President Obama Signs Museum and Library Services Act

The President signed into law the Museum and Library Services Act of 2010 (S. 3984) on December 22, 2010.

The new law reauthorizes the existing programs of the Institute of Museum and Library Services with some important changes. The updated language calls on IMLS to take an active role in research and data collection and to advise the President and Congress on museum, library, and information services. This Act also clearly recognizes how libraries and museums contribute to a competitive workforce and engaged citizenry. New language focuses on the development of essential 21st century skills.

Speaking on the Senate floor, the Act's principal author, Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), said, "The Museum and Library Services Act represents our national commitment to the institutions that are essential to building strong and vibrant communities. Through a relatively modest federal investment, this law helps build capacity to support and expand access to library and museum services at the State and local level." The other original sponsors of the Museum and Library Services Act of 2010 were Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY), and Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC).

The legislation advances the roles of libraries and museums in education, lifelong learning, preservation and workforce development. IMLS has been particularly active in providing leadership to align the activities of libraries and museums around our national priority for an educated workforce, a priority of the Obama Administration and essential for a 21st century global economy. Many of the statutory changes update current language to recognize the vitality and utility of the nation's libraries and museums.

The expanded authority facilitates IMLS's evolving role as a partner with other federal agencies. The ubiquity of the nation's 122,000 libraries and 18,500 museums, the trust invested in them by their communities, and their focus on learning and community engagement make them outstanding partners in furthering our nation's policy goals in a whole host of areas including health, education, cultural preservation, the environment, and global awareness.