Libraryman
Jul 21st, 2003

IMLS NAATP A-OK

The Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in Washington, DC actually had a budget increase this year. Surprise! Does anyone else wonder how federal policies towards state-wide library issues would change if DC weren?t it?s own separate governmental district, but part of a state? I?ll bet that state library wouldn?t have a budget shortage.

At any rate, a new set of grants from the IMLS are aiming to help Native American Libraries thrive and grow. I have visited and worked in many such Libraries in the Southwest and can testify that these sorts of funds are much needed.

Having seen some of the issues in these Native communities more than the average person from the ?dominant culture? (a perfect phrase I learned on these Native American Access to Technology Program trips), I can say that there are also other issues in these locations that also need cash flow very badly. Librarians less than average, but most people with an Internet connection would be very shocked to see some of the situations people on ?the rez? have been made to live in.

Given my experiences with Native American communities and Libraries, I guess the main point of this post is that it seems utterly ridiculous to me that any organization serving a dire need or priceless service to their community has to scramble at all for funding. It mystifies me why folks like this don?t already have the monies they deserve. Unfortunately, many of the neediest communities and libraries aren?t connected or organized enough to go through such a process. (It’s why I plug WebJunction and ALA and the other sites mentioned on this site and is also part of why I post to the blog in the first place.)

Having expressed dismay, the things IMLS does are generally quite admirable. If you want to see what IMLS has done in your state, check this link. If you don?t know their work already, you might be surprised.

7 Responses to “IMLS NAATP A-OK”

  1. # Jen K.on 23 Jul 2003 at 9:40 am

    Do you know about guidestar.com? It’s an online, searchable database of over 680,000 grants and 34,000 foundations. You can register with the service for free and get limited access to most organizations’ info, including their 990 forms.

  2. # MPon 23 Jul 2003 at 11:27 pm

    Hopefully, some day I’ll have time off from work so I can register and explore the site. ;)

  3. # Traceyon 23 Jul 2003 at 11:48 pm

    MP…all of this library stuff is fascinating, of course–especially to the librarians who read it. But um…and this is just a thought…why don’t you do another blog where you can talk about your “regular” life stuff. Surely library stuff is not the only thing you’ve got going. I mean, you are actually a pretty interesting fella. Or..hell, you could just e-mail me personally!

  4. # MPon 24 Jul 2003 at 1:19 am

    Thanks for the prompting, Tracey. I do really enjoy reading friends blog pages (like yours:), so I have thought about it. I enjoy others personal blogs, but for me, I don’t know, it just makes me feel a little vain thinking about it. I mean, look at how much this reply says “I”, “my” and “me”. I may do one for a while and see how it goes. I would especially consider it as my job scene evolves. If I do start another one up, I’ll let you know. Thanks again!

  5. # Aaronon 24 Jul 2003 at 4:51 am

    You are so right, Tracey. I pestered MP about the exact same thing yesterday via email. See, now that’s two people demanding that you start a second blog, Mike! Why, it’s practically a quorum!

  6. # MPon 24 Jul 2003 at 11:56 am

    Here’s a sample:
    Today I woke up and drank some vanilla soy milk. Mmmm! Then I started prepping lunch. Checked email and blog sites. Grilled some hamburgers which Jody then came home and ate with me. Searched for a storage unit in which to place the excessive amount of crap I own. And that is only HALF of my day! See, you all need to know that. ;) Sorry to be such a wise guy, I may actually start one, its just that in addition to the vanity thing, I simply don’t like the idea of strangers popping in and seeing my business. Strangers or other unsavory types I might actually know (like Aaron;).

  7. # Traceyon 24 Jul 2003 at 12:43 pm

    Well, the inane parts of your day could be left out. But come on…I know you have a lot of witicism and other stuff going on in your head that’s just dying to spark online commentary. And just knock it with the “I don’t want to appear vain” crap. You’re as vain as they come…just like me, just like all of us!!