Book excerpt: This paper describes a project that underscores the critical role of this nation's museums and libraries in helping citizens build such 21st century skills as information, communications and technology literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, civic literacy, and global awareness. Recognizing that every individual requires these competencies to succeed in 21st century life and work, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) offers the "Museums, Libraries, and 21st Century Skills" project to: (1) Support museums and public libraries in envisioning and defining their roles as institutions of learning in the 21st century; and (2) Enhance understanding among policymakers and other stakeholders about the integral roles museums and libraries play in creating an engaged citizenry and competitive workforce. "Museums, Libraries, and 21st Century Skills" includes three components: (1) The Report, which outlines a vision for the role of libraries and museums in the national dialogue around learning and 21st century skills; this report also includes case studies of innovative audience engagement and 21st century skills practices from across the country; (2) The Self-Assessment Tool, which allows museums and libraries to determine where they fit on the continuum of 21st century skills operations and programming; and (3) The Online Self-Assessment, an interactive survey that quickly analyzes an institution's 21st century strategies and describes next steps for action. (Contains 8 footnotes.).