

databases, computer instruction, homework centers, summer reading programs, digitization of special collections, access to e-books and adaptive technology, bookmobile service, and development of outreach programs 

to the underserved.

Each SLAA must conduct a statewide needs assessment every five years and submit a plan to IMLS that describes goals and objectives for the next five year period. The state needs must be described within the context 

of priorities established by the Museum and Library Services Act. Under the current Act, states must focus 

their activities on using technology, sharing resources, supporting literacy, serving underserved populations 

and achieving efficiencies. Additionally, the Act places emphasis on lifelong learning, workforce development, 

digital literacy, and emergency response and preparedness.

IMLS monitoring activities include an annual technical assistance conferences and a rotating schedule of site 

visits to each state.

Grants to States Highlights

The Grants to States Program awarded $172,561,000 in FY 2010. The SLAAs reported on the use of these

funds in late December 2011. Some highlights of the an analysis of the projects funded include:

•	 $2.3 million for 139 early learning projects serving 3.5 million people;

•	 $2.1 million for 205 summer reading projects serving 5.7 million people; 

•	 $1.5 million for 54 workforce development projects serving 3.8 million people; 

•	 $49.9 million for 300 resource sharing projects involving 34 states;

•	 $17 million for 90 projects supporting services for blind and physically handicapped and serving 14 million people; 

•	 $5.8 million for 134 digitization project serving 264 million people 

Early Literacy Station Project, State Library of Kansas

LSTA funds $71,900; Cash Match $80,500; Total cost $152,400.
16 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

This project brought hardware with preloaded educational software to participating libraries. Thirty-three public

and school libraries requested 70 stations, 19 of which included bilingual versions in Spanish. The units encourage children’s thinking and allow them to learn at their own pace, even children with no previous computer 

experience are using them. The popularity of the program inspired new donations to the libraries and increased 

attendance.

JOBS Training Center, Apache Junction Public Library, AZ

LSTA Funds Expended: $99,997, Cash Match: $46,873

A Job Opportunity & Basic Skills (JOBS) Training Center was established to benefit the public with a one stop 

equal opportunity employment center. Existing library space was converted and new equipment was purchased 

to outfit the JOBS Center in order to have the necessary technology and materials available for job seekers. A 

full-time consultant was hired to develop and teach classes including ESL, GED and basic skills. The consultant assisted the unemployed and the underemployed seeking employment by presenting classes in resume 

writing and related job seeking skills. Materials were purchased to enhance the programs and facilitate access 

to needed information. Training provided improved the participants’ potential of finding employment.

Information and Resource Sharing, North Dakota State Library

LSTA funds $584,895 Total Costs $584,895.

The North Dakota State Library works in cooperation with school, public, academic, and special libraries to 

promote the availability of information services and the distribution of materials. The Interlibrary loan department has a one-day turn-around period for processing requests. They use the Online Dakota Information Network and two other networks that link area libraries. The state library has contracted with MINITEX to obtain 

materials that are not available in-state.

NC ECHO Digitization, Ensuring Democracy through Digital Access, East Carolina University, J Y Joyner Library

LSTA Funds Expended: $46,962, Cash Match: $8,116

This project, part of NC ECHO (Exploring Cultural Heritage Online) will produce the most comprehensive digital 

collection to date of core North Carolina state government documents, offering researchers a historical view of 

the development of the state’s government and infrastructure. The collection will include a broad sampling of 

state publications with a significant portion from the 19th and early 20th centuries. These publications, which 

range from reports from the tax research department to reports of public charities, to the Public Documents of 

the State of North Carolina, offer a rich historical perspective of the development of state government.

Forecast for FY 2013

The Grants to State Library Agencies Program will see the cumulative results of the evaluations conducted and 

submitted to IMLS in FY 2012. The IMLS publication, Catalyst for Change: LSTA Grants to States Program, 

highlighted national trends following the previous program evaluation, and we expect to summarize findings 

from the 2012 evaluation. The SLAAs will begin FY 2013 with new five year plans approved by the agency’s 

director. The goals and objectives identified in the plans will provide a forecast of the information, knowledge, 

and training needs critical to meeting the needs of the American public. Finally, in FY 2013 we will pilot 

metrics developed in the cross-agency Measuring Success initiative and begin testing a new iteration of the 

program’s online reporting tool.

Program Fact Sheet: Grants to State Library

Administrative Agencies
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 17

Program Fact Sheets

Table 2: State Allotments for FY 2007–FY 2013

State FY 2007 FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012

FY 2013

Request

AL $2,602,935 $2,545,491 $2,731,363 $2,746,218 $2,567,650 $2,501,154 $2,513,489

AK $888,213 $833,016 $982,962 $984,174 $960,008 $952,947 $955,904

AZ $3,211,248 $3,228,606 $3,489,746 $3,560,969 $3,324,148 $3,250,835 $3,154,754

AR $1,819,735 $1,766,109 $1,936,565 $1,945,548 $1,838,337 $1,800,586 $1,801,600

CA $16,506,165 $16,431,277 $16,882,749 $16,971,056 $15,497,372 $15,029,503 $15,069,224

CO $2,650,213 $2,612,765 $2,834,938 $2,869,234 $2,694,346 $2,641,949 $2,633,382

CT $2,141,681 $2,068,566 $2,232,450 $2,231,803 $2,090,429 $2,038,047 $2,046,968

DE $967,412 $912,962 $1,063,319 $1,066,966 $1,034,832 $1,023,258 $1,026,307

FL $8,429,449 $8,425,588 $8,770,131 $8,803,371 $8,111,592 $7,871,982 $7,955,387

GA $4,590,936 $4,622,315 $4,910,851 $4,972,854 $4,620,382 $4,495,213 $4,427,044

HA $1,157,491 $1,101,262 $1,248,881 $1,250,947 $1,199,217 $1,159,084 $1,204,846

ID $1,225,259 $1,180,138 $1,344,632 $1,355,376 $1,299,688 $1,280,599 $1,285,082

IL $6,216,116 $6,133,883 $6,377,081 $6,398,149 $5,766,746 $5,664,245 $5,592,954

IN $3,357,739 $3,292,765 $3,492,642 $3,506,281 $3,254,929 $3,161,761 $3,167,893

IA $1,902,157 $1,840,733 $2,004,495 $2,010,773 $1,885,804 $1,844,037 $1,849,064

KS $1,804,558 $1,745,712 $1,910,501 $1,921,944 $1,809,993 $1,773,974 $1,776,121

KY $2,433,669 $2,374,218 $2,560,096 $2,572,188 $2,409,463 $2,350,899 $2,348,041

LA $2,587,884 $2,409,825 $2,583,026 $2,634,925 $2,480,805 $2,424,055 $2,426,484

ME $1,177,883 $1,116,986 $1,263,871 $1,263,471 $1,208,487 $1,185,547 $1,187,048

MD $3,062,016 $2,988,627 $3,170,413 $3,176,887 $2,964,835 $2,889,137 $2,905,001

MA $3,413,560 $3,346,669 $3,538,949 $3,559,988 $3,323,269 $3,233,374 $3,194,851

MI $5,052,531 $4,941,233 $5,144,483 $5,113,653 $4,676,712 $4,504,022 $4,450,322

MN $2,856,123 $2,793,089 $2,983,922 $2,993,749 $2,791,145 $2,717,086 $2,720,448

MS $1,882,233 $1,809,550 $1,973,794 $1,982,436 $1,863,411 $1,819,928 $1,817,073

MO $3,150,050 $3,087,560 $3,285,694 $3,300,104 $3,080,330 $2,994,821 $2,974,634

MT $1,007,986 $952,693 $1,104,586 $1,108,783 $1,070,859 $1,057,408 $1,061,071

NE $1,370,433 $1,311,709 $1,466,605 $1,470,441 $1,400,237 $1,377,353 $1,383,445

NV $1,659,300 $1,628,664 $1,817,143 $1,832,430 $1,632,613 $1,702,212 $1,719,652

NH $1,172,791 $1,114,075 $1,263,260 $1,263,185 $1,211,002 $1,189,626 $1,183,232

NJ $4,434,773 $4,343,636 $4,530,162 $4,528,274 $4,170,801 $4,042,569 $4,047,555

NM $1,445,113 $1,392,895 $1,553,194 $1,559,494 $1,485,647 $1,463,144 $1,474,908
18 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

Table 2: State Allotments for FY 2007–2013 (continued)

State FY 2007 FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012

FY 2013

Request

NY $9,074,434 $8,955,719 $9,234,002 $9,318,366 $8,513,873 $8,146,018 $8,111,013

NC $4,419,501 $4,401,145 $4,696,435 $4,767,500 $4,160,471 $4,322,143 $4,366,417

ND $876,330 $818,116 $963,563 $964,313 $939,310 $931,737 $941,097

OH $5,643,980 $5,543,747 $5,762,879 $5,770,712 $5,307,272 $5,120,439 $5,087,388

OK $2,158,232 $2,100,996 $2,283,428 $2,294,344 $2,158,082 $2,114,098 $2,127,442

OR $2,199,259 $2,153,972 $2,341,114 $2,359,806 $2,213,648 $2,164,574 $2,158,117

PA $6,034,092 $5,963,310 $6,191,018 $6,197,247 $5,633,066 $5,544,252 $5,544,710

RI $1,069,862 $1,006,294 $1,148,900 $1,145,724 $1,102,216 $1,086,948 $1,081,344

SC $2,469,636 $2,424,418 $2,633,782 $2,665,509 $2,508,533 $2,450,059 $2,466,338

SD $937,650 $881,774 $1,032,934 $1,036,430 $1,005,672 $995,771 $994,601

TN $3,221,670 $3,173,028 $3,409,056 $3,434,523 $3,204,074 $3,120,490 $3,124,537

TX $10,661,984 $10,787,020 $11,275,967 $11,462,047 $10,614,851 $10,388,436 $10,481,539

UT $1,683,421 $1,652,433 $1,852,581 $1,892,820 $1,796,291 $1,769,981 $1,755,500

VT $870,330 $812,903 $955,380 $955,355 $929,254 $919,668 $919,146

VA $3,928,187 $3,872,179 $4,098,498 $4,123,366 $3,763,502 $3,741,963 $3,770,951

WA $3,364,690 $3,328,627 $3,547,224 $3,582,706 $3,351,575 $3,277,624 $3,287,428

WV $1,396,003 $1,333,562 $1,483,211 $1,484,197 $1,409,521 $1,382,914 $1,388,302

WI $3,033,754 $2,962,815 $3,163,009 $3,174,392 $2,946,913 $2,862,663 $2,860,518

WY $820,240 $765,437 $911,752 $916,086 $898,190 $890,868 $896,899

DC $838,393 $794,432 $940,769 $942,308 $920,394 $915,107 $915,925

Puerto 

Rico $2,318,588 $2,252,920 $2,427,110 $2,432,483 $2,270,426 $2,140,076 $2,095,062

American 

Samoa $65,449 $65,133 $85,486 $89,087 $86,309 $81,378 $81,195

Northern 

Marianas $76,310 $76,850 $98,394 $82,818 $80,639 $80,748 $80,570

Guam $115,305 $115,602 $137,960 $139,083 $131,530 $121,361 $120,836

U.S. Virgin 

Islands $87,823 $87,268 $107,966 $108,676 $104,027 $100,971 $100,621

9131(b)(3)

(D) Poold $203,225 $203,040 $265,078 $265,431 $257,272 $254,658 $254,020

TOTAL $163,746,000 $160,885,357 $171,500,000 $172,561,000 $160,032,000 $156,365,300 156,365,300

d

 Section 9131(b)(3)(D) of the Museum and Library Services Act directs that funds allotted based on the populations of the Republic of 

the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau be used to award grants on a competitive basis taking 

into consideration recommendations from the Pacific Region Educational Laboratory in Hawaii. These three republics, along with the U.S.

Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, are eligible to compete for the grants.

Program Fact Sheet: Grants to State Library

Administrative Agencies
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 19

Program Fact Sheets

Program Fact Sheet: National Leadership Grants to Libraries

FY 2013 Budget Request: $12,000,000

Program Description

National Leadership Grants support projects that address major challenges faced by the nation’s museums, libraries, and/or archives. This program funds innovative projects with national impact, and which have potential 

to advance practice in those fields. National Leadership Grant awards ($50,000 - $500,000) support creation, 

use and preservation of digital resources and services, research, demonstration and partnerships.

Grant Highlights

University of Washington, Information School - Seattle, WA

Year: 2011, Amount: $635,000 

Early literacy programs are very common in public libraries across the nation, but libraries struggle to find 

accurate and meaningful ways to measure the impact these programs have on children. Building on a 2009 research planning grant from IMLS, researchers in the University of Washington Information School and partners, 

including the Early Learning Public Library Partnership, the Foundation for Early Learning, and the Washington State Library, will investigate and test new ways to measure the effectiveness of early literacy programs in 

public libraries.

Portland State University, Millar Library - Portland, OR

Year: 2011, Amount: $999,493 

Portland State University, in collaboration with its partners, will conduct extensive mining and analysis of 

data for more than 23,000 adult users of the IMLS-funded Learner Web, a learning support system for adults.

Learner Web helps adults accomplish specific personal goals such as earning a General Equivalency Diploma, 

TX

CA

MT

AZ

ID

NV

NM

CO

IL

OR

UT

KS

WY

IA

NE

SD

MN

FL

ND

OK

WI

MO

WA

AL GA

LA

AR

MI

IN

PA

NY

NC

MS

TN

VA

KY

OH

SC

ME

WV

MI

VT

NH

CT

MD

NJ

MA

DE

RI

Hawaii

Alaska

National Leadership Library

 Grantees

Grantees Per State

0

1 - 5

6 - 11

12 - 22

National Leadersip Grants to Libraries, FY 2006–2011
20 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

Program Fact Sheet: National Leadership Grants to Libraries

178

132

79 88

126

179

38

22 28 29 30

50

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011

Instuons

Total Number of Naonal Leadership Grant Applicaons and Awards by 

Fiscal Year, FY2006-FY2011

Total Applicaons Total Awards

$0

$10,000,000

$20,000,000

$30,000,000

$40,000,000

$50,000,000

$60,000,000

FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011

Comparison of Amount Requested to Total Amount Awarded for Naonal 

Leadership Grant Program by Fiscal Year, FY2006-FY2011

Total Requested Total Awarded

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Smallest Award $113,427 $24,417 $38,844 $49,964 $46,047 $24,594

Median Award $248,974 $358,694 $260,696 $352,435 $292,500 $145,336

Largest Award $960,595 $1,735,859 $749,990 $1,000,000 $974,998 $999,493

$0

$200,000

$400,000

$600,000

$800,000

$1,000,000

$1,200,000

$1,400,000

$1,600,000

$1,800,000

$2,000,000

Award Amount

Distribuon of Naonal Leadership Library Grant 

Awards by Fiscal Year, FY2006-FY2011
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 21

Program Fact Sheets

improving English language abilities, or increasing digital literacy skills. This research will provide unique 

and important information about the learning processes of various hard-to-serve populations and how libraries 

can better tailor tutoring opportunities to meet diverse needs. Project partners include the state libraries of 

California, Louisiana, Minnesota, New York, and Texas; and other partners in Virginia, Louisiana, Minnesota, 

and Ohio.

University of Michigan, School of Information - Ann Arbor, MI

Year: 2011, Amount: $49,957 

Health information is a critical resource for individuals and communities, but not all groups have equal access to this information. This collaborative planning project will help shape an anticipated future large-scale 

research project focusing on enhancement of health information infrastructures for marginalized urban communities. The planning project and the subsequent study will focus on conditions that are disproportionately 

prevalent in Inkster, Flint, and northwest Detroit, including diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension, 

as well as information related to the prevention of these conditions.

7

8

4

5

5

7

15

1

35

2

0

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Infants to Preschool (under age 5)

Children & Youth (0-19 years)

Adolescents Only (13-19 years)

K-12 (5-19 years)

Adults

Aging, Elderly, Senior Cizens

Families, Intergeneraonal Populaons

General/Unspecified

K/12 Teachers/Educators

Number of Funded Naonal Leadership Library Grants 

Idenfied with a Target Service Populaon,

FY2009-FY2011

People/Families of People with

Mental/Physical Challenges 
22 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

Forecast 2013

The National Leadership Grants program’s funding categories will be realigned with the agency’s new strategic 

plan. Program staff is currently discussing possible improvements in the program including more intentional 

direction of program funds to specific areas of emphasis, achieving greater efficiency in the review and award 

processes, and focusing funding categories on outcomes stated in the strategic plan.

Program Fact Sheet: National Leadership Grants to Libraries

6

8

1

2

3

41

1

1

2

1

31

13

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

Early Learning

Aerschool/Out-of-School

Learning Tools and Interacves 

(Informaon/Media literacy)

Educaon Support

Collecons Care/Preservaon

Cultural Heritage/Sustainability

Workforce Development/Job Assistance

Health

Environment and Energy

Broadband

21stCentury Skills

Civic/Community Engagement

Number of Naonal Leadership Grant Library Grantees

Idenfied by Project Area, FY2009-FY2011
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 23

Program Fact Sheets

FY 2013 Budget Request: $12,469,520

Program Description

The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (LB21) invests in the nation’s information infrastructure by 

funding projects designed to address the education and training needs of the professionals who help build, 

maintain, and provide public access to the world’s wide-ranging information systems and sources.

The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program supports projects to develop faculty and library leaders, to 

recruit and educate the next generation of librarians and archivists, to build institutional capacity in graduate schools of library and information science, and to assist in the professional development of librarians and 

archivists.

A particular focus is developing information professionals who can help manage the burgeoning data generated 

by the nation’s researchers, serve as stewards of the nation’s cultural legacy, and meet the information needs 

of the underserved.

Grant Highlights

El Paso Area Libraries Consortium El Paso, TX

Year: 2011, Amount: $500,000 

Working with its partners, the El Paso Area Libraries Consortium (EPAL), representing 193 public, school, 

university, and other libraries, will continue the highly successful librarian recruitment GOAL program in the 

Trans-Pecos border region of Texas and expand into southern New Mexico, offering two programs. The College 

Bound Program will provide scholarships to at least 45 students enrolled in a master’s or associate’s program 

in library and information science. The Librarian in Training Program will provide scholarship and non-scholarProgram Fact Sheet: Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

TX

CA

MT

AZ

ID

NV

NM

CO

IL

OR

UT

KS

WY

IA NE

SD

MN

FL

ND

OK

WI

MO

WA

AL GA

LA

AR

MI

IN

PA

NY

NC

MS

TN

VA

KY

OH

SC

ME

WV

VT

MD

NH

NJ

MA

CT

DE

RI

Hawaii

Alaska

Grantees Per State

0

1 - 4

5 - 9

10 - 14

15 - 24

Librarians for the 21st

 Century Grantees 

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Grants, FY 2006–2011
24 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Smallest Award $52,397 $70,144 $81,206 $74,936 $86,421 $22,194

Median Award $626,632 $679,478 $739,222 $579,792 $601,837 $407,023

Largest Award $999,861 $999,980 $999,991 $999,558 $999,940 $897,449

$0

$200,000

$400,000

$600,000

$800,000

$1,000,000

$1,200,000

Award Amount

Distribuon of Librariansfor the 21st Century Program Awards by Fiscal

Year, FY2006-FY2011

111 113

96

119

110

128

35

44

36 38 39

29

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011

Instuons

Total Number of Librarians for the 21st Century Program Applicaons and 

Awards by Fiscal Year, FY2006-FY2011

Total Applicaons Total Awards

$0

$10,000,000

$20,000,000

$30,000,000

$40,000,000

$50,000,000

$60,000,000

$70,000,000

FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011

Comparison of Amount Requested to Total Amount Awarded for Librarians

for the 21st Century Program by Fiscal Year, FY2006-FY2011

Total Requested Total Awarded

Program Fact Sheet: Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 25

Program Fact Sheets

ship programs to at least 130 youths and adults as they gain hands-on experience while volunteering in 

a library.

New York Public Library Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations - New York, NY 

Year: 2011, Amount: $200,262 

The New York Public Library (NYPL) will implement “Money Matters,” a staff training initiative that will educate staff on the core concepts and related reference sources of personal finance. It will also provide staff with 

the opportunity to host presentations by experts from partnering agencies and associations or conduct personal 

finance training that their neighborhood communities need most. NYPL will make the training materials created by the project freely available.

2

4

3

10

8

2

1

11

5

3

13

27

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Infants to Preschool (under age 5)

Children & Youth (0-19 years)

Adolescents Only (13-19 years)

K-12 (5-19 years)

Adults

Aging, Elderly, Senior Cizens

Families, Intergeneraonal Populaons

Unemployed, Underemployed

Dislocated

Immigrants, Newcomers, Refuges

Racial or Ethnic SubGroups

Number of LB21 Program GrantsIdenfied with a Target

Service Populaon , FY2009-FY2011

People/Families of People with

Mental/Physical Challenges 

Poor, Economically Disadvantaged,

Indigent
26 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

2

4

9

1

3

55

1

6

13

7

14

13

3

10

15

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Aerschool/Out-of-School

Collecons Care/Preservaon

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Global Awareness

Early Learning

Educaon Support

Environment and Energy

Health

Learning Tools and Interacves 

(Informaon/Media literacy)

Lifelong learning/ Intergeneraonal

21st Century Skills

Workforce Development/Job Assistance

Cultural Heritage/Sustainability

Number of LB21 Program GrantsIdenfied by Project Area, 

FY2009-FY2011

Informaon Infrastructure/

Systems/Workflows

STEM (Science, Technology, 

Engineering, Math)

Program Fact Sheet: Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Forecast 2013

The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program officers anticipate increased effectiveness and efficiency in 

the 2013 cycle for three primary reasons: 1) The program is currently being evaluated by an external contractor and the findings are expected later this year; 2) Funding categories will be realigned with the Agency’s new 

strategic plan; and 3) The calendar for the grant cycle may be modified to reduce the likelihood of returned 

funds by awardees.
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 27

Program Fact Sheets

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 and Program Distribution, FY2006-FY2011

Source: IMLS Administrative Data. Native American Library Services 2002- 2011 geocoded

¶

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"

"

"

Hawaii

Alaska

Date Produced: 2/6/2012

Project Type 2006-2011

Grantees Per State

0

1 - 50

51 - 100

101 - 282

$+

-

#

"

Basic

Enhancement

Basic w/ Educational

Assesment

Native Hawaiian

Native American Library Services Grants, FY 2006–2011

Program Fact Sheet: Native American Library Services

FY 2013 Budget Request: $3,869,268

Basic and Enhancement Grants

Program Description

The Basic Grant is noncompetitive and distributed in equal amounts among eligible applicants. Basic Grants 

are available to support existing library operations and to maintain core library services. The Education/Assessment Option is supplemental to the Basic Grants. The purpose of the Education/Assessment Option is to 

provide funding for library staff to attend continuing education courses and training workshops on- or off-site, 

for library staff to attend or give presentations at conferences related to library services, and to hire a consultant for an on-site professional library assessment.

Enhancement grant projects may enhance existing library services or implement new library services, particularly as they relate to the goals in the updated IMLS statute (20 U.S.C. §9141).

Grant Highlights

Petersburg Indian Association - Petersburg, AK

Award Amount: $149,681

The Petersburg Indian Association and the Petersburg Public Library will jointly implement the Many Voices, 

One Community project with programming on topics such as preparation of traditional foods and medicines, 

subsistence methods, Northwest Coast art and design, and Tlingit language and history. Cultural content will 

also be incorporated into regular library programs such as the Summer Reading Challenge, story times, and K–

grade 5 after-school programs.
28 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

Program Fact Sheet: Native American Library Services

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Smallest Award $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $6,000 $6,000

Median Award $6,000 $6,000 $6,000 $6,000 $7,000 $7,000

Largest Award $519,700 $519,700 $510,500 $531,000 $420,000 $407,578

$0

$100,000

$200,000

$300,000

$400,000

$500,000

$600,000

Award Amount

Distribuon of Nave American Libary Services Program Awards by Fiscal

Year, FY2006-FY2011

55 49

27 28 33 37

228

244

217 218

232 232

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011

Instuons

Total Number of Nave American/Nave Hawaiian Libary Services Program 

Applicaons and Awards by Fiscal Year, FY2006-FY2011

Total Applicaons Total Awards

$0

$2,000,000

$4,000,000

$6,000,000

$8,000,000

$10,000,000

$12,000,000

FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011

Comparison of Amount Requested to Total Amount Awarded for Nave 

American Libary Services Program by Fiscal Year, FY2006-FY2011

Total Requested Total Awarded
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 29

Program Fact Sheets

Pueblo of Acoma - Pueblo of Acoma, NM

Award Amount: $95,149

The Pueblo of Acoma will develop the Acoma Historical Storytelling Project, led by the Pueblo’s Learning Center and Library. It will engage youth, senior citizens, and families in a book-publishing project through traditional and contemporary storytelling that will result in the production of two books on Acoma’s history.

Forecast 2013

In FY 2012 the Basic Grant program is being streamlined to provide easier access to this noncompetitive 

program. Although the Basic grant is a small amount, tribes are able to provide staffing, resources, computers, 

Internet access, and valuable public programs. The Education/Assessment Option provides a small amount 

for local assessments and travel to conferences, which, since its inception in 2005, has greatly expanded the 

network of tribal librarians who can share resources and inspiration at a national level.

Native American Enhancement Grants are creating model projects every year that are shared at national meetings sponsored by IMLS. These projects focus on 21st Century skills while also preserving traditional culture 

and values within tribal communities. The Enhancement Grant program already aligns well with the new IMLS 

strategic goals by supporting tribal libraries as anchor institutions serving life-long learning and technology 

needs at the local level.

7

8

4

5

5

7

15

1

35

2

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Infants to Preschool (under age 5)

Children & Youth (0-19 years)

Adolescents Only (13-19 years)

K-12 (5-19 years)

Adults

Aging, Elderly, Senior Cizens

Families, Intergeneraonal Populaons

People/Families of People with

Mental/Physical Challenges

General/Unspecified

K/12 Teachers/Educators

Number of Funded Nave American Library Services Grants 

Idenfied with a Target Service Populaon, FY2009-

FY2011
30 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

Program Fact Sheet: Native American Library Services

6

8

1

2

3

41

1

1

2

1

31

13

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

Early Learning

Aerschool/Out-of-School

Learning Tools and Interacves 

(Informaon/Media literacy)

Educaon Support

Collecons Care/Preservaon

Cultural Heritage/Sustainability

Workforce Development/Job Assistance

Health

Environment and Energy

Broadband

21stCentury Skills

Civic/Community Engagement

Number of Nave American Library Services Grantees

Idenfied by Project Area, FY2009-FY2011
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 31

Program Fact Sheets

Native Hawaiian Library Services

Program Description

Native Hawaiian Library Services grants support library services to the Native Hawaiian community to enhance 

existing library services or to implement new library services.

Grant Highlights

ALU LIKE, Inc. -- Honolulu, Hawaii

Amount: $407,578

ALU LIKE, Inc. will maintain and expand the traditional and digital library services of the Native Hawaiian 

Library (NHL). Specific activities include maintaining the four branches of the Native Hawaiian Library network; continuing NHL’s programs and special community events, such as the Summer Reading Books by Mail 

program and the annual Literacy Fair; and, conducting workshops on accessing the digital library resources of 

Ulukau, the Hawaiian Electronic Library.

Kanu o ka ‘Aina Learning ‘Ohana (KALO) -- Kamuela, Hawaii

Amount: $158,122

Kanu o ka ‘Aina Learning ‘Ohana (KALO) will equip and staff the Halau Puke, a new 9,590 square foot community library being built on Hawaiian Home Lands in central Waimea, HI. It will provide the surrounding 

communities with a Native Hawaiian Library that embodies a strong sense of place and fosters a culturally-responsive learning environment. It will provide access to Hawaiian cultural and language resources with a 1,000 

volume Hawaiian Studies collection, other place-based literature relevant to the Kohala District, digital recordings in the Hawaiian language, and computer stations for digital research.

Forecast 2013

In FY 2013, this program will continue to provide essential services to the Native Hawaiian population, offering unique digital and traditional resources to preserve the rich Native Hawaiian cultural heritage as well as to 

promote literacy, education, and life-long learning at the local level.
32 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

Program Fact Sheet: Museums for America

FY 2013 Budget Request: $20,643,320

Program Description

Museums for America grants enable museums to serve the public more effectively by supporting highpriority activities that advance their missions and strategic goals. Museums for America grants strengthen 

the ability of museums to position themselves as community anchors by building institutional capacity, 

providing engaging learning experiences, and caring for, preserving and interpreting the collections they 

hold in the public trust.

Successful applicants must show evidence of institutional strategic planning and the relationship between 

the requested funding and one or more of the museum’s goals and objectives. Projects must be investments for the future, with long-term impacts for both the museum and its audiences.

In FY 2011, IMLS completed work with an independent contractor for a comprehensive, mixed-method 

evaluation of the Museums for America program. The analysis consisted of a statistical review of IMLS 

administrative data, surveys of over 400 applicants and over 700 grantees and in-depth profiles of 26 

museum grantees. This evaluation also included video footage of six MFA projects, which represents a new 

foray into mixed media evaluations for IMLS. The final report from the evaluation along with the museum 

profiles and short videos are available at www.imls.gov/research/mfa_evaluation.aspx. The period of performance for this contract was September 2009 through September 2011.

TX

CA

MT

AZ

ID

NV

NM

CO

IL

OR

UT

KS

WY

IA

NE

SD

MN

FL

ND

OK

WI

MO

WA

AL GA

LA

AR

MI

IN

PA

NY

NC

MS

TN

VA

KY

OH

SC

ME

WV

MI

VT NH

CT

MD

NJ

MA

DE

RI

Alaska

Hawaii

Grantees Per State

2 - 15

16 - 30

31 - 50

51 - 101

102 - 169

Museums for

America Grantees

Conservation Project 

Support Grantees

Museums for America and Conservation Project Support Grants, FY 2006–2011
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 33

Program Fact Sheets

592 587

491

764

833

763

217 223 193

255 265 245

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011

Instuons

Total Number of Museums for American Program and Conservaon Project

Applicaons and Awards by Fiscal Year, FY2006-FY2011

Total Applicaons Total Awards

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Smallest Award $7,479 $9,798 $7,150 $13,440 $5,540 $6,422

Median Award $100,000 $131,825 $123,655 $136,396 $131,099 $139,804

Largest Award $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000

$0

$20,000

$40,000

$60,000

$80,000

$100,000

$120,000

$140,000

$160,000

Award Amount

Distribuon of Museums for American Awards and Conservaon 

Project Grants by Fiscal Year, FY2006-FY2011

$0

$10,000,000

$20,000,000

$30,000,000

$40,000,000

$50,000,000

$60,000,000

$70,000,000

$80,000,000

FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011

Comparison of Amount Requested to Total Amount Awarded for Museums 

for America and Conservaon Program by Fiscal Year, FY2006-FY2011

Total Requested Total Awarded
34 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

Program Fact Sheet: Museums for America

Key Findings

Organizational Capacity Effects

Among grantees reporting institutional capacity effects (n=464):

•	 81% helped institution fulfill its mission

•	 80% strengthened museum’s public image

•	 67% increased ability to attract outside funding

•	 64% increased visibility of institution as a center of community learning

•	 59% raised institution’s prestige in the community

•	 45% improved staff cohesion and commitment to mission

Audience Effects

93% of surveyed projects served public audiences. Of these (n=442):

•	 73% reached new audiences

•	 64% increased commitment by existing audiences

•	 46% increased audience access

14

38

20

79

15

2

42

30

3

6

26

0 20 40 60 80 100

Infants to Preschool (under age 5)

Children & Youth (0-19 years)

Adolescents Only (13-19 years)

K-12 (5-19 years)

Adults

Aging, Elderly, Senior Cizens

Families, Intergeneraonal Populaons

Poor, Economically Disadvantaged,

Indigent

People/Families of People with

Mental/Physical Challenges 

Immigrants, Newcomers, Refuges

Racial or Ethnic SubGroups

Number of Museums for America Program and Conserva
on 

Project Grants Iden
fied with a Target Service Popula
on, 

FY2009-FY2011
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 35

Program Fact Sheets

21

81

34

20

11

89

64

6

74

47

17

22

66

60

1

31

28

0 20 40 60 80 100

Aerschool/Out-of-School

Collecons Care/Preservaon

Economic/Community Development

Global Awareness

Early Learning

Educaon Support

Environment and Energy

Health

Learning Tools and Interacves 

(Informaon/Media literacy)

Lifelong learning/ Intergeneraonal

21st Century Skills

Workforce Development/Job Assistance

Informaon Infrastructure/

Systems/Workflows

STEM (Science, Technology, 

Engineering, Math)

Broadband

Cultural Heritage/Sustainability

Civic/Community Engagement

Number of Museums for America Program and Conserva
on 

Project Grants Iden
fied by Project Area, FY2009-FY2011 -

Grant Highlights

The Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, TN (2010: $146,010) is designing and installing the Watershed 

Learning Path, a self-guided journey for visitors that follows a raindrop through the Tennessee River watershed from the Appalachian Mountains to a reef in the Gulf of Mexico. The path will educate and engage the 

audience about the importance of biodiversity and the ways that all life connects to the water cycle, with an 

ultimate goal to inspire visitors to take a more active role in the protection of the environment of the Southeast 

for generations to come.

The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History in New Haven, CT (2011, $148,015) is using its IMLS award 

to support a new component of its after-school science literacy program to meet the needs of teens and their 

teachers, parents, and community in the New Haven Public Schools. A career ladder program called Sci.

CORPS will employ students as interpreters in the exhibition galleries.The program engages students in grades 

9-12 from groups traditionally underrepresented in the sciences in a comprehensive, museum-based curriculum that combines hands-on projects, field trips, college preparation, career awareness, and transferable skills 

development, along with opportunities for paid internships.
36 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN (2010: $150,000) will enhance the training and development of its operations staff (i.e., non–gallery related staff) in “family learning” principles, objectives, and 

strategies. The project will strengthen the place of family learning in beyond exhibit and content staff, thus 

increasing the knowledge, skills, and abilities of museum staff to serve the one million children and families 

who visit each year.

Forecast 2013

In FY 2013, the Museums for America and Conservation Project Support programs will be merged into one 

larger funding opportunity for museums. No separate funding is requested in FY 2013 for the Conservation 

Project Support program since its purpose and goals will be included in the expanded MFA program. The merging of these two programs will eliminate the confusing overlap that existed between the collections stewardship 

category projects under MFA and collections conservation projects under CPS.

Reflecting the agency’s new strategic plan, all project proposals will be required to support institutional planning for operations and collections management and conservation. Collections conservation project proposals 

will also require a clear demonstration of benefit, not just for the institution’s internal operations, but also for 

the audiences it serves.

IMLS anticipates being able to support a larger number of museums in FY 2013 by merging these two programs and restricting applications to one per eligible institution. This strategy will assist museums in focusing 

on their highest priority for funding in support of their institutional plans.

Program Fact Sheet: Museums for America
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 37

Program Fact Sheets

Program Fact Sheet: National Leadership Grants to Museums

FY 2013 Budget Request: $7,879,914

Program Description

National Leadership Grants advance the ability of museums, archives, and libraries to preserve physical and 

digital collections, build technology infrastructures and information technology services, and provide 21st century knowledge and skills to support a world-class workforce.

Successful proposals have national impact and generate results—new tools, research, models, services, practices, or alliances—that can be widely adapted or replicated to extend the benefit of federal investment and 

that increase community access and participation. Projects must demonstrate national impact, innovation and 

collaboration. Most grant awards involve strong partnerships among museums, libraries, universities, and/or 

community organizations.

Grant Highlights

The Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul, MN, (2011: $449,036) in partnership with four Minnesota 

schools, will create a new model for school field trips using mobile and Web technologies to capitalize on the 

natural behaviors and learning styles of twenty-first century learners. “History in Our Hands: the Field Trip for 

the 21st Century Learner,” targeted at students in grades four through eight, will demonstrate how museums 

can use technology with large numbers of “digitally native” students to create self-directed, personalized, 

responsive field trip experiences that deepen student engagement with museum content and contribute directly 

to the development of twenty-first century skills.

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

( ((

(

(

(

(

((

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

( (

(

(

(

(

(

(

TX

CA

MT

AZ

ID

NV

NM

CO

IL

OR

UT

KS

WY

IA

NE

SD

MN

FL

ND

OK

WI

MO

WA

AL GA

LA

AR

MI

IN

PA

NY

NC

MS

TN

VA

KY

OH

SC

ME

WV

MI

VT

NH

CT

MD

NJ

MA

DE

RI

National Leadership Museum and 21st Century

Museum Professionals Grantees Per State, FY2006-FY2011

Source: IMLS Administrative Data NLG Leadership Grants 2002-2011 Geocoded/21st Century Museum Professionals 2005-2011 Geocoded

¶

(

(

(

( ((

(

(

(

(

((

Hawaii

Alaska

Date: 2/6/2012

21st Century Museum

 Professionals Grantees

NLG Museum Grantees

Grantees Per State

0

1 - 6

7 - 14

15 - 26

(

National Leadership Grants to Museums and 21st Century Museum Professionals Grants, FY 2006–2011
38 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

Program Fact Sheet: National Leadership Grants to Museums

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Smallest Award $7,500 $24,417 $10,650 $15,000 $6,000 $15,319

Median Award $249,890 $362,524 $40,000 $96,740 $248,374 $197,927

Largest Award $960,595 $2,178,946 $997,766 $1,000,000 $974,998 $999,493

$0

$500,000

$1,000,000

$1,500,000

$2,000,000

$2,500,000

Award Amount

Distribuon of Naonal Leadership Museum Grants and 21st Century 

Museum Professionals Program Awards by Fiscal Year, FY2006-FY2011

127

109

131

152 164

212

23 33

50 56 43 33 0

50

100

150

200

250

FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011

Instuons

Total Number of Naonal Leadership Museum Grants and 21st Century 

Museum Professionals Program Applicaons and Awards by Fiscal Year,

FY2006-FY2011

Total Applicaons Total Awards

$0

$10,000,000

$20,000,000

$30,000,000

$40,000,000

$50,000,000

$60,000,000

FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011

Comparison of Amount Requested to Total Amount Awarded for Naonal 

Leadership Museum Grants and 21st Century Museum Professionals 

Program by Fiscal Year, FY2006-FY2011

Total Requested Total Awarded
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 39

Program Fact Sheets

A grant to the Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego, CA (2010: $675,072, 2011: $25,000) will allow the 

Balboa Park Online Collaborative to work with San Diego’s arts, science, historical, and performing arts organizations to undertake the “Presenting Balboa Park” project. Focusing on the needs and interests of museum 

staff, community educators, and visitors, the project will use open source tools and shared standards to create 

a rich library of digital content from the collections of Balboa Park’s cultural organizations, resulting in unprecedented public access to rare and unique collections. It also creates new opportunities for educational programming and cross-collection, interdisciplinary exploration of collection information.

Queensborough Community College, Bayside, NY, (2011, $495,000) in collaboration with the Rubin Museum 

of Art, the Katonah Museum of Art, El Museo del Barrio, and the Godwin-Ternbach Museum, as well as Visual 

Thinking Strategies and the Literacy Assistance Center, will build and support museum–community college 

partnerships that dramatically improve both institutions’ ability to engage and serve adult English language 

learners and their families. Through the collaborative implementation of “CALTA21,” these partnerships will 

open pathways for some of the country’s newest residents to language skills, cultural capital, higher education, 

and workforce development, while simultaneously helping each institution expand its reach and maintain its 

relevance in increasingly diverse communities.

7

3

16

15

2

7

6

6

15

15

73

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Adolescents Only (13-19 years)

At-Risk Youth

K-12 (5-19 years)

Adults

Aging, Elderly, Senior Cizens

Families, Intergeneraonal Populaons

Immigrants, Newcomers, Refuges

General/Unspecified

Number of Funded Naonal Leadership Museum Grants

and 21st Century Museum Program Idenfied with a 

Target Service Populaon, FY2009-FY2011

Unemployed, Underemployed

Dislocated

People/Families of People with

Mental/Physical Challenges 

Poor, Economically Disadvantaged,

Indigent
40 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

Program Fact Sheet: National Leadership Grants to Museums

Forecast 2013

In FY 2013, National Leadership Grants for Museums will absorb the smaller 21st Century Museum Professionals Grants (21MP) program, originally launched in FY 2005, in an effort to streamline the application 

process for this pool of applicants, which includes eligibile museums, colleges and universities, and nonprofit 

organizations that benefit museum professionals or the museum profession. The grant awards funded through 

the 21MP program support local, regional, statewide, and national projects that impact multiple institutions 

through professional training and development. The NLG program will continue to solicit these types of applications that have proven to be models for collaborations and partnerships in learning for a wide variety of 

museums and communities.

The Institute will realign the categories of funding in the NLG program with its new strategic plan, seeking proposals that focus on providing communities with models or research relating to successfully engaging diverse 

audiences, building communities of practice, facilitating partnerships, training and development of museum 

professionals to meet 21st century needs, and positioning museums as strong community anchors that enhance civic engagement, cultural opportunities, and economic vitality. In FY 2012, the Institute solicited 

specific proposals to support the nationwide Campaign for Grade Level Reading. In FY 2013, the Institute will 

continue to be more intentional in soliciting applications that address national movements and trends that can 

position museums to play a substantive role not only in advancing the profession but also in building stronger 

communities.

4

5

24

64

66

62

15

13

19

7

6

20

18

31

13

2

28

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Early Learning

Aerschool/Out-of-School

Educaon Support

Collecons Care/Preservaon

Conservaon

Cultural Heritage/Sustainability

Economic/Community Development

Workforce Development/Job Assistance

Health

Environment and Energy

21st Century Skills

Civic/Community Engagement

Global Awareness

Civic/Community Engagement

Number of Naonal Leadership Museum Grants and 21st

Century Museum Program GrantsIdenfied by Project Area, 

FY2009-FY2011

STEM (Science, Technology, 

Engineering, Math)

Informaon Infrastructure/ 

Systems/Workflows

Learning Tools and Interacves 

(Informaon/Media literacy)
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 41

Program Fact Sheets

Program Fact Sheet: Native American/Native Hawaiian

Museum Services

FY 2013 Budget Request: $925,687

Program Description

Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services grants enable Native American tribes, Alaska Native villages or corporations, and organizations that primarily serve Native Hawaiians to benefit their communities and 

audiences through strengthened museum services. Grants are awarded competitively to support programming, 

professional development, and enhancement of museum services.

Grant Highlights

The Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Shawnee, OK (2010: $7,000, 2011: $7,000) will use its grant to fabricate 

and install an exhibit titled Keepers of the Fire for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center. The 

new exhibit will include 12 interactive digital exhibition stations, two immersive mini-theaters, and ten directional audio speakers, which will illustrate how the past, present, and future of the Potawatomi is intertwined 

through the unification of culture, traditions, and history.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Sylva, NC (2010: $7,000, 2011: $7,000) developed a letterpress 

printmaking studio and a college-level letterpress course at the Oconaluftee Institute for Cultural Arts in Cherokee, NC. Letterpress printing was a process used in the production of the 19th-century newspaper The Cherokee Phoenix, the first Native American newspaper. Printing will be done in English and the Cherokee language, 

which will help to preserve the language, and printed pieces may be produced for use by other tribal entities, 

including the Cherokee language preschool immersion program.

TX

CA

MT

AZ

ID

NV

NM

CO

IL

OR

UT

KS

WY

IA

NE

SD

MN

FL

ND

OK

WI

MO

WA

AL GA

LA

AR

MI

IN

PA

NY

NC

MS

TN

VA

KY

OH

SC

ME

WV

VT NH

CT

MD

NJ

MA

DE

RI

Alaska

Hawaii

Native American Native Hawaiian

Museum Sevices Grantees

Grantees Per State

0

1 - 7

8 - 11

12 - 20

Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Grants, FY 2006–2011
42 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

Program Fact Sheet: Native American/Native Hawaiian

Museum Services

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Smallest Award $1,706 $3,945 $6,444 $1,406 $1,108 $715

Median Award 46279.5 49059 49439 48125.5 47292 48946

Largest Award 50000 50000 50000 50000 50000 50000

$0

$10,000

$20,000

$30,000

$40,000

$50,000

$60,000

Award Amount

Distribuon of Nave AmericanNave Hawaiian Museum Services

Program Awards by Fiscal Year, FY2006-FY2011

$0

$500,000

$1,000,000

$1,500,000

$2,000,000

$2,500,000

FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011

Comparison of Amount Requested to Total Amount Awarded for Nave 

American Nave Hawaiian Museum Services Program by Fiscal Year, 

FY2006-FY2011

Total Requested Total Awarded

43

35 36 35

43

33

22 23

20 22 24

21

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011

Instuons

Total Number of Nave American Nave Hawaiian Museum Service

Program Applicaons and Awards by Fiscal Year,

FY2006-FY2011

Total Applicaons Total Awards
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 43

Program Fact Sheets

Forecast 2013

The Institute anticipates a continuing demand from this important constituency for grant support to preserve 

and interpret the heritage of these unique communities. IMLS will continue to invite applicants to submit 

proposals to support programming, professional development and enhancement of museum services, while 

encouraging these organizations to focus their projects on improved and culturally appropriate stewardship of 

collections, learning experiences for the audiences to be served, and efforts to demonstrate the role of museum 

services in building civic engagement, cultural opportunities, and economic vitality for Native American and 

Native Hawaiian communities.

IMLS plans to host an annual convening of active grantees in this program to share the successes and challenges of their project activities and build networks of support. Past convenings have supported professional 

development and training for Native Americans and Native Hawaiians providing museum services to their tribes 

and communities.

3

1

3

2

3

7

64

2

8

2

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Children & Youth (0-19 years)

Adolescents Only (13-19 years)

K-12 (5-19 years)

Adults

Aging, Elderly, Senior Cizens

Families, Intergeneraonal Populaons

General/Unspecified

College Students

Museum Professionals

K/12 Teachers/Educators

Number of Funded Nave American Nave Hawaiian

Museum Professional Grants Idenfied with a Target

Service Populaon, FY2009-FY2011
44 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

Program Fact Sheet: Native American/Native Hawaiian

Museum Services

1

1

10

3

23

7

48

9

14

1

1

7

9

2

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Early Learning

Aerschool/Out-of-School

Learning Tools and Interacves 

(Informaon/Media literacy)

Educaon Support

Collecons Care/Preservaon

Conservaon

Cultural Heritage/Sustainability

Economic/Community Development

Workforce Development/Job Assistance

Environment and Energy

Civic/Community Engagement

Global Awareness

NumberofNave American Nave HawaiianMuseum Professional

Projects Idenfied by Project Area, FY2009-FY2011

STEM (Science, Technology, 

Engineering, Math)

Informaon Infrastructure/ 

Systems/Workflows
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 45

Program Fact Sheets

Program Fact Sheet: Museum Grants for African American 

History and Culture

FY 2013 Budget Request: $1,410,017

Program Description

Launched in FY 2006, the Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (AAHC) program was developed in response to the National Museum of African American History and Culture Act of 2003. The legislation established a Smithsonian museum devoted to the experiences of African Americans and authorized IMLS, 

in consultation with the Council and Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, 

to administer a grant and scholarship program “with the purpose of improving operations, care of collections, 

and development of professional management at African American museums” nationwide.

Museum Grants for African American History and Culture enhance institutional capacity and sustainability for 

African American museums through professional training, technical assistance, internships, outside expertise, and other tools. Funded projects focus on one or more of three goals: (1) developing or strengthening the 

knowledge, skills, and other expertise of current staff at African American museums; (2) attracting and retaining professionals with the skills needed to strengthen African American museums; and (3) attracting new staff 

to African American museum practice and providing them with the expertise needed to sustain them in the 

museum field.

TX

CA

MT

AZ

ID

NV

NM

CO

IL

OR

UT

KS

WY

IA

NE

SD

MN

FL

ND

OK

WI

MO

WA

AL

GA

LA

AR

MI

IN

PA

NY

NC

MS

TN

VA

KY

OH

SC

ME

WV

VT

MD

NH

NJ

MA

CT

DE

RI

Hawaii

Alaska

Grantees Per State

0

1 - 3

4 - 6

7 - 9

Museum for 

African American History 

and Culture Grantees

Museum Grants for African American History and Culture, FY 2006–2011
46 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

Program Fact Sheet: Museum Grants for African American 

History and Culture

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Smallest Award $39,675 $35,865 $19,900 $21,535 $48,050 $5,080

Median Award $109,918 $87,933 $124,370 $144,561 $108,194 $106,346

Largest Award $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000

$0

$20,000

$40,000

$60,000

$80,000

$100,000

$120,000

$140,000

$160,000

Award Amount

Distribuon of African American History and Culture Museum Program 

Awards by Fiscal Year, FY2006-FY2011

44

41

38

34 33

41

8 10 8

11

14 15

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011

Instuons

Total Number of African American History and Culture Museum Program 

Applicaons and Awards by Fiscal Year, FY2006-FY2011

Total Applicaons Total Awards

$0

$500,000

$1,000,000

$1,500,000

$2,000,000

$2,500,000

$3,000,000

$3,500,000

$4,000,000

$4,500,000

$5,000,000

FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011

Comparison of Amount Requested to Total Amount Awarded for African 

American History and Culture Museum Program Grant Programs by Fiscal

Year, FY2006-FY2011

Total Requested Total Awarded
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 47

Program Fact Sheets

Grant Highlights

Kansas African American Museum, Inc., Wichita, KS (2011: $106,346) seeks to sustain and expand its 

services in schools and with its statewide audience by creating a department of education. The educational 

director will establish a new literacy-based youth program for at-risk middle and high school students, and will 

continue the existing museum educational programs targeting senior citizens and elementary school students.

A curriculum specialist will be contracted to develop content for the new youth program.

Evansville African American Museum, Evansville, IN (2011: $99,272) will produce a new strategic plan while 

strengthening its organizational structure and increasing its community impact. The museum will hire a projects director/curator who will serve in a critical role during the strategic planning process and in activities to 

support the museum as an important resource in serving community needs.

African American Museum in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA (2011: $149,287) will create resources for 

smaller museums through a project that trains future African American museum professionals. The museum’s 

Fellowship and Seminar Series Program will provide year-long museum fellowships for four African American 

Studies graduate students

1

4

2

2

17

1

1

7

0 5 10 15 20

Children & Youth (0-19 years)

Adolescents Only (13-19 years)

At-Risk Youth

K-12 (5-19 years)

Adults

Aging, Elderly, Senior Cizens

Families, Intergeneraonal Populaons

General/Unspecified

Number African American History and Culture Program 

Idenfied with a Target Service Populaon, FY2009-

FY2011
48 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

Program Fact Sheet: Museum Grants for African American 

History and Culture

Forecast 2013

The Institute anticipates a continuing demand from this important constituency for grant support in FY 2003.

No changes are proposed for the eligibility parameters, which include museums with a primary purpose based 

in African American life, art, history, and/or culture; museum service organizations with a primary purpose to 

support African American museums; and historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

IMLS plans to host an annual convening of active grantees in this program to share the successes and challenges of their project activities and build networks of support. Past convenings have supported wider awareness of the funding program as well as new insights on grants management and best practices for the field.

2

10

15

2

31

11

1

1

2

6

15

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Learning Tools and Interacves 

(Informaon/Media literacy)

Educaon Support

Collecons Care/Preservaon

Conservaon

Cultural Heritage/Sustainability

Workforce Development/Job Assistance

Environment and Energy

Broadband

21stCentury Skills

Civic/Community Engagement

Number of African American History and Culture Program 

Grants by Project Type, Museums for America Program,

FY2009-FY2011

Informaon Infrastructure/ 

Systems/Workflows
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 49

Program Fact Sheets

Program Fact Sheet: Research and Program Evaluation

FY 2013 Budget Request: $1,885,904

Program Description

In FY 2011 IMLS created an Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation to carry out formal collections of 

nonpartisan, evidence-based data to inform grant making priorities. One example is new work with Grants to 

State Libraries, IMLS’s largest grant program, which is engaging library staff in every state and developing new 

metrics to measure success and inform future resource allocation. Another example is the recently completed 

independent evaluation of Museums for America, IMLS’s largest museum grant program. Findings from this 

study have been used to reshape the agency’s museum investments.

The Institute of Museum and Library Service’ Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE) supports 

the agency in its efforts to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas.

OPRE is organized to execute three key functions: policy research, program evaluation and data collection.

OPRE’s functions are detailed in Section 9018 of the general provisions of the IMLS’ authoring legislation, 

which states that the policy research, analysis, and data collection shall be conducted in ongoing collaboration (as determined appropriate by the Director), and in consultation, with – (1) State library administrative 

agencies; (2) national, State, and regional library and museum organizations; (3) other relevant agencies and 

organizations.

The legislation further states that the policy research, analysis, and data collection shall be used to – (1) identify national needs for and trends in museum, library, and information services; (2) measure and reports on the 

impact and effectiveness of museum, library, and information services throughout the United States, including 

the impact of Federal programs authorized under this Act; (3) identify best practices; and (4) develop plans to 

improve museum, library and information services of the United States and to strengthen national, State, local, 

regional, and international communications and cooperative networks.

FY 2013 Forecast

The office is currently managing two evaluations of IMLS programs, the Grants to States Program and the 

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. In addition the office is overseeing four national data collection 

efforts: the Public Libraries in the United States Survey, State Library Agency Survey, the Museums Count collections and a national household survey to gauge the use of museums and library services among the American public.
IMLS Administration

The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, VA.
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IMLS Administration

IMLS Administration

FY 2013 Budget Request: $14,504,847

Introduction

This section highlights the FY 2013 administrative request and improvements supporting the Institute’s 

financial and budget accountability, grants and acquisition management, human resource management, and 

maintenance of the agency’s information technology infrastructure.

Administrative Costs Overview

Personnel compensation and benefits account for approximately 65% of all administrative expenses, while 

a significant portion of the remaining 35% is consumed with fixed costs such as rent, building security, required audits, information technology and accounting system requirements, Office of Personnel Management 

mandates, and required transfers to other government agencies for various E-Gov services.

Additionally, because our primary function is grant-making, another prominent budget item is the annual 

cost for grant peer review. IMLS receives approximately 1,800 grant applications per year. All applications 

are processed and reviewed within IMLS and then evaluated by experts who work in libraries, museums and 

related fields throughout the U.S. Field reviewers have the option of receiving a $200.00 honorarium. IMLS 

also supports travel costs (and an optional $300.00 honorarium) for in-person panels that are convened in 

Washington, D.C.

We continue to identify alternative ways of conducting business so that the expenses associated with the 

essential peer review process are limited, while still maintaining the integrity of our high-quality grant 

portfolio.

Administrative Highlights and Future Plans

IMLS has a commendable record of achieving the most value from our administrative resources and we 

strive to carry out our mission in the most impactful and cost-effective manner. We make a conscious effort 

to limit certain administrative expenses and increase efficiency. Some recent administrative achievements 

and future planned improvements include: 

Travel

In FY 2011 we expanded our electronic capabilities to conduct panel reviews for grant applications, including using Skype and video-teleconferencing instead of in person panel meetings. In addition, in FY 2011, 

IMLS reduced travel costs by convening annual Grants to States Conference in Baltimore, MD, instead of 

Washington, D.C. We also reduced the number of State Library Agency conference participants from 2 to 1 

in order to obtain additional cost savings.

In FY 2012, we are reducing the number of our mandated National Museum and Library Services Board 

meetings from three to two.

GSA-Leased Space

In FY 2012, we will begin consolidating nearly 1/3 of our GSA-leased office space. Administrative savings 

will begin in the second half of FY 2012 and be realized throughout the remainder of the lease (March 

2015).
52 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

IMLS Administration

Grants Management

We have expanded our electronic government capabilities and will continue to use improved technology to 

minimize the burden on applicants and grantees and increase agency efficiency. The IMLS Web site provides 

access to all grant guidelines, instructions and forms for managing grants. The site provides a useful portal to 

IMLS-produced planning and evaluation tools, and also links users to publications and online resources.

In an effort to promote greater transparency and accountability, as well as achieve greater efficiencies within 

grants management, IMLS has signed an MOU with one of the OMB approved GMLoB service providers, the 

Department of Education (ED), to move our grants management functions to ED’s G5 Grants Management System. We anticipate piloting several grant programs in the G5 system by the end of FY 2013.

Improved IMLS Web site and Content Management System 

We have begun to use social media and other citizen-science-model strategies to enhance public participation 

in the development of agency programs and encourage collaboration. We recently launched an enhanced web 

site using a content management system that allows the public to learn about agency investments in community institutions and find data and policy briefs associated with a variety of issue areas including early learning, 

health, workforce, STEM learning, broadband, global awareness, and education support.

In developing its strategic plan, IMLS used IdeaScale, a social media platform, to engage citizen participation. More than 1,400 users participated by voting for their favorite ideas, adding new ideas, and commenting 

on ideas. And just last month, we launched a blog to continue to engage the public in discussion of library, 

museum, and information service issues.

Modernized Information Technology

As a result of our telecommunications infrastructure assessment, we will focus on expansion and/or replacement needs for phone, data, equipment, and services. The Department of Homeland Security and OMB’s 

efforts to consolidate and monitor internet traffic via the Trusted Internet Connection (TIC), validate domain 

names via Domain Name Services security (DNSSec), and expand agency capacity with Internet Protocol 

version 6 (IPv6) initiatives have been incorporated into the Office of the Chief Information Officer’s (OCIO) 

decision making framework for future migrations and upgrades of the agency’s infrastructure. Key components 

of the framework are based on White House’s 25 Point Implementation Plan to Reform Federal Information 

Technology Management. We have incorporated recommendations from the plan into our IT strategic planning 

process, which includes cloud technology, shares services, improved program management, and information 

technology acquisition.

The agency’s cloud computing initiative remains a prominent undertaking and will allow IMLS to achieve optimal virtualization and utilization while supporting both Continuity of Operations (COOP) and Disaster Recovery 

(DR) requirements. The agency is downsizing its data center needs and anticipates decreased space requirements in the future. Our ultimate goal is to reduce IT assets and data center space and increase the use of new 

technology (i.e., lines of business, shared services, cloud computing and virtualization).

Cyber Security 

In FY 2011, the Institute initiated the procurement of a security monitoring tool that will allow the IMLS to 

implement continuous (24/7) network monitoring, alert notification, and enhanced reporting, for all internet 

traffic and all internal network endpoints.
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IMLS Administration

IMLS Administration

Administrative Request by Object Class Code

FY 2013, the IMLS request for administrative costs is $14,504,847. Areas supported by this request are summarized below.

Table 3: IMLS History of Administration Costs, FY 2011 – FY 2013 ($ in thousands) 

Object Class Description

FY 2011 

Actual

FY 2012 

Estimate

FY 2013 

Request

11000/12000/13000 Personnel Compensation 

and Benefits

$9,225 $9,100 $9,200

21000 Travel and Transportation 

of Persons

875 825 825

22000 Transportation of Things 25 25 20

23000 Rental of Space (Rent, Communications and Utilities), 

Equipment Rental, Telephone 

Services, Postage

2,250 2,000 1,750

24000 Printing and Reproduction 55 55 50

25000 Other Contractual Services 2,285 2,380 2,540

26000 Supplies and Materials 60 60 60

31000 Equipment 70 60 60

Total $14,845 $14,505 $14,505

11000 Personnel Compensation

12000 Personnel Benefits

13000 Benefits for Former Personnel

Amount Requested: $9,200,000

These object classes fund the salaries and benefits of all employees, including full-time, part-time, temporary, 

and intermittent appointments (for example, the National Museum and Library Services Board (NMLSB)). To 

minimize personnel costs, the salary for the NMLSB will remain at $100/day. The personnel benefits provide 

estimated contributions toward employees’ retirement, health, and life insurance plans, as well as costs for 

unemployment benefits and injuries sustained in the workplace. Additionally, costs associated with public 

transportation subsidies afforded to the Agency’s employees are included in this category. This request is less 

than the FY 2011 actual figures and reflects the proposed federal pay increase of .5% in FY 2013. This funding request will provide for 72 FTE in 2013.

21000 Travel and Transportation of Persons

Amount Requested: $825,000

This object class supports travel for IMLS staff to support the agency mission and mandates, including conference presentations, site visits to oversee grants, outreach activities, consultations with applicants, workshops 

on IMLS programs, and staff professional development. Funds are provided for regional forums that stimulate 

sharing of effective practices and expand museum and library collaboration opportunities. This effort allows the 

Institute to monitor the progress of new programs, provide technical assistance, and build new partnerships.
54 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

IMLS Administration

It also includes transportation costs for the IMLS invitational travelers to conduct panel reviews for the discretionary grant programs. Costs associated with the annual National Medals for Museum and Library Service, the 

annual state data coordinator’s meeting, and the annual Grants to States training conference are also funded 

within this object class.

In addition, travel for members of the National Museum and Library Services Board (NMLSB), including its 

planned two regular meetings is funded in this request. To increase opportunities for the public we serve to 

attend IMLS board meetings, at least one meeting will be held outside of Washington, D.C., area each year, in 

conjunction with the national gathering of museum and library professionals. This meeting will improve accessibility of the Board to a broad range of library and museum constituents.

22000 Transportation of Things

Amount Requested: $20,000

This object class includes freight and express charges by common carrier, contract carriers, and other incidental expenses. Attendance at library and museum conventions, conferences, and meetings requires shipment of 

the Institute’s displays and certain associated materials. This area also includes mail transportation charges for 

express package services (i.e., charges for transporting freight).

This request is less than the FY 2012 request as we continue to gain efficiencies by increasing our technological expertise around alternative Web-based option of disseminating information to IMLS constitutents.

23000 Rent, Communications and Utilities, Rental of Space (Standard Level Usage Charge), 

Equipment Rental, Telephone Services, Postage

Amount Requested: $1,750,000

This object class includes funding for the Agency’s office space through the General Services Agency (GSA), 

communication technology services, including data, voice, and cable services; equipment rental; and rental of 

audiovisual equipment used in presentations at conference sessions and off-site meetings, and postage.

In FY 2013 we will be fully consolidated into a reduced space at our GSA-leased building, lowering the monthly rental space costs.

24000 Printing and Reproduction 

Amount Requested: $50,000

This object class funds the composition and printing of program applications and guidelines, research publications, conference proceedings, and Federal Register notices. To help contain costs in this category, the 

we continue to promote and expand the use of our Web site and other various forms of social media. The site 

provides access program guidelines, grant information, recent awards lists, and a variety of information about 

IMLS initiatives, activities, and programs. We will continue to expand the electronic dissemination of all public 

materials reach prospective grantees from institutions of all sizes and in all geographic areas to keep printing 

costs at a minimum.

25000 Other Contractual Services

Amount Requested: $2,540,000

This object class supports a wide range of contractual services that are not covered in any of the preceding 

categories. Included in this expense category are costs associated with the following:
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IMLS Administration

IMLS Administration

•	 The support, maintenance, and improvement of information technology systems, including cyber-security 

activities;

•	 Partnerships and interagency agreements for financial management systems, accounting and reporting 

services, payroll processing, grant indirect cost proposals, building security, and other required government 

services;

•	 Information technology support such as the IMLS Help Desk, State Program Reporting system, and maintenance of the General Supporting System for all Agency operations;

•	 Independent financial and IT related audits;

•	 Grants Management Line of Business and Grants.gov related expenses;

•	 Employee training;

•	 Agency contracts for temporary personnel assistance;

•	 Honoraria for panelist and field reviewers for grant proposals and applications.

26000 Supplies and Materials

Amount Requested: $60,000

This object class funds only the essential office supplies needed in carrying out the business of IMLS. IMLS 

continues to be a partner in the GSA SmartPay2 charge card program, receiving discounts and thereby holding 

these expenses to a minimum.

31000 Equipment 

Amount Requested: $60,000

This object class supports all equipment, furniture, and office machines having a useful life in excess of one 

year—such as chairs, desks, file cabinets, IT equipment, and printers. It also includes routine upgrades to 

local area network hardware and software in order to accommodate upgrades in database management and 

financial data. The majority of anticipated equipment expenditures will be for technology renewal of office 

automation equipment, systems software, and furniture that would be more expensive to repair than replace.

We intend to maximize the usefulness of existing hardware by upgrading rather than purchasing new equipment wherever possible. Rapid changes in technology, however, will make it necessary to purchase some new 

computer equipment, integration systems software and hardware, and electronic data exchange systems. This 

will enable us to be responsive to and compliant with Administration directives and guidance and with federal 

laws, to remain on the cutting edge of technology in delivering services, and to continue being efficient.

Total Administrative Services Request: $14,504,847
FY 2013 Performance Plan

Students tour New York’s Brooklyn Museum.
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 57

FY 2013

Performance Plan

FY 2013 Performance Plan

With the new strategic plan, we have established a Performance Improvement Model that provides a clear 

framework for engaging the public in IMLS program development, monitoring investments to identify lessons 

learned, and sharing best practices. This process will help IMLS to focus on areas where it can best effect 

change and measure its results.

Figure 1 draws on the three agency assets and applies them to a performance improvement model that frames 

the strategic direction of this plan.

Figure 1: IMLS Performance Improvement Model

Tools Strategies Assessment Dissemination Outcomes

Public

Engagement •	 Promote	and	

support	effective	

practice

•	 Build	capacity	in	

targeted	areas

•	 Invest	in	innovation	

and	research

•	 Partnerships

•	 Convenings

•	 Design	research	in	

collaboration	with	

stakeholders

•	 Administer	statistical	collections

Identify effective 

museum and library 

services through:

•	 Grants	

management

•	 Performance	

monitoring

•	 Independent	

evaluations

•	 Assess	progress	

on	national	

initiatives

•	 Identify	trends	and	

measure	impact	

of	museum	and	

library	sector

•	 Monitor	needs	

for	museum	and	

library	services

Promote	best	

practices	in	museum	

and	library	service

Promote	effective	

intergovernmental	and	public/

private	partnerships	at	the	national,	state,	and	

local	level

Produce	research	

reports/briefs

•	 Broaden	access	

to	museum	and	

library	services

•	 Improve	service	

delivery	to	the	

public

•	 Build	stronger	

communities	of	

practice

Grantmaking

National	

Initiatives

Research	

Program
Authorizing Framework

Humboldt County, CA Library.
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 59

Authorizing Framework

Authorizing Framework

This justification requests funding under both the Museum and Library Services Act and the National Museum 

for African American History and Culture Act.

The Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA)

The Museum and Library Services Act of 2010, Public Law 111-340, was signed into law on December 22, 

2010. It amended the Museum and Library Services Act, codified at 20 U.S.C. Chapter 72, which provides 

statutory authorization for most IMLS activities, and reauthorizes appropriations for the agency. The agency’s 

statutory functions include carrying out programs of research and development, data collection, and financial 

assistance, providing advice to the President and Congress, and coordinating with other federal agencies to 

extend and improve the availability of museum, library, and information services to meet the essential information, education, research, economic, cultural, and civic needs of the people of the United States.

The MLSA, which was first enacted into law in September 1996, consolidated federal support for libraries and 

museums and created the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Prior to enactment, library support was 

administered by the U.S. Department of Education, and museum support was administered by the Institute of 

Museum Services. In enacting the MLSA, Congress reaffirmed the essential role of the federal government in 

promoting access to information and educational resources to better serve the people of the United States and 

cultivate an educated and informed citizenry. Congress recognized the special role of museums and libraries in 

promoting the information and educational needs of a democratic society.

With the 2003 reauthorization of the MLSA, Congress established the National Museum and Library Services 

Board to provide policy advice and inform the full range of activities and programs carried out by the Institute.

Congress also enhanced the Institute’s capacity to monitor trends in museum and library services to better 

serve the nation’s information and learning needs.

The 2010 reauthorization transferred to IMLS responsibility for library data collection (formerly the responsibility of National Center for Education Statistics of the U.S. Department of Education) and resources to carry out 

the functions of the former National Commission on Libraries and Information Science. The former Commission had been authorized to provide advice to the President and Congress on national and international library 

and information policies, to appraise and assess the adequacies and deficiencies of library and information 

resources and services, and to develop overall plans for meeting national library and information needs.

The MLSA includes General Provisions, the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), and the Museum 

Services Act (MSA).

General Provisions

The general provisions section of the MLSA, as amended, establishes IMLS, specifies the duties and authority of the agency’s Director, and defines the composition and functions of the National Museum and Library 

Services Board. It directs the agency to conduct policy research, analysis, and data collection, and to advise 

the President and Congress on museum, library, and information services. The law recognizes how libraries and 

museums contribute to a competitive workforce and engaged citizenry. It emphasizes economic and community 

development, early learning, digital literacy, and the development of essential 21st century skills, including 

critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity, and innovation. The general 

provisions section also specifies the agency’s role in coordinating federal museum, library, and information 
60 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

Authorizing Framework

services-related activities and authorizes IMLS to award national medals to recognize museums and libraries 

that have made significant contributions in service to their communities.

The Library Services and Technology Act

Since 1956, the Library Services and Technology Act and its predecessors have been the primary source of 

federal support for the nation’s libraries.

The LSTA directs IMLS to:

•	 improve library services to better serve the people of the United States; 

•	 facilitate access to library resources to cultivate an educated and informed citizenry;

•	 encourage resource sharing to achieve economical and efficient delivery of library service; 

•	 ensure the preservation of knowledge and library collections to enable libraries and enable libraries to serve 

their communities during disasters; and

•	 enhance the role of libraries within the information infrastructure of the United States in order to support 

research, education, and innovation.

The LSTA carries out these functions through a State formula grant program, national leadership awards, and 

support for Native American tribes and organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians. The 

2010 reauthorization also codifies the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant program, which is designed 

to enhance the skills of the current library workforce and recruit future professionals to the field of library and 

information services.

The Museum Services Act

Since 1976, the Museum Services Act has been the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 

museums.

The MSA directs IMLS to:

•	 support museums in their public service role of connecting the whole of society to cultural, artistic, historical, natural and scientific heritage;

•	 help museums work with schools, families, and communities in support of education;

•	 encourage leadership in technology; and

•	 help museums achieve the highest standards of collections stewardship and management.

The authority provided in the MLSA is broad and flexible, requiring support for all types of museums -- from 

art to zoo -- for a wide variety of museum service activities that benefit the public. The MLSA also provides 

assistance to Native American tribes and organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians 

to support museum services. The 2010 reauthorization emphasizes conservation and emergency response, 

encourages IMLS to support statewide collaborative activities, and recognizes the changes and opportunities in 

the museum field brought about by digital technology.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture Act
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Authorizing Framework

Authorizing Framework

In December 2003, Congress passed and the President signed the National Museum of African American 

History and Culture Act, Public Law 108-184, which is codified at 20 U.S.C. Section 80r-1. The law calls for 

the creation of a National Museum for African American History and Culture and directs IMLS, in consultation 

with the Director and Council of the Museum, to award grants to museums throughout the country that focus 

primarily on African American history and culture. These grants enhance institutional capacity and sustainability to help ensure that the public has access to and benefits from these culturally and historically significant 

collections.