SILS receives IMLS grant to digitize documentary films

The School of Information and Library Science, in partnership with Folkstreams Inc. and ibiblio.org, has received a $95,113 National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to digitize documentary films on American folk culture.

The IMLS awarded more than $13 million to 44 museum and libraries throughout the country in the highly competitive grant program.

“National Leadership Grants encourage nationally replicable model projects that enable museums and libraries, either individually or in partnership, to advance innovation and learning for students of all ages,” said Dr. Robert S. Martin, IMLS director and SILS alumnus (Ph.D. '88). “The projects address issues of national interest such as literacy, the advancement of and instruction in science and technology, and the preservation of art, culture and history.”

The grant will allow for global access to the films via the Folkstreams.net Web site. The films will be transferred from 16 mm film to Digital Betacam and, along with the videotapes and digital copies, will be preserved in UNC's Southern Folklife Collection. A multimedia Web site demonstration highlighting the skills required for transfers from 16 mm film to digital formats will be created.

IMLS is an independent federal grant-making agency dedicated to creating and sustaining a nation of learners by helping libraries and museums serve their communities. To learn more about the Institute, visit http://www.imls.gov.