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Southborough library eyes shared subscription as federal library funding cuts loom
Summary
Trustees heard that cuts to federal IMLS funding will reduce access to state-provided databases; Southborough and neighboring Northborough are exploring a shared subscription and alternate local funding to preserve key resources for students and the public.
Library trustees discussed an unfolding loss of federally funded databases after the apparent defunding of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and how the town’s library may respond.
Library Director Ryan told trustees that the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) indicated federal support for many state-supplied databases would vanish, reducing the state collection from roughly 50 resources to a small handful. "We are looking at whether or not Northborough and Southborough public libraries could combine efforts to make these resources available," Ryan said, noting the libraries were exploring cost-sharing and CWMARS authentication options so students could retain access through the public library catalog.
Trustees learned the libraries’ preliminary price estimate for restoring a subset of databases is between $2,000 and $3,000 annually, depending on the bundle. Ryan said vendor Gale had been cooperative in discussing bundled pricing. He warned the school district has not budgeted for this expense for the coming year and that state-aid or library-dedicated donation funds could be a possible source of funding.
The board discussed possible funding paths: using state aid returns, library donation accounts (including bequests), or seeking town or grant support. Ryan noted the Southborough Library Fund includes bequests that are not strictly restricted to books and could be a funding source; he also said he would consult the town finance director about allowable uses.
Trustees asked about timing and the likelihood of ongoing federal cuts. Ryan said MBLC and statewide advocates could not yet predict how long or how deep cuts would be and that the situation "changes daily." He recommended working this summer with Northborough and local schools to devise an approach that preserves student access starting in September if possible.
Trustees requested more specific pricing and authentication details before committing funds.
No formal motion or vote was taken during the database discussion; the director said he would return with a pricing proposal and options for possible use of state-aid, donation funds or a shared subscription with Northborough.
