Learning Labs in Libraries and Museums

Posted by on May 14, 2012

Institute of Museum and Library Services Announces Call for Applications for Learning Labs in Libraries and Museums
Deadline: June 15, 2012

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is accepting applications for the Learning Labs in Libraries and Museums grant program, which is being co-funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation through its Digital Media and Learning Initiative.

In partnership with the Urban Libraries Council and the Association of Science-Technology Centers, the program will support the planning and design of up to thirty Learning Labs in libraries and museums in the United States.

The labs are intended to engage middle- and high-school youth in mentor-led, interest-based, youth-centered collaborative learning using digital and traditional media. Grantees will be required to participate, in person and online, in a community of practice that provides technical assistance, networking, and cross-project learning. Projects are expected to provide prototypes for the field and be based on current research about digital media and youth learning.

Grant funds may be used for planning and design activities, prototyping lab activities or experiences, or enhancing existing or emerging labs.

To be eligible, library and museum applicants must be either a unit of state or local government or a private nonprofit organization that has tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code.

Grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded. Recipients are not required to provide funds from non-federal sources as cost share in order to receive a Learning Labs grant. However, cost sharing of at least one-third is encouraged. Generally, project activities may be carried out for up to eighteen months.

Webinars for prospective applicants will be held on May 9 and May 23, 2012. The ULC/ASTC team will also offer “office hours” to answer applicants’ questions on June 5 and June 11, 2012.

Complete program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and webinar details are available at the IMLS Web site.

http://www.imls.gov/applicants/detail.aspx?GrantId=20