“Especially for those with limited financial resources or those who live in remote areas of the country, libraries offer reference materials and advanced communication technology necessary for them to access all of the information they need,” said Johnson. “Museums connect our society to the cultural, historical and scientific understandings that constitute the heritage of our country and other places in the world

Rep. Johnson continued, “The President and First Lady recognize libraries and museums as fundamental learning institutions in American society. These institutions use federal support to continue offering their invaluable contributions to public education and to promote America’s roots and culture.”

The Museum and Library Services Act of 2003 reauthorizes and extends through 2009 the 1996 Museum and Library Services Act, which provided federal support for libraries and museums in coordination with state, local and private efforts. The legislation is aimed at creating a better-educated public and informed citizenry by facilitating access to the resources that libraries provide. It also encourages leadership, innovation and application of the most current technologies and practices to enhance museum services.