To enhance the quality of library and museum services
nationwide and to provide coordination between libraries and museums.
TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:
Project Grants. Place Cursor Here for Definition
USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:
Activities for libraries include: (1) Education and Training of persons in
library and information science, particularly in areas of new technology and
other critical needs, including graduate fellowships, traineeships,
institutes, or other programs; (2) Research and Demonstration projects related
to the enhancement of library services through effective and efficient use of
new technologies, enhancement of ability of library users to make effective
use of information, evaluation of library services, and dissemination of
information derived from such projects; (3) Preservation or Digitization of
library materials and resources, giving priority to projects emphasizing
preserving and archiving digital media; development of standards, techniques,
or models related to the digitization and management of digital collections;
and preserving and enhancing access to unique library resources useful to the
broader community. Activities for museums include: 1) Museums Online:
addressing the technological needs of museums. Supports model projects that
address the challenges and potential applications of new technologies and/or
that demonstrate the educational impact of connecting museums and their
communities through technology. 2) Museums in the Community supports
museum-community partnerships that enhance the quality of community life.
Projects develop long-term relationships between museums and community
organizations. 3) Professional Practices supports projects that improve
professional practices in the field. This includes projects that use research
to improve museum operations; projects that collect, assess, or develop
information and research that will serve the field; and projects that provide
direct training or develop new materials. Activities for museum and library
partnerships include: 1) Library and Museum Collaborations which support
innovative projects that develop, document, and disseminate model programs of
cooperation between libraries and museums, with emphasis on how technology is
used, education is enhanced, and the community is served.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Applicant Eligibility: For Library activities:
Eligible libraries include: nonfederal, public, school, academic, archives,
and private (nonprofit). Special libraries, research libraries, library
agencies, library associations, library consortia, and institutions of higher
education may also apply. Libraries may apply individually or in partnerships.
Institutions of higher education may apply individually or in a partnership.
Museums may apply only in a partnership that includes at least one eligible
library. Partnerships may include other public, nonprofit and for-profit
organizations. For Museum activities: Museums and museum service organizations
may apply and are encouraged to partner with other related organizations.
Museums of all disciplines are eligible, including art, children and youth,
history, natural history, anthropology, nature centers, science-technology
centers, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, historic houses and sites,
planetariums, general, specialized, museum agencies, and museum consortia.
Federal and for-profit museums are not eligible.
Beneficiary Eligibility: Libraries, Archives, and
Museums will benefit.
Credentials/Documentation: Costs will be
determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local
governments. OMB Circular No. A-21 for educational institutions and other
nonprofit organizations also applies.
Pre-application Coordination: The standard
application forms as furnished by the Institute of Museum and Library Services
and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program. This
program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure: Applications are submitted
directly to the Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1100 Pennsylvania
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20506. An application requesting support should
include the following materials organized in the order listed: Cover sheet;
abstract; narrative; schedule of completion; budget; specifications for
projects involving digitization, partnership agreement statement, if
applicable; applicant's organizational profile; proof of nonprofit status, if
necessary; signed assurances form; and other attachments.
Award Procedure: Proposals are reviewed by
professionals in the field, panels of experts, and the Director.
Deadlines: Contact the Institute of Museum and
Library Services on (202) 606-5227 or (202) 606-8539, or e-mail imlsinfo@imls.gov
for deadline dates.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: The range is
5 to 7 months.
Appeals: Appeals may be made in writing to the
Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Renewals: The Institute of Museum and Library
Services may extend particular grants at the discretion of the Director.
ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:
Formula and Matching Requirements: Awards over
$250,000 must be matched one-to-one. This requirement is waived for research
projects only. Awards up to $249,999 are encouraged to match up to one-third
of the project costs.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Projects
may be carried out for a period of up to 36 months from the project start
date.
POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Reports: The Institute of Museum and Library
Services requires interim and final financial and narrative reports.
Audits: In accordance with the provisions of OMB
Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local
Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that
expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a
single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal
entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt
from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No.
A-133.
Records: Recipients will be required to maintain
standard financial statements.
For fiscal year 2001, the National Leadership Program funded 36 library
projects, 18 museum projects, and 14 museum/library collaboration projects.
REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:
Contact the website for the latest program data at www.imls.gov.
INFORMATION CONTACTS:
Regional or Local Office: Not applicable.
Headquarters Office: Institute of Museum and
Library Services, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20506.
Contact: Jeanne McConnell for Education and Training or Library and Museum
Collaboration. Telephone: (202) 606-5389. Martha Crawley for Research and
Demonstration, and Preservation or Digitization. Telephone: (202) 606-5513.
Christine Henry for Museums Online, Museums in the Community, or Professional
Practices. Telephone: (202) 606-8687.
Web Site Address: http://www.imls.gov.
EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:
The National Leadership Grant Program helps libraries address pressing needs
in education, research, preservation, and for libraries and museums to work
together to address community needs. National Leadership Grants help museums
address technology, community partnerships and sharing best practices.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:
Proposals will be evaluated by the following criteria: National impact;
adaptability; design; management plan; budget; personnel; project evaluation;
dissemination; contributions to cost-sharing and matching funds; and
sustainability.
