President Trump has appointed Keith E. Sonderling as the acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a federal agency pivotal in providing grants to libraries and museums. This appointment comes in the wake of an executive order aiming to eliminate the IMLS. The agency plays a vital role in supporting workforce training and basic library services. Concerns have been raised about potential cuts to digital services if funding is removed, as the IMLS accounts for only a small fraction of federal expenditure while generating significant economic impact via museums.
"I am committed to steering this organization in lockstep with this Administration to enhance efficiency and foster innovation," Sonderling wrote in a press release.
"Without necessary funding, it's likely that many libraries may be forced to scale back digital services, or in some cases, eliminate access entirely," warned Jeff Jankowksi from Hoopla Digital.
"There is no efficiency argument when IMLS represents just 0.0046% of the federal budget, while museums generate $50 billion in economic impact," stated the American Alliance of Museums.
AFGE Local 3403 expects most employees will be affected following President Trump's call for IMLS's elimination, despite Sonderling's commitment to federal law.
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