Applying for IMLS Grants Michele Farrell Senior Program Officer 10th Annual Federal Depository Library Conference October 16, 2001 Congress established IMLS through the Museum and Library Services Act of 1996 An independent grant-making agency, IMLS fosters leadership, innovation & lifetime learning by supporting museums & libraries Library Grants to the States • a population-based formula • cost sharing required • awarded annually by IMLS State Libraries distribute funds through: • Statewide services and initiatives and/or • Sub-grant competitions Eligibility • Public, academic, research, school and special libraries National Leadership Grants • Up to 3 year projects • Awards range from $15,000 to $500,000 • Cost sharing required National Leadership Grants for Libraries Who can apply: • Libraries, library agencies, consortia, associations, archives and institutions of higher education, except federal or for-profit libraries Education & Training • Help libraries take a leadership role in the education of lifelong learners • Increasing the availability of librarians with advanced skills • Training librarians to enhance people's ability to use information effectively • Help train librarians in outcome-based evaluation Education and Training • University of Denver Penrose Library • $233,204 two-year project • The Colorado Digitization Project consortium will work with the Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting Network to develop a statewide model program for school librarian and teacher training • Help libraries take a leadership role in the education of lifelong learners • Address the challenges of preserving and archiving digital media • Develop standards, techniques, and models for digital image management • Preserve and enhance access to unique library resources Digitization Project • University of Arizona Library in Tucson • $123,672 two-year project • This Geographic Information Systems based project will create the Arizona Electronic Atlas, an interactive state atlas Research and Demonstration • Illinois State Library • $246,025 one-year project • Preserving Electronic Publications will develop a framework for monitoring and evaluating changes made to electronically published state government documents to ensure permanent public access. National Leadership Grants for Library & Museum Collaborations Demonstrate leadership in the education of lifelong learners with emphasis on: • using technology • enhancing education • serving the community Museum-Library Collaboration • Cherokee National Historical Society • $249,977 two-year project • The Cherokee Heritage Center and the Eastern Oklahoma District Library System will create eight traveling exhibits and programming packages Your NLG proposal must... • Creatively address issues of national concern • Provide a model for other organizations to adopt • Be designed using efficient and effective methods to address a problem Your NLG proposal must... • Provide evidence that the activities can be successfully completed • Explain how the project's benefits will continue beyond the grant period • Show that project personnel are qualified to accomplish project goals Don't forget evaluation • Use an assessment method that will describe clear and measurable project outcomes, findings or products • Outcome-based evaluation is encouraged, whenever appropriate • Dissemination • Make the results, products or benefits understandable to a broad audience • It's required so include it in the budget Projects Using Technology • Technical Knowledge • Exhibits knowledge of best practices • Employs the most promising, innovative or appropriate technologies • Information Access • Communicates the increased availability of electronic access • Maintains electronic access after Federal funding ends The Project Objective Statement • What is the project? • Who is the targeted population? • Why is this project important? • How long will the project take? Your NLG proposal must... • Explain how the money, personnel, facilities, equipment, and supplies will be managed • Show efficient use of funds Your NLG budget must... • Cover all resources needed for the project • List only items related to project activities • Show the applicant's commitment to the project through cost sharing NLG Grants Applications • Face Sheet • Abstract • Narrative • Schedule of Completion • Project Budget • Organizational Profile • Assurance/Certification • Attachments (resumes, etc.) Some Tips: • Create a wish list • Keep your resume up-to-date • Get a partner/co-author • Think outside the box • Start thinking, planning, writing now Once you've started... • Read and follow the guidelines • Begin with an end in mind • Double check your math • Ask someone not familiar with the proposal to read the application and describe the project to you Give yourself enough time to: • obtain required signatures • gather supporting documents, indirect cost agreement, resumes, and other attachments. Application Deadlines February 1 • Education and Training • Research and Demonstration • Preservation and Digitization April 1 • Library and Museum Collaboration Award Announcement Dates • Mid-July Education and Training • Mid-September Research and Demonstration Preservation and Digitization Library and Museum Collaboration Photo Credits • Thinker by Auguste Rodin, on alariaenterprises.com Web site • The Capitol in daylight by Ken Hammond, on USDA Web site • Capitol at night, Congressional Web site • Michigan State Library on its Web site • Staircase "Enlightenment" by Robert Riddle of Lexington (KY) Public Lib. on ALA Web site • Library of Congress rotunda on Library of Congress Web site • Exhibit Hall, on NARA Web site • Melvil Dewey on Columbia University Web site • Almanack by Benjamin Banneker on Library of Congress Web site Thank you for listening and please visit our web site.