A quick update to my post on libraries in the Trump administration.
Things are…not great.
On March 14, Trump issued an executive order to eliminate “to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law” the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), along with other really necessary things like the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, and Minority Business Development Agency.
Sticking to my wheelhouse, this is a huge blow to libraries. The IMLS provides grants to libraries and museums across the country. In Florida, where I live, it also funds projects like the interlibrary loan system, statewide research bases, digitization and access to state resources , and technology grants to libraries. One of these technology grants directly affects my library system and the equipment that we can provide for library programs.
The Executive Order states that these federal agencies are required to “statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law.” The good(?) news is that IMLS has “statutory function” (aka is required by law) to provide grants to state and tribal libraries. The bad news is that the statute expires this year. This means that the fight is for reauthorization. There is hope – the statute was reauthorized during the previous Trump administration with broad partisan support.
There’s strength in numbers. Call your U.S. Representative’s office and tell them you support reauthorization. I know calling your reps can be a bit nerve-wracking, so to make things easier, I’ve written a script:
Hi, this is [Name], and I’m a constituent from [City, State] I am calling to ask [Rep. Name] to support the reauthorization of the Institute of Library and Museum Services. Federal funding helps libraries support their communities through education and accessibility.
[If you like, add a personal sentence or two about the value of libraries and/or museums.]
Thank you for your time and consideration.
If you’re leaving a voicemail, include your zip code or home address.
Some resources:
Executive Order: Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy
Every Library Institute: Understanding IMLS’s “Shall” and “May” langauges
American Alliance of Museums: IMLS 2017 [PDF]
ALA Statement on White House assault on the Institute of Museum and Library Services
ALA: Show Up For Our Libraries
Overlooked Books 