In a major shakeup, nearly all employees at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)—a federal agency that supports libraries and museums across the United States—were placed on administrative leave as of Monday, April 2025.
This action follows a Trump administration executive order aimed at reducing several federal agencies to a “minimum presence.” The decision has left many museums, libraries, and cultural organizations uncertain about their future federal funding and support.
What Is IMLS and Why Is It Important?
The Institute of Museum and Library Services was created by Congress in 1996 under the Museum and Library Services Act. Its main goal is to support libraries and museums across the country, especially in underserved communities. In 2024 alone, the agency awarded $267 million in grants, funding programs such as:
- Local book drives
- Museum field trips for schools
- Technology upgrades for libraries
- Services for rural and low-income communities
With only around 77 employees, IMLS has had a national impact—making this sudden change a major concern for the library and museum sector.
What Happened in April 2025?
According to both IMLS staff and a Trump administration official, around 80% of employees were placed on administrative leave. However, one administration source claimed that 20% of staff remain active, although employees and their union say everyone has been put on leave.
Employees were told to leave behind laptops and work phones, and their email access was disabled. The agency’s human resources director confirmed in an internal message that the move was not disciplinary, but no explanation was given about the agency’s future.
Who Is Behind the Restructuring?
The change follows a recent executive order signed by former President Donald Trump, which called for reducing seven federal agencies, including IMLS. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a Trump-era initiative—has been involved in the transition.
The new acting commissioner, Keith Sonderling, formerly Deputy Labor Secretary, was recently sworn in. According to reports, the agency might be shrunk down to just 30 staff members and moved under the Labor Department.
Concerns From the Library and Museum Community
Organizations like EveryLibrary have warned that this restructuring could be “devastating” for museums and libraries that rely on federal grants.
“This is not just a paperwork issue—it’s a crisis for cultural institutions across the country,” said EveryLibrary in a public statement.
Without IMLS staff, it’s unclear how current grant programs will be managed. The agency has paused communication with libraries and museums, and the status of previously awarded grants is now uncertain.
Political Reaction
Although Trump signed the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 during his first term, the current administration has shifted direction. A White House spokesperson said the restructuring is part of a broader effort to cut funding to programs linked with “divisive” diversity and inclusion agendas.
However, some lawmakers disagree. A bipartisan group of U.S. senators, including Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, sent a letter urging the administration to follow the law and maintain IMLS operations and funding.