The President’s FY2018 budget requested closing out all Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) operations. Librarians across the county mobilized and on July 13, 2017 the House Appropriations subcommittee that deals with library funding (Labor, Health & Human Services, Education and Related Agencies) voted to recommend level funding in FY2018 for IMLS, including $183 million for the Library Services and Technology Act. The House Appropriations Committee voted to approve the bill containing IMLS funding on July 19. Although this is very encouraging, these are only two steps in the congressional appropriations process.
FY18 federal library funding is not yet guaranteed. It is therefore imperative that librarians stay informed and continue to advocate for
federal funds. The attached poster illustrates how federal LSTA funds are used in Ohio. We encourage you to share this information with your staff and constituents.
As more information regarding the federal budget is available the State Library will be sharing information with Ohio libraries.
