The primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is an independent agency that works at the national level, and in coordination with state and local organizations, to identify where there are funding needs, then reports that data to congressional appropriations committees, facilitates the applicants’ grant pursuit process, and dispenses grants. In addition, the IMLS, also in tandem with learning and arts centers around the country, strives to keep the public connected with an ever-expanding variety of educational tools and experiences, and to help preserve and protect collections of books, artwork, and other cultural artifacts.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) was created with the enactment in September 1996 of the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA), which consolidated federal support for libraries and museums. Previously, library support was administered by the U.S. Department of Education, and museum support by the Institute of Museum Services. In 2003, the MLSA was reauthorized, and most IMLS activities as a result are now approved through 2009 by Chapter 72 of Title 20 (20 USC CHAPTER 72) of the U.S. Code, which is the statute that resulted from the combination of the 1996 law and the 2003 reauthorization. Other pieces of legislation that also affect IMLS programs and policies include the National Museum of African American History and Culture Act and the E-Government Act. On December 22, 2010, President Barack Obama signed into law the Museum and Library Services Act of 2010, which reauthorizes and updates the IMLS’s existing programs.
- Provides the predominant source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums.
- Performs an annual analysis to identify the most urgent upcoming needs for museum and library services, then informs the congressional appropriations committees, helps interested parties through the grant application process, and awards grants.
- Advises the President and Congress on relevant library and museum issues.
- Connects the public to free and low-cost informal learning opportunities and experiences at libraries and museums as well as historic houses, nature centers, and botanical gardens.
- Stays abreast of the most current applicable technology, and latest learning research findings, and utilizes the information whenever it’s feasible and beneficial.
- Works to engage America’s youth, ages 9 to 19, in programs that will spark their imagination and help them become, and stay, competitive with others their age around the world.
- Recruits and educates the next generation of librarians. Aims to revitalize the role of literature in American pop culture.
- Focuses on how to address using libraries and museums to improve science literacy.
- Creates partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and educators to help libraries and museums reach more families, schools, and neighborhoods.
- Provides outreach services to individuals in underserved urban and rural communities, lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and with disabilities, or limited skills to access material or experiences without assistance.
- Works to assure that books, artwork, and historical artifacts are preserved and protected from decay as well as natural disasters.
- Sponsors the annual Webwise conference, focusing on digital technology innovations and their impact on library and museum services.
From the Web Site of IMLS
Between 2007 and 2011, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) spent $4,894,728 in 224 contractor transactions for services ranging from computer-aided design and manufacturing to ADP facility operation, educational studies, administrative support, and rail passenger operations.
The top five contractors whose services have been used in the past five years by IMLS are:
1. Technical Specialities $712,740
2. E Luminate Group Inc $470,343
3. Foster Soft Inc. $387,891
4. Powertek Corporation $255,624
5. Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority $230,580
The IMLS FY 2013 Appropriations Request to the U.S. Congress (pdf) provides the following outline of proposed spending for 2013:
Library Services $184,704,088
Museum Services $29,448,921
Program Administration $14,504,847
Research, Evaluation and Data Collection $1,885,904
African American Museum Services $1,410,017
IMLS Should Advance Digitizing Libraries, Expanding Internet Access
When it comes to expanding the public’s access to the Internet and digitizing information, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has key roles to play.
In a 2011 report commissioned by IMLS, the subject of creating a National Broadband Plan arose, and what the institute can do to further this goal. The report noted the important role of public libraries in helping Americans get online, and in this regard, the IMLS should take the lead “for making policy changes in the years ahead that will provide additional funding and support for libraries.”
Another recommendation for IMLS involved the digitizing of information housed at libraries.
“IMLS should develop guidelines for public access technology based on populations served and organization size,” the report stated, adding “these guidelines would help libraries and [community-based organizations] assess their needs for public access workstations, portable devices and bandwidth. IMLS should work with these organizations to develop guidelines and review them annually to reflect changing technology and practices.”
Opportunity for All (Institute of Museum and Library Services)
- Table of Contents
- Overview
- History
- What it Does
- Where Does the Money Go
- Controversies
- Suggested Reforms
- Comments
- Leave a comment
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