After the threats to federal library funding in the past year, the fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills signed by President Trump on February 3 included an increase in federal funding for libraries. Less than a year ago, an executive order threatened to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the only source … Continue reading Federal Funding for Libraries Prevails
The Telecommunications Act of 1996, signed into law on February 8, expanded the definition of essential communications services to include telecommunications and high-speed internet. It established the E-Rate program, which provides schools and libraries with discounts on internet and other telecommunications services and the equipment they need to use them. Today, virtually all public libraries … Continue reading 30 Years of E-Rate
Uncertainty may be the most notable overarching theme of federal policy in the past year. Legal challenges and other acts of resistance by librarians have prevented, overturned, or at least delayed some of the administration’s most notable attacks on libraries from taking effect. In other cases, policy changes have been announced that may affect libraries … Continue reading One Year of the Trump Administration
Freedom to read faces federal scrutiny Following the Trump administration’s executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the US Naval Academy removed nearly 400 books deemed DEI-related from its Nimitz Library (later returning most of them to circulation). Meanwhile, in April, the Supreme Court heard arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor, a case brought by … Continue reading 2025 Year in Review
Likewise, our state association has challenged other bills designed to curtail access, intellectual freedom, and professional integrity. Each time, Iowa Library Association has mobilized quickly to alert members to these proposals, provide action plans, and connect with community partners. These nimble responses are possible because chapters know the local context, the lawmakers, and the stakes. … Continue reading The Pulse of Our Profession
The ALA applauded the Supreme Court’s 6–3 decision to uphold the Universal Service Fund (USF). The system of telecommunications subsidies administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) includes the E-Rate program, which provides libraries and schools billions of dollars each year for broadband access and connectivity. More than half of all public libraries apply for … Continue reading Supreme Court Protects Federal Broadband Funding
Across the board, the work of federal agencies, many of which directly or indirectly support libraries, has either been discontinued or altered. Although it is too soon to determine the overall impact of proposed changes to library funding—including IMLS grants and E-Rate discounts—we anticipate there will be more proposals to significantly reduce or outright eliminate … Continue reading Upholding Our Values
The following is what library workers need to know—and what they can do to stand up and speak out for needed resources. Federal budget battles The previous Congress’s failure to pass FY2025 spending bills that were due October 1, 2024, resulted in a temporary funding measure that extended federal spending at FY2024 levels through March … Continue reading Outlook on Federal Funding Threats to Libraries
New values for challenging times On January 21, ALA Council approved five new Core Values • access • equity • intellectual freedom and privacy • the public good • sustainability Council cochairs Erin Berman and Sara Dallas explained the reasons for the changes: “This is a crucial moment for our profession, as our library community … Continue reading 2024 Year in Review
Uniting against censorship attempts Organized book challenges continued to proliferate. From January through August, 681 attempts to ban or restrict library materials had been made in the US, with 1,651 unique titles targeted. In response to mounting censorship threats, ALA announced in May its Unite Against Book Bans campaign, a coalition with more than 60 … Continue reading 2022 Year in Review
“Individuals and communities need to have the technical capacity to fully participate in modern society, our democracy, and economic life,” Rosenworcel said, echoing the National Digital Inclusion Alliance’s definition of digital equity. “And I think for that to be true, we need to make sure 100% of us, no matter who we are, where we … Continue reading The State of the Digital Divide
Using a 2015 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), nonprofit consortium Internet2 and its Community Anchor Program (CAP) have worked with technology consultant Carson Block to develop a free, downloadable toolkit to help library staffers understand and improve their broadband services and technical knowledge, says CAP Director Stephanie Stenberg. Called the … Continue reading The Last Mile
