IMLS launches “Libraries to the Rescue” podcast series

Institute of Museum and Library Services , 24 June 2009,USA

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal funding for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums, today announced the launch of the Libraries to the Rescue series of podcast episodes.

Library use is on a steady rise and the economic downturn has resulted in even greater need for library services. IMLS introduced Libraries to the Rescue to share with libraries steps that other libraries have taken to help their communities.

“Libraries have emerged as one of the go-to place for people looking for work or filing for unemployment, starting new businesses, or learning how to use computers for the first time,” said Anne-Imelda Radice, IMLS Director. “Libraries are proving just how important they are to their communities. In these episodes, library leaders share their expertise so others don’t have to reinvent the wheel.”

Libraries to the Rescue provides valuable insights from:

Mary Boone, State Librarian of North Carolina
Bernard Margolis, State Librarian of New York
Sheryl Mase, Library of Michigan's Director of Statewide Services
Jan Walsh, State Librarian of Washington, and Randall Simmons, Program Manager for Library Development in Washington
Kendall Wiggin, State Librarian of Connecticut.

The five episodes cover a range of topics, including how libraries are increasing access to key information through virtual libraries, the importance of broadband access, and new partnerships between libraries and state and federal agencies to help citizens access all types of assistance. The Libraries to the Rescue episodes are short (12-15 minute), digestible audio episodes designed to educate IMLS’s library audience.

Libraries to the Rescue can be accessed and enjoyed at the listener’s convenience. Audio can be accessed on the IMLS Web site or through iTunes.


IMLS Web site