All Employees at Federal Library and Museum Funding Agency Temporarily Laid Off: What This Means for Cultural Support

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) recently put its entire staff on administrative leave. This federal agency, which provides crucial funding to libraries and museums across the United States, employs about 70 people.

Earlier this month, President Trump appointed Keith E. Sonderling as the acting director of IMLS. This change comes after an executive order aimed at reducing the federal bureaucracy, which affected seven agencies, including IMLS. Communication from AFGE Local 3403, the union representing IMLS workers, revealed that employees received an email about the leave following a short meeting. They were instructed to return government property and had their email accounts disabled.

The IMLS plays a vital role in supporting cultural institutions in the U.S. According to the American Library Association, this agency provides the majority of federal funding for libraries. Just last year, IMLS awarded $266 million in grants, which help cover staffing, maintenance, and new programs. In 2023, funding has supported various initiatives, including workforce training at the Museum of Discovery and Science in Orlando and mental health programs at libraries in Iowa.

Nevertheless, federal funding is only a small part of overall library budgets, as most funding comes from local taxes. Advocacy group EveryLibrary emphasizes that cutting federal support could harm essential library services, especially in smaller and rural areas. Steve Potash, CEO of Overdrive, noted that budget cuts make it challenging for libraries to meet growing digital demands, forcing them to make tough decisions about resources.

With IMLS staff on leave, questions remain about the future of existing grants. According to the union, without staff to manage these programs, many grants may be canceled.

For more on the impact of federal funding on libraries, check out the American Library Association’s resources here. The future of library services may heavily depend on these funding decisions.

Check out this related article: Why European Nations Are Standing Firm Against US Pressure to Eliminate Diversity and Inclusion Programs