Pause in federal funding puts future of Illinois libraries and museums in jeopardy

For decades, libraries and museums across America have gotten financial support from the federal government. That was administered by an agency called the Institute of Museum and Library Services. That funding has grown over the past few years to more than $266 million.

Last month, President Donald Trump issued an executive order getting rid of several government agencies "to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law". IMLS was on that list and last week, the agency placed every single member of its staff on administrative leave.

The effects of IMLS going away are expected to be felt significantly throughout Illinois. A panel of experts overseeing library services and and museums weigh in.

GUESTS

Leslie Bednar
Executive Director, Illinois Heartland Library System

Lora Del Rio
Director for Research, Teaching, and Learning, Library and Information Services, SIU Edwardsville
 

Nichole Lauko 
Director, Millstadt Library (Metro East)

Karen Ackerman Witter
Freelance writer; former associate director, Illinois State Museum; Past President, Association of Midwest Museums
 

Sarah Peck 
Graduate Student studying for Master of Science degree in library and information science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign