Statement on the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)

We strongly denounce the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as called for in the recent executive order as well as the continued erosion of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). These shortsighted and irresponsible decisions strike at the core of public access to knowledge, threaten the preservation of our nation’s historical memory, and weaken the very institutions tasked with fostering civic engagement, literacy, and accountability. 

The IMLS grant program plays a vital role in empowering both libraries and faculty researchers by supporting innovative projects, expanding access to information, and fostering community engagement. In addition, IMLS supports equity and inclusion via funding initiatives that promote cultural competence, address systemic barriers, and create more inclusive library services, ensuring underserved populations have equitable access to information resources Grants enable faculty to conduct applied research on information science, library services, and the role of technology in knowledge dissemination. This funding fosters the development of new tools, methods, and models that advance the field. IMLS encourages partnerships between libraries, universities, and community organizations, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary research and large-scale projects that have a broader impact.

Libraries, museums, and archives are not mere repositories of information—they are vital engines of education, community empowerment, and cultural preservation. Through its grant programs, IMLS has long supported essential services that enable libraries and museums to expand access to information, promote digital literacy, and safeguard local histories. By erasing IMLS from the executive order, policymakers are effectively silencing the voices of millions who rely on these services for equitable access to knowledge, skills development, and lifelong learning.

The weakening of NARA’s role places our democracy at risk by making it harder for citizens to hold institutions accountable. Records and archives serve as the backbone of historical truth and public trust. Any attack on their integrity represents an attack on the people’s right to know.

We call upon lawmakers, information professionals, cultural heritage professionals, and citizens alike to oppose this destructive course of action. The erasure of IMLS and the degradation of NARA’s capacity not only endangers public access to information but also erodes the very foundation of our democratic society. We must defend the institutions that preserve our collective memory and uphold the principles of access, transparency, and cultural stewardship.
 

Declaración sobre la eliminación del Instituto de Servicios de Museos y Bibliotecas