Advocating for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)

For this Museum Exchange we will hold space to share how the recent Executive Order Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy, affects Utah museums and discuss how you can help voice your support for museums and IMLS using direct action steps provided by AAM. We know we are stronger together!

On Friday, March 14, an Executive Order (EO), Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy, directed the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to eliminate its activities not supported in statute and to perform at its minimal level required by law. IMLS already operates at a minimum level, making up only 0.0046% of the overall federal budget. IMLS efficiently provides critical resources to libraries and museums in all 50 states and territories. This EO would essentially gut IMLS within seven days.

Utah is better because of IMLS! Since 2014 IMLS has invested over $27 million to Utah Museums and Libraries through their grant program. From pre-school children to adult learners, IMLS funds benefit Utahns of all ages. These funds help Utah museums and libraries connect families, improve learning, and strengthen our communities. See a sample of projects in Utah that have been funded by IMLS here. You can track the impact of Executive Orders on the museum field on AAM's website here.