Connecting People to Information and Ideas: Introduction

摘要

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) helps create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. A democratic society in the knowledge age relies on its citizens to learn continually, adapt to change readily, and evaluate information critically. In short, we must be a nation of learners. The country's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums play a fundamental role in creating vibrant, energized communities that help us do just that. As stewards of cultural heritage, museums and libraries have traditionally helped us to experience, explore, discover, and make sense of the world. Today these venerable institutions are using the tools of the knowledge age to connect people to information and ideas like never before. Using new technology; creating strong partnerships with community organizations, business, and educators; and tapping into the latest research about learning make it possible for libraries and museums to offer unprecedented value to the public, fueling knowledge sharing and energizing our economy, creativity, and competitiveness.