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Library funding at risk: IMLS threat and state database cuts could reduce online resources for Worcester students
Summary
Board heard staff account of the federal IMLS funding threat and Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners’ planned cuts to statewide databases (Gale, Transparent Language and others), with local officials pursuing congressional and legislative responses and exploring local funding options.
During the trustees’ meeting staff summarized two intersecting funding threats: an ongoing federal challenge to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and a Massachusetts Library Commission decision to eliminate or reduce statewide library databases used by schools and the public.
The library reported that representatives travelled to Washington, D.C., for IMLS advocacy after the presidential budget proposed eliminating museum and library funding programs; staff said the IMLS leadership change and related litigation are unresolved and that appeals could move to higher courts. The Worcester presenter said local and federal lawmakers have submitted appropriations letters supporting museum and library services and that congressional support remains important to restore or preserve funds.
Why it matters: MBLC-managed statewide databases are a backstop for school and public library…
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