American Library Association condemns ‘White House assault’ on library services agency

In the US, the American Library Assocation (ALA), EveryLibrary, ‘and other organisations and individuals have rushed to defend’ the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an organisation the Trump Administration ‘is seeking to eliminate […] “to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law”’, reports Publishers Weekly (PW).

According to PW, the IMLS, an independent federal agency, ‘plays a key role in distributing congressionally approved funds to libraries, museums, and archives across the country’ and in 2024 awarded US$266.7 million (A$417.8m) to advance and support libraries, museums, and related organisations.

The ALA defended the IMLS on 15 March, condemning ‘the White House assault’ on the agency. ‘By eliminating the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services, the Trump administration’s executive order is cutting off at the knees the most beloved and trusted of American institutions and the staff and services they offer,’ the ALA wrote. ‘Our nation’s 125,000 public, school, academic, and special libraries deserve more, not less support.’

Category: International news