Board members discussed the March announcement directing a review of several smaller federal agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and the possible implications for libraries at the state and local level.

Staff summarized IMLS's role: it is an independent federal grant-making agency established in 1996 that supports museums and libraries through grants, research and data collection. Staff noted IMLS directs population-based funding through the Grants to States program, oversees competitive programs such as the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian and related LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) funds, and supplies national data used by state library agencies.

Locally, staff said Appleton has benefited from IMLS-funded projects in the past (for example, a 2010 LSTA grant that helped install hearing loops in Appleton and Waupaca libraries). Staff cautioned that the exact impact of any IMLS reorganization or elimination remains uncertain: possible outcomes range from loss of federal grant dollars to state agencies having to replace functions currently funded or coordinated by IMLS. Trustees asked for clearer documentation on what services and data flows would be affected so the board can participate in statewide advocacy.

Staff said professional organizations, including the American Library Association (ALA), have begun advocacy to preserve IMLS funding and that the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and statewide partners are likely to coordinate messaging about impacts to library services and school supports. The board agreed staff should share updates and guidance on how trustees and community members can engage in advocacy.