The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is an independent federal agency in the United States that provides funding, policy leadership, and research to support libraries and museums across the country. Established in 1996, its mission is to “advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development.”
In March 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aiming to reduce the federal bureaucracy, which included directives to dismantle several agencies, among them the IMLS. Following this order, Keith E. Sonderling was appointed as the acting director of IMLS.
Reports indicate that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has taken steps to significantly reduce the agency’s staff and operations, raising concerns about the future of funding and support for libraries and museums nationwide.
The American Library Association has criticized the executive order, arguing that eliminating the IMLS would be detrimental to the millions of Americans who rely on public, school, academic, and special libraries. They emphasize that library funding constitutes less than 0.003% of the annual federal budget yet has a significant impact on communities across the nation.
The potential dismantling of the IMLS has sparked protests and concerns among communities that depend on federal support for library and museum services. For instance, in North Carolina, over $40 million in IMLS funding between 2020 and 2024 supported various institutions, and cuts are expected to affect many in the Cape Fear Region.
As of March 22, 2025, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing debates about the future of the IMLS and its role in supporting cultural and educational institutions across the United States.