Currently, the entire staff of The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has been placed on administrative leave. Despite Congress’ support to continue funding this agency, President Trump signed an executive order to begin dismantling IMLS. This small agency, which only receives about 0.005% of the annual federal budget, greatly impacts communities across the country. IMLS awards grants to museums and libraries to support programs such as job training, psychological and wellness needs, collection preservation and exhibits, disability services, climate change preparations, reading programs and bookmobiles, and basic library services such as access to internet, technology, and digital books (Limbong, 2025; Curlin, 2025).
Attacks on libraries and librarians are nothing new in recent years, but with the disheartening announcement of the current shutdown of IMLS, the IU East Campus Library would like to make a special effort to recognize National Library Week this year, and to remind the IU East campus community that your library team is here to support you and your learning. It is our mission to provide resources and services that support the academic engagement and research of diverse participants in our teaching and learning community.
The Campus Library continues to evolve with new programming and collection development opportunities and we hope that we can continue to connect people with knowledge, technology, and resources while fostering civic engagement, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. We will also continue to protect your right to read, think, and explore without censorship, and provide a welcoming space for all.
The IU East Campus library team works hard to make our library services efficient and to satisfy all our patrons needs. As the interim director, I would like to personally thank Coordinator of Reference and Media Services Matt Dilworth, Coordinator of User Services and Archivist Jesse Whitton, Assistant Librarian of Instruction and Outreach KT Lowe, and Associate Librarian of Research and Journal of Student Research at IU East (JSRIUE) editor Sue McFadden for all their efforts in their roles. I would also like to send my support and encouragement to all my library colleagues this National Library Week. You are all awesome in your efforts to find creative ways to make do with all the challenges we face.
If you have any questions related to our IU East Campus library services or need help with research assistance, Just Ask Us at iueref@iu.edu. And if you’re able, thank your favorite librarian this week or stop by the library to say hello! We like hellos.
Sources:
ALA Public Policy and Advocacy. (2025). “Federal Resources.” https://www.ala.org/advocacy/federal-resources
American Library Association. (2025, March 31) “ALA says White House “cutting off opportunity” for Americans as administration cuts IMLS staff.” https://www.ala.org/news/2025/03/ala-says-white-house-cutting-opportunity-americans-administration-cuts-imls-staff
Curlin, E. (2025, March 31). “Indiana libraries could see reduced services, longer wait times after national IMLS cuts.” Indiana Daily Student. https://www.idsnews.com/article/2025/03/indiana-monroe-county-library-imls-cuts
Limbong, A. (2025, March 31). “Entire staff at federal agency that funds libraries and museums put on leave.” NPR. https://www.npr.org/2025/03/31/nx-s1-5334415/doge-institute-of-museum-and-library-services