Executive Order Regarding the IMLS
On March 14th, President Trump signed an Executive Order that affects the Institute for Museum and Library Services. The IMLS is a government agency that flies under most people’s radar, even when they reap the benefits. Their purpose is to support learning through access to museums and libraries which provide “trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage.” They do that primarily by providing grant money to libraries and museums. In 2024 Wisconsin received $3.2 million of those grant monies in addition to any grants awarded to individual libraries.
The ETLPL is primarily funded by the Village of East Troy. Our next largest funding source is Walworth County. Next is state funding passed on from DPI to the library systems such as Prairie Lakes. Those sources appear as budget items seen locally. The IMLS funds trickle down to us indirectly in the form of services that are simply there, which is why it is easy to overlook. Those funds support BadgerLink, interlibrary loans, technology upgrades, and staff training.
BadgerLink is Wisconsin’s online library. The databases it provides are available to every Wisconsin resident. It is very helpful for student research in public schools from elementary onwards. Public library patrons may use it for research as well; however, the convenience of pulling up ChiltonLibrary at home mid-repair or looking up an item in Consumer Reports before making a major purchase can’t be beat.
Interlibrary loan allows libraries across the state to share resources and offer patrons more for a lower cost. While the materials are paid for, the computer program that facilitates the loans and the delivery system that moves them around the state are not.
As of March 31, 2025, the entire staff of the IMLS, around 70 people, was placed on administrative leave and their email accounts were disabled. Ironically, the institute also funds workforce development programs.
To learn more about the IMLS, Wisconsin's response to the Executive Order, and how to make your voice heard in the debate for its future, explore the following links.
Information on what IMLS funds
https://www.imls.gov/
Wisconsin specific funding
https://www.
ALA FAQ
https://www.ala.org/faq-
Wisconsin's Response to the Executive Order
https://content.govdelivery.
https://content.govdelivery.