Federal agency supporting libraries and museums puts all employees on leave

The Institute of Museum and Library Services, a small independent federal agency in the United States, recently placed its entire staff on paid administrative leave following a directive from the Department of Government Efficiency. Approximately 70 employees were informed about this action via email after a brief meeting between IMLS leadership and DOGE staff. The decision aligns with President Donald Trump's recent executive orders aimed at reducing the presence of certain federal agencies, including IMLS, to what he calls the 'minimum presence'. With the new leadership from Keith E. Sonderling, announced as the acting director, uncertainties about agency operations have emerged. The restructuring sets a precarious precedent for federal support of cultural institutions across the U.S. This agency plays a pivotal role by providing substantial grant funding to libraries and museums, contributing over $266 million in 2022 alone, which is crucial to sustaining programs that serve diverse communities. The American Library Association noted that federal funds are the majority of library funding, underlining the potential negative impacts on rural and small libraries that depend heavily on this assistance. Without IMLS staff to manage ongoing and future grants, many programs may experience significant disruptions, further complicating the landscape of cultural support. Advocacy groups, like EveryLibrary, voiced concerns that the actions taken could be damaging to public libraries and cultural institutions reliant on federal funding. They stress that the current crisis could have far-reaching consequences for libraries serving various demographic backgrounds, including individuals with disabilities, veterans, and Native Americans. While state and local governments primarily fund public libraries through taxes, the diminishing federal presence may lead to an increased burden on these sources, particularly during times when demand for library services is rising. Given the quick implementation of this leave, IMLS is currently unable to respond to inquiries affecting national museum and library programs. The status of previously awarded grants remains unclear, leaving many projects vulnerable to termination. The situation highlights the volatility of federal funding and the challenges ahead as stakeholders strive to maintain critical programs that support access to information and cultural enrichment for all communities across the nation.