IMLS Extends Deadline for Proposals to Purchase, Promote, and Distribute
a Conservation Bookshelf

Deadline changed to: April 26, 2007

 

Washington, DC--The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
invites proposals to purchase and distribute a set of
conservation-related books, bibliographies, DVDs, and on-line resources
as part of its initiative, Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action
(see www.imls.gov/about/collections.shtm).

 

The cooperator will also mount a promotional campaign about the
Connecting to Collections initiative and the Conservation Bookshelf,
with special attention to raising awareness and soliciting requests for
the bookshelf from small to medium-sized museums, libraries, and
archives. Download the RFP at www.imls.gov/pdf/ConsBookshelfRFP.pdf
(PDF, 73KB).

 

The Conservation Bookshelf will address topics such as guidance for
conservation of specific types of objects; conservation treatment;
planning; disaster readiness; culturally specific conservation issues;
and conservation of living collections. The IMLS recognizes that
applicants will need to estimate the cost of the texts.  Please note
that the Conservation Bookshelf may contain paperback editions and
DVD's, in addition to hardcover texts. The Institute's goal is to
provide basic texts and resources free of charge to a broad spectrum of
library, museum, and archive staff based on a simple application.

 

"Libraries and museums that apply for the Conservation Bookshelf, an
important collection of reference materials, demonstrate their
commitment to conservation and preservation. This will inspire others to
undertake this serious work and help us continue to fight the good
fight," said IMLS Director Anne-Imelda Radice, Ph.D.

 

The IMLS launched its Connecting to Collections initiative in response
to the Heritage Health Index, a 2005 study on the dire state of the
nation's collections conducted by Heritage Preservation in partnership
with the IMLS (see www.heritagepreservation.org/hhi). In addition to the
Conservation Bookshelf, the initiative includes:

 

    * A national conservation summit to be held in Washington, DC, June
27-28, 2007. This summit will be open to invitees, all of whom will
receive the Conservation Bookshelf. IMLS is hosting the summit in
cooperation with Heritage Preservation and with support from the
National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the
Humanities, and the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities.
The summit will be co-hosted by Smithsonian American Art Museum.  

    * Four conservation forums to take place in cities across the nation
beginning in the fall of 2007 and continuing through the summer of 2009.

    * Planning grants to each state and territory for the purpose of
creating conservation/preservation plans that address the
recommendations of the Heritage Health Index.

 

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of
federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums.
The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that
connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the
national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to
sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and
innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about
the Institute, please visit: www.imls.gov.

 

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