Museum of anthropology receives federal grant

The awards were announced Sept. 21 by Robert S. Martin, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The Museum of Anthropology received a $54,869 grant to fund a new computerized data management program. The museum’s collections and collections research had outgrown the present catalog system. The new system will help the museum catalog its approximately 25,000 archaeological artifacts and 5,000 ethnological artifacts, reorganize storage and provide public access to collection records.

“This grant will permit the Museum of Anthropology to purchase needed software and hire essential staff to manage the collections database,” said Stephen L. Whittington, director of the Museum of Anthropology. “It will allow us to institute best practices for collections management, which will strengthen our application for accreditation by the American Association of Museums.”

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is an independent federal grant-making agency dedicated to creating and sustaining a nation of learners by helping libraries and museums serve their communities. The Institute fosters leadership, innovation and a lifetime of learning by supporting the nation’s 15,000 museums and 122,000 libraries. The Institute also encourages partnerships to expand the educational benefit of libraries and museums.