Frank House director, 308.865.8284 OR sullivankw@unk.edu
FRANK HOUSE AT UNK RECEIVES DONATION FROM THE INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES (IMLS); CONSERVATION BOOKS, DVDs AND ONLINE RESOURCES ARE INCLUDED
UNK- Treasured objects and artifacts held by the Frank House, located on the University of Nebraska at Kearney West Campus, will be preserved for future generations with help from the “IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelf,” a core set of conservation books, DVDs and online resources which have been donated by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
In making the donation, Anne-Imelda Radice, IMLS director said: “We are pleased to announce the first group of IMLS bookshelf recipients. These small libraries and museums are taking up the charge to care for America’s heritage. A recent national study tells a sobering story about the state of America’s library and museum collections. Without immediate action, we stand to lose important collections that are at the heart of the American story.”
The Frank House is among the first to receive the collections resources, which are valued at more than $800. The collection was awarded to the Frank House as the result of an application submitted by KrisAnn Sullivan, UNK Frank House director. The IMLS bookshelf focuses on collections typically found in art or history museums and in libraries’ special collections, with an added selection of texts for aquaria, public gardens and nature centers. It addresses such topics as the philosophy and ethics of collecting, collections management and planning, emergency preparedness and culturally specific conservation issues.
“The materials will prove invaluable as the university plans and implements best practices to preserve the Frank House, its collections and archives,” Sullivan said.
The collection of materials will be available for public viewing and use on Saturday, May 3, as part of the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the mansion being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information about the celebration events and hours, go to www.frankhouse.org.
The IMLS Bookshelf is considered to be a crucial component of Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action, a conservation initiative that the institute launched in 2006. IMLS began the initiative in response to a 2005 study by Heritage Preservation that documented the needs of the nation’s collections. The multifaceted, multi-year initiative shines a nationwide spotlight on the needs of America’s collections, especially those held by smaller institutions, which often lack the human and financial resources necessary to adequately care for their collections.
“Like the Frank House, the contents of this award are to be shared for the benefit of present and future generations,” Sullivan said. “The public will be invited to make use of the conservation reference materials during open hours at the Frank House. We are appreciative of the opportunity to help preserve Nebraska’s treasures and stories.”
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The institute works at the national level, and in coordination with state and local organizations, to sustain heritage, culture and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, visit www.imls.gov.
