The quantitative and qualitative study found an interesting paradox. Interview findings show that museums and libraries typically do not consider each other as partners but when they do partner they report a very positive experience. Partners report that they have similar missions and audiences and once in a partnership both museum and library partners view their collaborations as a natural fit. The study details the partnership experience, the audiences targeted by partnerships, challenges and success factors, and resources and contribution needs. IMLS National Leadership Grant guidelines for FY 2000 will be available in mid-fall, the deadline for application is Apri1, 2000.
Typical partnerships vary in scale.
IMLS is an independent Federal grantmaking agency serving the public by strengthening museums and libraries. As Rapporteur for the Archiving and Distribution Study Group, I convened a meeting of that Study Group on Monday June 7. The whole issue of permanent preservation of electronic records was discussed along with the fact that the issue is growing in both public and government awareness and is expected to be a very high priority in the next decade. Upon completion of the preliminary development phase the work will be passed to the WG7 of SC24 that is charged with development and maintenance of BIIF profiles. The Archiving and Distribution Study group is looking for additional participation from the Archiving and Electronic Library communities.