Includes New Funding for African American Museum Program

President Bush recently signed the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which provides fiscal year 2006 appropriations for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The Act gives IMLS programs and administration $247,144,000, a 2.7% increase over FY 2005. The Institute's grants leadership activities help to create and sustain a nation of learners, building the capacity of libraries and museum to serve their communities.

The Institute's library programs will receive $210,597,000, an increase of $4,646,000 or 2.3%. Library programs at IMLS include Grants to States, National Leadership grants, the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian program, and Native American/Native Hawaiian Library Services grants. These programs enhance libraries' ability to serve the public by supporting advances in technology, professional development, community outreach and access, and the development and dissemination of best practices. Libraries of all types - public, school, academic, archival, research - are eligible for IMLS library programs.

Museum programs will receive $36,547,000, an increase of $1,823,000 or 5.2%. This includes $842,000 for the launch of the African American History and Culture program. Authorized by the National Museum of African American History and Culture Act and intended to strengthen African American museum services, this new program will award its first grants in 2006.

Other museum programs funded by the FY06 appropriations act include Museum for America, National Leadership Grants, 21st Century Museum Professionals, Conservation Project Support, Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services, Museum Assessment Program, and Conservation Assessment Program. As with its library programs, the Institute's museum programs focus on the creation of public value. Museums receive assistance for a variety of activities, all aimed at sustaining cultural heritage, supporting life-long learning, and providing service to their communities.

-Reprinted with Permission
Institute of Museum and Library Services