The president wants to eliminate the agency backing libraries and museums. But the institutions do far more than lend booksWhen President Trump recently proposed eliminating the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), librarians and educators voiced outrage, confusion and fear. Soon afterward, the appointment of Keith E Sonderling as acting director of IMLS highlighted the administration’s intention to reshape the agency’s priorities toward “promoting American exceptionalism” and cultivating “patriotism”.As someone deeply involved in the library world, I wasn’t surprised by Trump’s move. Continue reading...
Leo S Lo argues that Trump's proposed elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and subsequent appointment of Keith E Sonderling signals an intention to reshape the agency towards "American exceptionalism." The author contends this move is predictable given increasing book bans and censorship, but nevertheless devastating due to IMLS's crucial financial support of libraries and museums nationwide, which provide essential services like literacy programs, workforce training, and digital access.
