WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) have announced a $240,139 National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (ILMS) for the University of Maryland Digital Curation Innovation Center. This grant will allow the University to research and improve the online database system Fedora Repository, which is integral to the access and preservation of digital libraries and archives. The project will strengthen the Repository, which will give students and researchers across the country better access to information.

“In today’s 24/7 information universe, access to credible data and archives is fundamental for researchers and citizens alike,” said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Finance Committee. “This federal investment in the University of Maryland’s online libraries will facilitate greater access to the data and information Marylanders and others nationwide need to pursue answers and insights.”

“Now more than ever it’s important that information is easily accessible and available online,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees. “This grant will allow the University of Maryland to improve the experience of hundreds of thousands students and researchers across the country. I’m glad to see this recognition of the University’s expertise and talents.”

National Leadership Grants for Libraries support projects that address challenges faced by the library and archive fields and that have the potential to advance library and archival practice with new tools, research findings, models, services, or alliances.

The mission of IMLS is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. The IMLS provides leadership through research, policy development, and grant making.

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