Jory Heckman writes: “The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) put all of its approximately 75-employee workforce on paid administrative leave March 31, according to several IMLS employees, as the agency prepares for major cuts to its operations. The American Federation of Government Employees Local 3403 [which represents IMLS staff] said all work processing 2025 grant applications has ended, ‘in the absence of staff’ and that ‘the status of previously awarded grants is unclear. Without staff to administer the programs, it is likely that most grants will be terminated.’” In ALA’s response, President Cindy Hohl said “Within months, if not weeks, local libraries will experience the impact of IMLS grant cancellations.”

Federal News Network, Mar. 31; ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office, Mar. 31