FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2004

WASHINGTON, DC - On January 23, 2004, President Bush signed Public Law 108-199, The "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004." The omnibus act provides FY 2004 appropriations for the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The bill includes an increase of 10% for IMLS programs for a total of $229,645,000. The budget also includes an additional $32,595,000 for congressionally-directed grants. IMLS grants and leadership activities help to create and sustain a nation of learners. They build the capacity of libraries and museums to serve their communities.

IMLS library programs will receive $198,242,000, an increase of $18,145,000. This amount endorses a proposal announced by Laura Bush early last year to double funding from $10 million to $20 million “to recruit and train an new generation of librarians." 21st Century Librarian grants will help off-set a predicted national shortage of librarians. Grants support scholarships for graduate students in library and information science, support distance learning technology that brings training to underserved areas, and recruit librarians with diverse language skills. Library Grants to States also received an increase. A total of $157,628,000, up from $150,435,000 in FY 2003, will be dispersed to every state in the nation and the territries to enhance library services in public, school, academic, research libraries and archives. Grants help libraries use technology and bring library services to underserved populations.

IMLS museum programs will receive $31,403,000, an increase of $2,766,000 from the FY 2003 level. The funds help museums of all types, from art to zoo, to sustain cultural heritage, build public access and expand educational service. Grants also help museums use new technology to improve operations and expand service.

A detailed table (last updated 1/29/2004) accompanies this release.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is an independent Federal grant-making agency dedicated to creating and sustaining a nation of learners. The Institute fosters leadership, innovation, and a lifetime of learning by supporting the nation's 15,000 museums and 122,000 libraries. The Institute also encourages partnerships to expand the educational benefit of libraries and museums. To learn more about the Institute, please log onto: http://www.imls.gov