We have received a number of questions about the current issues related to the proposed White House budget that includes the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, https://www.imls.gov/, the independent agency responsible for distributing Library Services and Technology Act funding through its Grants to States program. Below you can find a number of resources that will allow you to learn more about the agency, its funds and how you can educate yourself on the role of these funds at both the national and state level. I've also attached a letter from Randy Riley, State Librarian, along with a quick fact sheet about programs that are funded with LSTA dollars here in Michigan. You can find these documents on the Library of Michigan's website, www.michigan.gov/lsta<http://www.michigan.gov/lsta>. * American Library Association, ALA, Action Center - http://cqrcengage.com/ala/home This provides background information, talking points, and ability to receive action alerts and send direct communications to your elected officials. * District Dispatch blog post with details about current IMLS funding concerns - http://www.districtdispatch.org/2017/03/top-10-things-know-saving-imls/ * EMPOWER LIBRARIES website from Gale Cengage - http://learn.cengage.com/GWP17213297 Provides a number of resources and links to educate yourself about library funding * District Dispatch - http://www.districtdispatch.org/ Blog from the American Library Association's Washington Office providing library policy news You may also visit web and social media sites of national and state organizations to learn more about efforts surrounding the budget concerns. Below are a few that are relevant to members of the Michigan library community. * Friends of Michigan Libraries, FOML - https://www.facebook.com/FOMLibraries/ * Michigan Library Association, MLA - http://www.milibraries.org/mla-advocacy---march-23-2017/ * Young Adult Library Services Association, YALSA - https://www.facebook.com/yalsa/ * ALA Government Relations - http://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/federallegislation/fight-for-libraries * American Library Association - https://www.facebook.com/AmericanLibraryAssociation/ * Association of College and Research Libraries - https://www.facebook.com/ala.acrl/ * Association of Rural and Small Libraries - http://arsl.info/ If you have questions about the use of Library Services and Technology Act, LSTA, funds here in Michigan, please don't hesitate to contact us at the Library of Michigan. Shannon -------------------------- Shannon White Library of Michigan www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan> 517.373.9489 Whites29@michigan.gov