The Athens Regional Library System ( ARLS ) is a consortium of 11 public libraries across five counties, comprising the Athens – Clarke County metropolitan area as well as Franklin County in northeast Georgia , United States.
61-723: The ARLS is a member of PINES , a statewide public library that includes, as of 2017, 300 member libraries covering 146 counties in Georgia. Any member of the ARLS will receive a PINES library card which grants them access to over 8 million books in the PINES circulation. The library is also a member of the Georgia Library Learning Online (GALILEO) which is a resource with over 100 databases for active members to view thousands of journals and scholarly articles. In 2008,
122-711: A branch librarian at the Edison Township Library in New Jersey, where she was president of the Public Library Association. She has also been the city librarian in Seattle and state librarian of California. In addition, Hildreth was deputy director of San Francisco Public Library. Kathryn K. Matthew (2015): A scientist with a 30-year museum career, Matthew's experience includes curation, collections management, and research roles at
183-794: A master's degree from Villa Schifanoia Graduate School of Fine Arts in Florence, Italy; a second master's from American University in Washington, D.C.; and a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Radice returned to IMLS in 2018 and currently serves as a senior advisor in the Office of the Director. She previously served as Director of the Division of Public Programs at NEH. Susan H. Hildreth (2011): She began her career as
244-687: A proposal by President George W. Bush , the activities of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science was consolidated under IMLS, along with some of the activities of the National Center for Education Statistics , in order to create a unified body for federal support of library and information policy. The consolidation took effect in early 2008. When Congress passed the Library Services and Technology Act in 1996, it moved library responsibilities out of
305-640: A range of regional literary and arts events. Representing five geographical regions of the nation, the 2023 National Student Poets are: On November 13, 2023, First Lady Jill Biden honored the Class of 2023 National Student Poets at the White House in Washington, DC. Save America's Treasures is a National Park Service grant program in collaboration with IMLS, the National Endowment for the Arts, and
366-461: A reality, administered by the current Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS). It initially was used as a Y2K state-funded project to address needs of public libraries without Y2K-compliant ILS computer services. These libraries, mostly rural, were deemed not to have programs that would survive into the 21st century. Some libraries were still not automated as well. The PINES initiative would give these libraries access first, bringing their services into
427-588: A result, the GPLS explored the possibility of creating their own software, and on June 4, 2004, a press release by the state librarian outlined a two-year development plan for a new PINES ILS software called Evergreen . The new ILS was completed and ready to go live in September 2006. On September 1, the Sirsi ILS was taken offline, and by September 5 Evergreen was up and running. Due to the success of Evergreen it
488-652: Is administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation (FAIC). Program provides small and mid-sized museums with partial funding toward an assessment of their policies and procedures relating to collections care and a study of their collections, buildings, and building systems. MAP is supported through a cooperative agreement between IMLS and the American Alliance of Museums. MAP offers museums an opportunity to strengthen operations and plan for
549-548: Is charged with helping libraries and community organizations support the challenges, faced by people of all ages, of a lack of literacy in many areas, from health, climate, and finance to civic engagement and public safety. This is the “nation’s highest honor for institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities.” Since 1994, IMLS has presented the award to 182 outstanding libraries and museums of all types and sizes that deeply impact their communities. On May 23, 2023, IMLS announced eight winners for
610-615: Is known of this library system, save for references of the society meetings in the newspaper at the time, the Athens Gazette . The first library to be built that is now part of the system is the Lavonia-Carnegie Library in Lavonia , built in 1911 with funding from Andrew Carnegie . A second library began in 1915 when two citizens of the county, Mary Oberby and L. Campbell, donated their collection of books to
671-533: Is the largest source of federal funding for libraries in the nation, directing population-based funding to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the US territories, and Freely Associated States through its Grants to States program. In FY2022, IMLS awarded $ 257.2M to institutions across the country, of which $ 168.8M was through its Grants to States program. In addition to its other responsibilities, IMLS annually awards
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#1732797831426732-484: Is the main source of federal support for libraries and museums within the United States, having the mission to advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development.” In fiscal year 2023, IMLS had a budget of $ 313.58 million. As of 2023, IMLS currently has 70 full-time employees, many of whom still work remotely. In 2022,
793-559: Is the nearly statewide library consortium and its online library catalog of the Georgia Public Library Service . By June 2017, the catalog consisted of books from 284 library facilities in 143 counties across the U.S. state of Georgia with a collection size of 10.6 million items, all of which are searchable by anyone with a PINES library card which can be obtained free of charge from any PINES-participating library. The PINES system effectively turns most of
854-607: Is the primary source of Federal funding for libraries. She also manages grant programs that fund library leadership, workforce development, small libraries, and Tribal and Native Hawaiian libraries. Over a professional career of more than 20 years, Ms. Landrum has served in public libraries across the country. She was CEO of the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library (IN) and assistant director for Oak Park Library (IL) and Mt. Lebanon Public Library (PA). She has taken on leadership roles at all levels of
915-709: The Kansas City Public Library , from 2005 until his confirmation as IMLS Director. Kemper’s career began in banking; he most recently served as CEO of UMB Financial Corporation. Kemper has received the Difference Maker Award from the Urban League of Kansas City, the William F. Yates Medallion for Distinguished Service from William Jewell College , and the 2010 Harmony Humanitarian Hoffman Legacy Award. His board service has included
976-770: The Kansas City Symphony , the Black Archives of Mid-America , Union Station Kansas City, the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, the Rabbit Hole—a center promoting children’s books—and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation , which operates Monticello . Cyndee Landrum (Acting Director) (2024): As Deputy Director for Library Services, a position she has held since June 2019, she oversees the agency’s largest program—Grants to States—which
1037-481: The National Medal for Museum and Library Service , which is the nation’s highest honor for institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Since 1994, IMLS has presented the award to outstanding libraries and museums of all types and sizes that deeply impact their communities. IMLS is located at 955 L'Enfant Plaza North, SW, Suite 4000, Washington, D.C. 20024-2135. IMLS
1098-807: The Texas State Library and Archives Commission . He articulated the convergence of new media in lifelong learning at the beginning of the millennium at the 21st Century Learners Conference in November, 2001. Anne-Imelda Radice (2006): She previously served as chief of staff for the Department of Education and as curator in the Office of the Architect of the Capitol. She earned a bachelor's degree from Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts;
1159-425: The open-source software Evergreen , an integrated library system which it and other library consortia use to manage their online catalogs. In 1998 a white paper was created exploring the feasibility of a statewide public library card for Georgia. As Georgia had consistently ranked among the lowest states in public library funding per capita it was agreed that a universal library card could be of great benefit to
1220-683: The 1970s the Athens-Clarke County Library began to show signs of age and overcrowding was becoming an issue. A campaign was set up to raise money for a new building. This new building, located on Research Road, was dedicated in May 1976. Soon after, in 1977 the Carnegie library in Lavonia underwent complete renovations. The main branch was expanded again in 1987. In 1991, Bogart Library showed similar signs of overcrowding. In 2011
1281-572: The 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Museums: The award is typically presented by the First Lady of the United States. On July 17, 2023, First Lady Jill Biden hosted the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service ceremony. This is the nation’s highest honor for youth poets presenting original work. This partnership between IMLS and the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers recognizes student poets’ achievements at
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#17327978314261342-878: The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia and Cranbrook Institute of Science. Her experience includes fundraising and marketing roles at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, the Virginia Museum of Natural History, The Nature Conservancy, the Historic Charleston Foundation, and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. She was also executive director of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science . Crosby Kemper III (2020): Previous director of
1403-649: The American Alliance of Museums (AAM), launched Communities for Immunity to provide funding to museums and libraries to enhance vaccine confidence at the local level. OCLC, IMLS, and Battelle are working together to create and distribute science-based information and recommended practices to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 for museums, libraries, and archives. The Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE) supports IMLS's efforts to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. ORE executes three key functions: policy research, evaluations, and surveys & data. Key initiatives include
1464-578: The Arts and the Humanities . In creating IMLS, Congress observed that the federal library and museum programs are far reaching, spanning cultural, educational, scientific, and information policy matters. Congress declared in the institute’s authorizing legislation, “Democracy demands wisdom and vision in its citizens,” and an important role of the federal government is to promote education and access to information for people of all backgrounds, wherever located. By supporting museums and libraries throughout
1525-524: The Department of Education and created the IMLS as a new agency. The act stipulated that the agency maintain a rotating directorship starting with the former director of the Institute of Museum Services for a four-year term. In the fifth year, the directorship would pass to a representative from the field of library and information science. Each new director is appointed by the current president and confirmed by
1586-516: The IMLS's strategic goals of advancing "innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement." The Agency’s discretionary grants are selected through a highly respected and competitive peer review process, drawing on professionals located across the nation. This work enables museums and libraries located in geographically and economically diverse areas to deliver essential services that make it possible for individuals and communities to flourish. The Office of Library Services (OLS) supports
1647-747: The Museums for America program); 21st Century Museum Professional; National Leadership Grants for Museums; Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services; and Museum Grants for African American History and Culture, as well as the new Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture. This initiative is designed to provide opportunities for internships and fellowships at American Latino museums for students enrolled in Institutions of Higher Education, including Hispanic-Serving Institutions. The initiative will nurture students carrying out studies relating to American Latino life, art, history, and culture. CAP
1708-756: The National Endowment for the Humanities. Designed to support the preservation of nationally significant historic properties and collections, the grant program is competitive and requires a dollar-for-dollar match. Individual properties or collections that received an SAT grant in the past are not eligible for additional funding. Museums for All is a partnership between IMLS and the Association of Children’s Museums that encourages low-income families to visit museums and build lifelong museum habits. Participating museums offer free or greatly reduced admission fees year-round to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders. To date,
1769-917: The National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities, and the Library Programs Office of the Office of Educational Research and Improvement which had been part of the Department of Education under various names since 1937. Lawmakers saw "great potential in an Institute that is focused on the combined roles that libraries and museums play in our community life." As amended, MLSA authorizes IMLS to promote improvements in library services; to facilitate access to resources in libraries; to encourage resource sharing among libraries; to support museums in fulfilling their public service and educational roles; to encourage leadership and innovation to enhance museum services; to assist museums in
1830-582: The SLAAs. The program also addresses a variety of different types of agency priorities, including broadband access and advancing digital literacy, workforce development, learning and education, civic engagement, climate change, and services that address historic and growing inequities. Each year, approximately 1,500 Grants to States projects support the purposes and priorities outlined in the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). SLAAs may distribute
1891-563: The Senate for a four-year term. Diane Frankel (1996): Prior to leading the agency through its transition to include federal library as well as museum programs, Frankel served as director of the Institute of Museum Services. Robert S. Martin (2001): Preceding his position at IMLS, Martin was a professor and interim director of the School of Library and Information Studies at Texas Woman's University. He also served as Director and Librarian of
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1952-490: The conservation of America's heritage; to support museums in achieving the highest standards of management and service to the public; and to support resource sharing among museums, libraries and other organizations. MLSA also authorizes IMLS to carry out and publish analyses of the impact of museum and library services. The act comes up for reauthorization every five years. It was most recently reauthorized on December 31, 2018 by President Donald J. Trump (PL 115-410). Following
2013-711: The country to emulate. ARLS used these funds to offer a six-week ESL Culinary Literacy class to assist adult learners to become more confident with the English language while also learning how to cook healthy, budget-friendly meals. The classes were held at the main branch and used the Edible Alphabet curriculum, developed by the Free Library in Philadelphia's Culinary Literacy Center at the Parkway Central Library. Athens Regional Library System
2074-678: The employees voted to unionize, joining hundreds of thousands of federal workers who have joined the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) to “build power and have a voice at work.” The agency is a member of the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities , along with the National Endowment for the Arts , the National Endowment for the Humanities , and the Federal Council on
2135-555: The funds through competitive subawards to, or through cooperative agreements with, public, academic, research, school, or special libraries or consortia (for-profit and federal libraries are not eligible). The Office of Library Services offers five funding opportunities: National Leadership Grants for Libraries, Native American Library Services: Basic Grants, Native American Library Services: Enhancement Grants, Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants, and Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. The Office of Museum Services (OMS) supports
2196-504: The future through a low-cost, year-long process of self-assessment and consultative peer review. Gearing up for America250, the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, IMLS has launched IMLS250: All Stories, All People, All Places. IMLS is convening an interagency taskforce and facilitating the development of a portal of resources bridging information literacy research and practice to advance information literacy within communities. This Information Literacy Taskforce
2257-526: The library began to offer patrons access to downloadable audiobooks through the Georgia Download Destination. This service expanded to eBooks in 2011. In 2002, the library opened three Resource Centers at East Athens, Lay Park, and Pinewoods Library & Learning Center. The earliest records for a library in the region date to March 11, 1810, where an active Library Society was founded by a citizen named Sterling Elder. Not much else
2318-663: The library systems of the Columbus metropolitan area are also outside of the PINES system. In February 2018, the Live Oak Public Libraries of the Savannah metropolitan area joined the PINES consortium. Institute of Museum and Library Services The Institute of Museum and Library Services ( IMLS ) is an independent agency of the United States federal government established in 1996. It
2379-614: The main branch in Athens-Clarke County received money to renovate the library, adding 20,000 square feet to the 63,000 square foot building. The Regional Library System was named as one of the American Library Association and Dollar General American Dream Libraries in 2018. The American Dream program supports literacy by encouraging libraries to build replicable programs, develop community strategies, and provide resources for other libraries across
2440-522: The modern era. Looking to complete the project before the year 2000, on April 8, 1999, the initial contract to develop the ILS was awarded to KPMG partnered with the SIRSI Corporation and Sun Microsystems . In December 1999 the new software was finished and ready for deployment. In that same month Phase 1 of PINES went live with 98 affiliated libraries. For the next two years other libraries saw
2501-612: The museum and library fields to enable better service to communities through workforce development grants and to enhance community decision making by sharing trends and data. IMLS supports a vast range of museums, including art, history, natural history, and children’s museums, zoos, science and technology centers, historic houses, nature centers, and botanical gardens. Similarly, IMLS invests in libraries across America, including public, academic, tribal, research, and special libraries, as well as other eligible institutions like archives, nonprofit cultural organizations, and universities. IMLS
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2562-779: The nation, IMLS enables these organizations to carry out their public service role of connecting the whole of society with the cultural, artistic, historical, natural, and scientific understandings that constitute our heritage. The Agency helps to ensure that all Americans have access to museum, library, and information services, and invests in new and exploratory approaches, as well as proven and tested methods. IMLS reports that it funds work that advances collective knowledge, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement, as well as projects that support broadband access and advancing digital literacy, learning and education, civic engagement, climate change, and services that address historic and growing inequities. The Agency also builds capacity within
2623-451: The nation. The Grants to States program is the largest source of federal funding support for library services in the United States. IMLS funds enable State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) to advance library services throughout all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the US territories, and Freely Associated States. The program cuts across all geographies and all community types with population-based formula grants administered through
2684-534: The national level and highlights the importance of literacy. Each year, a national panel of literary luminaries selects five National Student Poets from gold and silver national medalists in the poetry category of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The young poets, nominated while in grades 10 and 11, are appointed at a special ceremony. During their year of service, the poets lead readings and workshops at libraries, museums, and schools, and participate in
2745-567: The original name was the Athens Regional Library. This was the first regional library in the state. Clarke , Oconee , and Oglethorpe counties were all involved in this system. A bookmobile donated by the WPA was used to service the region along with a trained librarian, truck driver, and operating expenses. Book loans were offered to residents of the county at the rate of two books allowed checked out per week, one being fiction and
2806-604: The other being non-fiction. The final two counties to join the system were Madison County in 1953, and Franklin County in 1974, through a merger. 1974 also saw the opening of a new branch in Winterville , in a two-room house from the county's work camp. Local citizens contributed to the renovation through a co-signed loan, which was repaid with proceeds from the Winterville Marigold Festival. During
2867-510: The other critical components to achieving full broadband access and adoption on Tribal Lands: new technologies and innovative partnership solutions to fully support tribal self-governance. IMLS partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to boost COVID-19 vaccine confidence in communities across the United States. With support from CDC and IMLS, the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC), in collaboration with
2928-474: The profession, including serving as president of the Arizona Library Association . IMLS and the director are advised by the National Museum and Library Services Board, The board, a 24-member advisory body that includes the IMLS director, the deputy director for the Office of Library Services, the deputy director for the Office of Museum Services, the general counsel, and 20 presidentially appointed individuals, advises on general policy and practices and helps with
2989-621: The program comprises over 1,000 museums making free or discounted museum visits possible for over 5,000,000 children and families across the United States. The National Tribal Broadband Summit is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s ongoing efforts to close the digital divide and builds on an all-of-government approach to uplift Tribal sovereignty in the digital arena to ensure Tribal lands are fully connected. The Summit aims to collaborate with federal partners, Tribal nations, and organizations to make broadband development on Tribal lands less burdensome and share information to provide an overview of
3050-435: The public starting the Mary Overby Library. The library was then located on the second floor of the Ashford Building on Main Street. The Mary Overby Library ran until 1926, when it donated its entire collection to the Oconee High School Library. With the advent of the Works Progress Administration the county Board of Trustees and Athens Woman's Club began organizing a regional library. The headquarters were in Athens, and thus
3111-450: The recruitment, training, and development of library staff, boards, and volunteers, helping to grow a skilled, professional workforce. OLS enhances library resources that foster early, digital, information, health, financial, media, civic, and other types of literacies, and encourages library and museum professionals and institutions to share and adopt best practices and innovations. IMLS is the largest source of federal funding for libraries in
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#17327978314263172-724: The recruitment, training, and development of museum staff, boards, and volunteers, helping to grow a skilled, professional workforce. OMS enhances museum resources that foster early, digital, information, health, financial, media, civic, and other types of literacies. Museums cover varying disciplines, and come in many sizes, including zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and arboretums; nature and science centers; history museums and historic sites; art museums; children’s museums; natural history museums; and specialized museums. The Office of Museum Services offers seven competitive funding opportunities: Museums for America; Inspire! Grants for Small Museums and Museums Empowered (two special initiatives of
3233-418: The residents of Georgia as long as the affiliated libraries were unified under one single integrated library system (ILS). It was also believed that by establishing a state-wide library cost to individual library systems would be lowered as they wouldn't need to maintain their own integrated library systems, and certain tasks could be centralized through the state saving additional time. By 1999 PINES became
3294-559: The selections for the National Medals for Museum and Library Service. The current council members as of September 29, 2024: The Institute of Museums and Library Services Strategic Plan for 2022-2026 has four major components: 1) Champion Lifelong Learning; 2) Strengthen Community Engagement; 3) Advance Collections Stewardship and Advancement and 4) Demonstrate Excellence in Public Service. The Institute of Museum and Library Services offers numerous grants for museums, libraries, and other cultural heritage institutions. The grants support
3355-434: The state of Georgia into one huge library. PINES cardholders are able to request an interlibrary loan from any affiliated library, and the single statewide library card grants access to the hundreds of branches associated with the service. PINES also manages the booking of rooms, the use of remote self-check machines, allows automated search and retrieval, as well as supports RSS and Schema.org standards. PINES developed
3416-405: The success of PINES, and rather than replace their outdated ILS with a new independent one, requested to join the statewide system. In 2001 Phase 2 of PINES went live with an addition 111 libraries joining the service. In 2004 the GPLS decided not to renew their contract with KPMG/Sirsi after being advised that under the current software no more libraries would be able to be added to the system. As
3477-432: Was awarded the Mellon Award for Technology Collaboration in 2007 by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation . Since its initial release, Evergreen is now used in over 1,800 libraries around the world, including the highest-circulating library in the United States, the King County Library System . There are several library systems in Georgia outside of the PINES system. Most of those are in the Atlanta metropolitan area , but
3538-427: Was established by the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA) on September 30, 1996, which includes the Library Services and Technology Act and the Museum Services Act. It consolidated the activities of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science . The MLSA was reauthorized in 2003 and again in 2010. The law combined the Institute of Museum Services, which had been in existence since 1976 as part of
3599-430: Was named Georgia's Public Library of The Year for 2017 by the Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS). The award is one of five annual Georgia Public Library Awards, honoring the outstanding service and achievements of Georgia's public libraries, librarians and advocates during the previous year. This was the first time the award had been given to a regional library system and not an individual library. The Pinewoods Branch
3660-422: Was opened through funding won by the ARLS from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services . ARLS and the Lyndon House Arts Center were granted a National Leadership Grant for Libraries in 2004 under the program name "Bridging the Gap". This grant was used to start the Pinewoods Spanish language branch, known in Spanish as Biblioteca y Centro Educativo de la Comunidad Pinewoods, which opened in 2009. In 2009 it
3721-460: Was recognized as one of three finalists for Library Journal ' s 2009 Best Small Library in America - an award sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation . ARLS received a Governor's Award in the Humanities in 1989. The library was also recognized by the State Board of Education for outstanding programming. Public Information Network for Electronic Services The Public Information Network for Electronic Services (or PINES )
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