Institute of Museum and Library Services

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The Institute of Museum and Library Services is an independent agency of the United States federal government. It is the main source of federal support for libraries and museums within the United States. IMLS’s mission is to “create strong libraries and museums that connect people with information and ideas.” [1] IMLS “works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development.” In fiscal year 2007, IMLS has a budget of $247 million. [2].

IMLS was established by the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA) of 1996, which includes the Library Services and Technology Act and the Museum Services Act. IMLS was reauthorized in 2003.(PL 108-81)[3]. The 1996 law combined the Institute of Museum Services, which had been in existence since 1976, and the Library Programs Office, which had been part of the Department of Education since 1956.

As amended, MLSA authorizes IMLS to promote improvements in library services; to facilitate access to resources in libraries; to encourage resource sharing among libraries; to support museums in fulfilling their public service and educational roles; to encourage leadership and innovation to enhance museum services; to assist museums in the conservation of America's heritage; to support museums in achieving the highest standards of management and service to the public; and to support resource sharing among museums, libraries and other organizations.

Further, MLSA authorizes IMLS to carry out and publish analyses of the impact of museum and library services. [4]

Following a proposal by President George Bush, the activities of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science was consolidated under IMLS, along with some of the activities the of National Center for Education Statistics, in order to create a unified body for stronger federal support of library and information policy. ^[1] The consolidation took effect in early 2008.