Introduction

On Monday, the Trump administration placed all staff members of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) on administrative leave, which could mark a significant shift in federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. This move follows a recent executive order from President Trump targeting IMLS as one of seven agencies for potential elimination.

Context of the Administrative Changes

Just two weeks prior to the administrative leave announcement, President Trump issued an executive order detailing his intention to minimize the functions of IMLS. The agency’s acting director, Keith E. Sonderling, who was sworn in on March 20, replaces career library professional Cyndee Landrum amidst this tumultuous period.

Details of the Staff Leave

Informed by supervisors, approximately 70 IMLS employees were placed on leave for a duration of up to 90 days, significantly limiting their access to agency resources. According to Antoine L. Dotson, the agency’s Director of Human Resources, this measure is not punitive but intended to facilitate agency operations during this transitional phase.

Implications for Grant Programs

The future of IMLS grant programs, which supply critical funding to libraries and museums, is uncertain. The American Federation of Government Employees, representing IMLS staff, has declared that all processes related to 2025 grant applications have ceased. This has raised concerns that without staff to manage these programs, many grant initiatives may face termination.

Financial Overview of IMLS

IMLS was established in 1996 and has an annual budget of nearly $290 million, surpassing the funding allocated to both the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. It plays a pivotal role in funding essential operations across libraries and museums in every state, primarily supporting database management and collections upkeep.

The agency’s key program, Grants to States, currently distributes about $160 million each year to state library agencies, covering a substantial portion of their operational budgets.

Response from Advocates and Legislators

The executive order has prompted widespread opposition from advocates for libraries and museums. A bipartisan coalition of senators, including Jack Reed, Kirsten Gillibrand, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski, has urged acting director Sonderling to maintain the agency’s essential functions.

Cindy Hohl, president of the American Library Association, has criticized the decision to place staff on leave, arguing that it undermines the agency’s ability to fulfill its mandated responsibilities. She emphasized that IMLS was established with bipartisan support and has historically received backing from both Republican and Democratic administrations.

Next Steps for IMLS

In light of these developments, President Trump’s executive order requires IMLS to devise a plan for reducing its activities within a week; however, no such plan has been disclosed to date. After his recent visit to the agency, Sonderling indicated a commitment to revitalizing IMLS, focusing on fostering innovation and promoting patriotic values.