Report: “IMLS Staff Placed on Administrative Leave” (Includes Link to Letter Sent to IMLS Staff)

From Federal News Network:

The largest source of federal funding for libraries and museums is putting all its employees on paid administrative leave, as the agency prepares for major cuts to its operations.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) put all of its approximately 75-employee workforce on paid administrative leave Monday, according to several IMLS employees.

The American Federation of Government Employees Local 3403 said in a statement that IMLS notified all employees that they would be placed on paid administrative leave, effective “immediately,” following a brief meeting between staff from the Department of Government Employees and IMLS leadership.

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More From NPR:

According to a statement from AFGE Local 3403, which represents IMLS workers, the agency’s staff were notified by email about the administrative leave via after a “brief meeting between DOGE staff and IMLS leadership.” Employees had to turn in government property, and email accounts were disabled.

The IMLS is an independent federal agency that provides grants to libraries and museums across the country. According to the American Library Association, the IMLS provides “a majority of federal library funds.” The IMLS says it has awarded $266 million in grant funding and research to cultural institutions last year. This money goes to help staff, maintenance and create new programs.

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See Also: Letter Sent to IMLS Staff (via Marisa Kabas)

Statements 

• Statement From American Library Association (ALA)
• Statement From EveryLibrary & Issue Brief From EveryLibrary Institute: “Contingency Planning For State Budgets For IMLS Funding Uncertainty”

More Statements

• Statements in Response to Executive Order Impacting the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
  Over 50 Statements

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