IMLS Convenes Task Force on 21st Century Museums–and overlooks Historic Sites

Library and museum leaders met September 4 to brainstorm on the skills that contemporary and future learners need to thrive in the 21st century and how museums and libraries can support development of those skills. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which hosted the meeting, is conducting the year-long initiative.

“This is the first national effort to advance the role of libraries and museums in the development of such 21st century skills as information, communications, and technology literacy, creativity and problem solving, civic literacy, and global awareness,” said Anne-Imelda M. Radice, IMLS Director. “After assessing where they are today, museums and libraries can begin to modify programs, services, and activities to emphasize the techniques that are needed for an engaged citizenry and competitive workforce.”

Although historic house museums and historic sites represent the largest proportion of museums in the United States, none were invited to participate in this IMLS initiative. Because historic house museums and historic sites are also among the museums with the fewest resources, they are also are far behind in “21st century skills,” which makes it crucial that historic sites be considered in this initiative, otherwise a significant portion of the museum field will be overlooked.  I know there’s limited room at the table and I assume it wasn’t intentional, so let’s hope our colleagues at the Brooklyn Historical Society, National September 11 Memorial & Museum (under construction), Children’s Museum of Houston, Exploratorium, Shedd Aquarium, National Museum of Mexican Art, Walters Art Gallery, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and Science Museum of Minnesota will represent the needs of historic sites as well.  Hmm…

For more details, see IMLS – News & Events – Press Releases.