The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is an independent U.S. federal agency established in 1996 to support libraries and museums across all 50 states and U.S. territories. It serves as the primary source of federal funding for these institutions, offering grants, conducting research, and developing policies to enhance museum and library services nationwide.
On March 14, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order aiming to reduce the functions of several federal agencies, including IMLS. The order mandates that non-statutory components and functions of these agencies be eliminated, potentially impacting discretionary programs within IMLS. However, it also emphasizes the continuation of statutory obligations, such as the Grants to States program, which supports state libraries.
This executive order has raised significant concerns among library and museum advocacy groups. The American Library Association (ALA) criticized the move, stating that eliminating IMLS would severely hinder essential services like early literacy programs, high-speed internet access, and resources for individuals with disabilities.
Similarly, EveryLibrary expressed alarm that reducing IMLS’s functions could disrupt critical federal funding and support for libraries nationwide.
The debate over IMLS’s future underscores the vital role of federal support in maintaining and enhancing library and museum services, which are essential for education, cultural enrichment, and community development across the United States.