June 17, 1999 National Digital Library Learning Center To Open

Microsoft Gift Enables Center to Serve as Training Facility for Educators in the Use of Library's Digitized Sources

Contact: Guy Lamolinara; Library of Congress, (202) 707-9217 glam@loc.gov | Audrey Waters, Edelman Public Relations, (202) 326-1781 Audrey_Waters@dc.edelman.com

WHAT: Opening of National Digital Library Learning Center

WHEN: Monday, June 21, 11 a.m.

WHERE: National Digital Library Learning Center, Atrium
Library of Congress James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E.

BACKGROUND

The Library of Congress National Digital Library Program has been a leader in providing educational content on the Internet through its American Memory historical collections . The collections are used by educators and students to put them in touch with primary sources that increase critical thinking skills. The new National Digital Library Learning Center will serve as the Library of Congress's facility for instructing teachers on how to present these materials to students in the classroom. The center is also used to show to the public the Library's use of technology.

With more than 50 collections available, American Memory is one of the most visited sites on the Internet by students, teachers and lifelong learners who are seeking intellectual content relating to American history. The more than 2 million items -- in all formats -- currently available cover topics ranging from the Civil War and the papers of U.S. presidents to documents relating to the women's suffrage and civil rights movements.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company (www.microsoft.com External) offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use.

Note: Light refreshments will be served.

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PR 99-085
1999-06-17
ISSN 0731-3527