The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has put all its employees on administrative leave. This decision affects around 70 staff members at the federal agency, which plays a crucial role in funding libraries and museums across the United States.
The announcement came via email after a brief meeting between IMLS leadership and staff from the Department of Labor. Employees were informed that they would be on paid leave for 90 days and were required to return government property and disable their email accounts.
This action follows a recent executive order from President Trump that aimed to reduce the size of several federal agencies, including the IMLS. In a related move, Trump appointed Keith E. Sonderling, the deputy secretary of labor, as the new acting director of the IMLS.
The IMLS is known for providing essential grants to cultural institutions. Last year, it awarded $266 million to support various programs, staff, and maintenance for libraries and museums. This funding is particularly vital for small and rural libraries, which often face budget constraints.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3403, which represents IMLS workers, expressed concern about the future of grants that have already been awarded. With no staff to manage these programs, many of these grants may be at risk of termination.
Steve Potash, CEO of OverDrive, a company that supplies digital materials to libraries, highlighted the potential impact on smaller libraries. He noted that when funding is cut, these libraries face tough choices, especially as demand for digital resources continues to grow.
As the situation unfolds, the uncertainty surrounding the IMLS’s operations raises questions about the future of federal support for libraries and museums, which are crucial resources for communities across the nation.