The Threat to IMLS: Why Defunding It Endangers Libraries Nationwide The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is a primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. IMLS distributes grants to support literacy programs, digital equity, and historical preservation ( IMLS, 2023 ). However, recent White House initiatives to reduce the federal bureaucracy threaten eliminating this crucial funding. If IMLS is defunded , the impact will be devastating—not just for public libraries but also for school libraries that indirectly benefit from its programs. See an interactive map - https://www.imls.gov/map My school library archives have received grants funded by TSLA, which is the recipient of Tennessee funds. Tennessee Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) Grant 2018 -- -- awarded $2,900.00 for archival and preservation supplies. Tennessee Archives Development Direct Grant (TSLA and IMLS) 2015 -- awarded $2,000.00 for archival a...
