Official Statement: Keith E. Sonderling Sworn In as Acting Director of Institute of Museum and Library Services
Here’s the Full Text Statement (Available Online Here):
Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith E. Sonderling was sworn in as Acting Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) today, after being designated to the role by President Donald J. Trump. IMLS, an independent government agency, is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s museums and libraries.
“It is an honor to be appointed by President Trump to lead this important organization in its mission to advance, support, and empower America’s museums and libraries, which stand as cornerstones of learning and culture in our society. I am committed to steering this organization in lockstep with this Administration to enhance efficiency and foster innovation. We will revitalize IMLS and restore focus on patriotism, ensuring we preserve our country’s core values, promote American exceptionalism and cultivate love of country in future generations,” said Acting Director Sonderling.
Sonderling was recently confirmed as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Labor, where he previously served as Acting and Deputy Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division. Most recently, he served as the Commissioner of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity from 2020-2024.
Before entering government service, Sonderling was a partner at Gunster, one of Florida’s oldest and largest law firms. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor at Nova Southeastern University. He has also been a Professional Lecturer in the Law at the George Washington University Law School, teaching employment discrimination.
See Also: EveryLibrary Statement on the Appointment of Keith E. Sonderling as Acting Director of IMLS
About Gary Price
Gary Price (gprice@gmail.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area. He earned his MLIS degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. Price has won several awards including the SLA Innovations in Technology Award and Alumnus of the Year from the Wayne St. University Library and Information Science Program. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com.


Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith E. Sonderling was sworn in as Acting Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) today, after being designated to the role by President Donald J. Trump. IMLS, an independent government agency, is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s museums and libraries.