Dr. Michael F. Rice Michigan superintendent of public instruction | Michigan Department of Education
An executive order from the Trump Administration aims to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a move that could impact library services in Michigan and across the United States. The Michigan Department of Education, the Library of Michigan, and library advocates have expressed concerns over the potential decrease in access to information and resources.
State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice stated, "A dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services would have negative implications for every American and the library services on which they rely." He emphasized that this action could particularly affect residents in small and rural communities by reducing access to books and other materials.
The Institute is a significant source of federal funding for libraries, contributing substantially to state library agencies' budgets. State Librarian Mr. Randy Riley commented, "It would be difficult for The Library of Michigan and all the nation's state libraries to successfully advance their missions should federal funding be eliminated."
Currently, the Library of Michigan receives nearly $4.8 million annually from this federal agency under the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018. These funds support various statewide initiatives and competitive grant programs benefiting public, academic, school libraries, librarians, and residents.
Riley noted that Michigan's diverse array of libraries plays a crucial role in literacy, technology access, and lifelong learning: "Successful and impactful programs would disappear without these funds."
The funds are used for several key programs including:
- Michigan eLibrary (MeL) eContent: Provides statewide access to subscription magazines, newspapers, reference books, eBooks.
- MeLCat Catalog: Offers statewide access to physical books from 435 libraries.
- Workforce Development: Provides tests and tutorials for students and job seekers.
- Improved Local Community Services: Offers training for librarians on content programming.
- Early Literacy Support: Supplies summer reading materials supporting family literacy.
- Local History Support: Assists with preserving community history.
- Technology Support: Enhances community technology access with Wi-Fi connections.
Ms. Christine Beachler from the Michigan Association of School Librarians highlighted the importance of these services: "Educators and students across the state of Michigan utilize the services provided through Institute funding daily for essential resources such as tools for early literacy."
In addition to supporting general library services in Michigan, last year saw $69,999 allocated to Tribal libraries through Native American Library Services Basic Grants program along with $433,095 through Enhancement Grants.
Further details on how these federal funds are utilized can be found on www.michigan.gov/LSTA.
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