The iFederation is deeply concerned about the recent executive order issued by the Trump administration in the US, which calls for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This decision poses a significant threat to the global community of information professionals, researchers, and the public who rely on the vital services provided by IMLS.
IMLS has been a cornerstone in supporting libraries and museums in all communities large and small across the United States, fostering innovation, education, and cultural preservation. Every person in the U.S. will be impacted as their public libraries and state associations lose important funding support. Furthermore, IMLS has been instrumental in providing funding support for Native Hawaiian and Tribal Libraries, which now face an existential threat by this loss of support.
The impact of this decision is not confined to the United States. The agency's contributions extend far beyond national borders, influencing global best practices and providing a model for similar institutions worldwide. Libraries and museums worldwide look to IMLS for guidance and collaboration. The agency's research and policy development efforts have set standards that are emulated globally, promoting the free flow of information and cultural exchange.
The iFederation urges the Trump administration to reconsider this profound decision and support the invaluable role that IMLS plays in fostering a well-informed, educated, and culturally rich society. We call on policymakers, stakeholders, and the global community to advocate for the preservation of IMLS and its mission.
We encourage all individuals who value libraries and museums to voice their support and join us in this critical effort to safeguard the future of these essential institutions.
The iFederation is a partnership of the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T), the Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE), and the iSchools Organization.
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