Fiscal Year 2014 Appropriations Request 

to the United States Congress

Creating a Nation of Learners

April 2013
Contents

Introduction: Creating a Nation of Learners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

FY 2014 Appropriations Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Summary of Appropriations Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Table 1: IMLS Appropriations History, 2004–2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

IMLS Vision and Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Highlights of FY 2014 Budget Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Strategic Focus – Museums, Libraries and Early Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Strategic Focus – Museums, Libraries and STEM Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Ongoing Strategic Initiatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Federal Partnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Research, Evaluation, and Data Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Program Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Grants to State Library Administrative Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Table 2: State Allotments for FY 2008–FY 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Library Discretionary Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Museum Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

IMLS Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Administrative Costs Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Administrative Highlights and Future Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Recent Administrative Highlights and Future Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Administrative Request by Object Class Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Table 3: IMLS History of Administration Costs: FY 2012–FY2014 ($ in thousands) . . . . . . . . . 27

FY 2014 Performance Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

FY 2014 Performance Improvement Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Strategic Plan Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Authorizing Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Library Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Library Grants to States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Library Discretionary Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Museum Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

National Museum of African American History and Culture Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Museum Discretionary Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Policy Research, Analysis, Data Collection, and Dissemination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Interagency Collaboration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

CONTENTS
Introduction: Creating a Nation of Learners

Photo by Patrick Bennett, courtesy of Washington’s King County Library System . 
2 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

INTRODUCTION: CREATING A NATION OF LEARNERS

Dear Members of Congress:

I am pleased to present this congressional justification of President Obama’s FY 2014 budget request in the 

amount of $225,812,538 for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Within this amount, and 

within existing programs, IMLS will focus on two strategic areas: early learning programs and learning programs 

for people of all ages in science, technology, engineering, and math.

I am proud of the contributions that IMLS makes to the American people. I firmly believe that there is a federal 

responsibility to ensure all Americans have access to museums and libraries and that the nation’s 123,000 

libraries and 17,500 museums can provide the best possible service to the public regardless of geographic, 

economic, or physical barriers.

Libraries and museums are ubiquitous. With built infrastructure in nearly every community in the nation, 

robust online networks, and dedicated staff, museums and libraries connect people to one another and 

knowledge.

•	 169 million people in the United States over the age of 14 (69 percent of the population) are library users.

•	 148 million people in the United States over the age of 18 are museum users.

IMLS plays a unique and strategic federal role. We are living at a time when the strategic use of resources 

could not be more important. IMLS’s role – to provide leadership, funding, data, strategic partnerships, knowledge sharing, and policy analysis—is essential to help libraries and museums improve their services. With this 

budget request, IMLS has a special focus on early learning and STEM learning.

Early Learning

U.S. libraries and museums are a foundational part of the early learning landscape and IMLS has long supported the testing, development, and delivery of quality, impactful programming and also helps to build collections 

and services that support young children as well as their caregivers, parents, and child care workers.

IMLS has:

•	 Established a partnership with the Campaign for Grade Level Reading to include to museums and libraries 

in the 124 communities that are charter members of the Grade-Level Reading Communities Network. In 

June 2013, IMLS and the Campaign will release a report on libraries, museums and early learning.

•	 Awarded more than $ 2.5 million in grants in 2012 to libraries and museums that are helping low-income 

children reach the goal of reading on grade level by the end of third grade in coordination with the priorities of the Campaign. Additional grants will be awarded in 2013.

•	 Developed an information memorandum with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Offices 

of Child Care and Head Start to encourage partnerships with public libraries.

•	 Authored a research brief, “Children’s Services at Public Libraries: A Port in the Storm,” published by the 

Urban Institute, MetroTrends.

•	 Worked with a wide range of partners from the Smithsonian Institution, the U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services, the U.S. Department of Education, United Way Worldwide, the National Civic League, the 

National League of Cities, and the National Governors Association to improve early childhood learning.
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Introduction

Libraries and museums have a special role to play in reaching children who are not part of formal public or 

private childcare programs. In FY 2014, we will fund at least 20 pilot projects that focus on early learning 

to children who are not in formal preschool programs and consequently are at great risk of not being ready 

for school. The initiative will build on current museum and library program investments in system-wide and 

community-based early learning efforts and to test those investments’ ability to prepare disadvantaged children 

for a successful future.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)

Libraries and museums are crucial to building skills in STEM learning for children and young adults. In FY 

2014 we will create a funding priority for projects that develop new programming models to teach STEM skills 

to at-risk youth. Libraries and museums are emerging as community technology hubs where out-of-school 

STEM learning efforts include development of “maker spaces,” where teens and adults can creatively apply 

STEM concepts to create their own inventions; hosting community science fairs, and STEM-focused exhibits 

and public programs.

With this budget IMLS is fully implementing its performance improvement model, which gathers evidence on 

effective practices, invests in effective practices, evaluates results, and shares that information.

In FY 2014, IMLS will help U.S. libraries and museums 

•	 provide information and skills to help Americans find good jobs, 

•	 provide innovative ways for young people to gain job skills, 

•	 meet the needs of the youngest learners with learning environments that stimulate brain development, 

•	 provide new immigrants with English skills and civics education, and

•	 play significant roles in community revitalization initiatives.

I believe that the American public is best served by maintaining strong support for libraries and museums and 

I am respectfully recommending enactment of funding for IMLS at the President’s request level.

I am happy to meet and talk personally with you or your staff.

Susan H. Hildreth

Director
Photo courtesy of the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History in New Haven, Connecticut.

FY 2014 Appropriations Request
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FY 2014 Appropriations 

Request

FY 2014 APPROPRIATIONS REQUEST

Summary of Appropriations Request

The FY 2014 IMLS budget request is $225,812,538. This amount includes $224,402,521 for programs and 

administrative costs authorized by the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA), which includes the Library 

Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and the Museum Services Act (MSA), and $1,410,017 for a grants program authorized by the African American History and Culture Act (AAHCA).

Research, Evaluation, and Data Collection

IMLS requests $1,820,000 to collect data, carry out research and identify best practices in cooperation with 

the nation’s libraries and museums.

Library Services

IMLS requests $177,069,268 for the following library grant programs authorized by the LSTA.

•	 Grants to State Library Agencies 

•	 Native American and Native Hawaiian Library Services 

•	 Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program 

•	 National Leadership Grants for Libraries 

Museum Services 

IMLS requests $31,513,253 for the following museum grants and related programs.

•	 Museums for America 

•	 Native American and Native Hawaiian Museum Services 

•	 National Leadership Grants for Museums 

African American Museum Services

IMLS requests $1,410,017 for the grant program authorized by the African American History and Culture Act.

Administration 

IMLS requests $14,000,000 for program administration. Funds support personnel compensation and benefits, 

rent and utilities, contractual services, communications, travel, printing, equipment and supplies, automated 

data processing, and other administrative services including the Institute’s overhead costs for research, evaluation, and data collection activities.
6 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

FY 2014 APPROPRIATIONS REQUEST

Statutory Authority FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012

FY 2013 

CR*

FY 2014 

Request

Museum and Library 

Services Act (MLSA)

General Provisions

Research, Analysis 

and Data Collection 1,903 1,886 1,886 1,820

Library Services 

Technology Act (LSTA)

Grants to States 157,628 160,704 163,746 163,746 160,885 171,500 172,561 160,032 156,365 156,365 150,000

Native American 

Library Services 3,206 3,472 3,638 3,638 3,574 3,717 4,000 3,960 3,869 3,869 3,869

National Leadership:

Libraries 11,263 12,301 12,375 12,375 12,159 12,437 12,437 12,225 11,946 12,000 13,200

Laura Bush 21st

Century Librarian 19,882 22,816 23,760 23,760 23,345 24,525 24,525 12,818 12,524 12,470 10,000

SUBTOTAL, LSTA 191,979 199,293 203,519 203,519 199,963 212,179 213,523 189,035 184,704 184,704 177,069

Museum Services 

Act (MSA)

Museums for America 16,342 16,864 17,152 17,152 16,852 19,176 19,176 18,453 18,030 20,643 22,707

Museum Assessment 

Program 447 446 442 442 434 460 460

21st Century Museum 

Professionals 992 982 982 965 1,280 1,280 2,015 1,969

Conservation Project 

Support 2,782 2,788 2,772 2,772 2,724 3,052 3,052 2,675 2,613 

Conservation 

Assessment Program 815 813 807 807 793 803 803

Native American/

Hawaiian Museum 

Services

843 911 911 895 945 975 947 926 926 926

National Leadership:

Museums 6,891 7,539 7,920 7,920 7,782 7,981 7,981 6,050 5,911 7,880 7,880

SUBTOTAL, MSA 27,277 30,285 30,986 30,986 30,445 33,697 33,727 30,140 29,449 29,449 31,513

African American 

History and Culture Act 

Museum Grants for 

African American 

History and Culture

842 842 827 1,310 1,485 1,443 1,410 1,410 1,410

Agency Wide

Administration 10,389 11,097 11,797 11,858 13,987 16,917 17,134 14,845 14,505 14,505 14,000

TOTAL, IMLS 

PROGRAMS AND 

ADMINISTRATION

229,645 240,675 247,144 247,205 245,222 264,103 265,869 237,393 231,954 231,954 225,812

Congressional 

Earmarks 32,595 39,889 18,285 10,737 16,382

2013 CR increase 

(.612%) 1,419

TOTAL 262,240 280,564 247,144 247,205 263,507 274,840 282,251 237,393 231,954 233,373 225,812 

*FY 2013 CR figures differ from final FY 2013 enacted figures

Table 1: IMLS Appropriations History, 2004–2014

(Budget Authority in 000’s)
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FY 2014 Appropriations 

Request

IMLS Vision and Goals

IMLS’s strategic plan, published in January 2012, sets out a vision for a democratic society where communities and individuals thrive with broad public access to knowledge, cultural heritage, and lifelong learning. The 

plan closely aligns with the Museum and Library Services Act, which was reauthorized in December 2010.

The plan establishes a clear framework for performance improvement that emphasizes evidence-based program 

development and evaluation for improving the delivery of library and museums services for all Americans. The 

complete IMLS Strategic Plan is available at www.imls.gov/plan.

Vision

A democratic society where communities and individuals thrive with broad public access to knowledge, heritage, and lifelong learning.

Mission

The mission of IMLS is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, learning, and civic engagement. We provide leadership through research, policy development, and grant making.

Strategic Goals

Learning: IMLS places the learner at the center and supports engaging experiences in libraries and museums 

that prepare people to be full participants in their local communities and our global society.

Community: IMLS promotes museums and libraries as strong community anchors that enhance civic engagement, cultural opportunities, and economic vitality.

Content: IMLS supports exemplary stewardship of museum and library collections and promotes the use of 

technology to facilitate discovery of knowledge and cultural heritage.

Access: IMLS advises the President and Congress on plans, policies, and activities that sustain and increase 

public access to information and ideas.

Model Agency: IMLS achieves excellence in public management and performs as a model organization through 

strategic alignment of IMLS resources and prioritization of programmatic activities, maximizing value for the 

American public.
8 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

FY 2014 APPROPRIATIONS REQUEST

Highlights of FY 2014 Budget Request

In this section IMLS has identified several key investment areas in FY 2014. IMLS selected these investments because they align both with the agency- and stakeholder-identified goals and with high priority areas of 

national interest. Though all these investment strategies can be pursued within the agency’s budget allocation, 

IMLS will focus on two initiatives through FY 2014.

Strategic Focus – Museums, Libraries and Early Learning

Category Allocation Purposes Activities Results

National 

Leadership 

Grants (NLG) 

Museums and 

Libraries

$1,500,000 Improve early learning programs for at-risk 

children who are not 

already enrolled in 

formal preschool institutions through, IMLS 

discretionary and grants 

to states programs.

Share information and 

expertise about early 

learning with State Library Administrative 

Agencies, in particular 

for at-risk children.

Through all communications mechanisms, IMLS 

will disseminate information and expertise about 

museum and library early 

learning efforts, particularly those targeted to 

at-risk children.

Fund at least 20 library 

and museum pilots (in 

cooperation with HHS Administration of Children 

and Families) to provide 

school readiness programming in communities with 

high concentrations of 

low-income children in 

non-structured day care.

Work with states already 

participating in ED’s early 

learning challenge to 

identify possible participants.

Increase ability of 

libraries and museums to identify 

and serve at-risk 

children.

Increase school 

readiness for at-risk 

children.

Increase awareness 

of importance of 

early learning and 

the availability of 

program services in 

communities with 

at-risk preschool 

children.

Expand the number and quality of 

federal information 

resources using the 

results of the pilot 

experience.
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FY 2014 Appropriations 

Request

Strategic Focus – Museums, Libraries and STEM Learning

Category Allocation Purposes Activities Results

National Leadership Grants 

(NLG) for Museums and Libraries, Museums for 

America 

Minimum 

$2,000,000

Improve STEM learning 

through effective library 

and museum programs.

Share information and 

expertise about STEM 

learning with State 

Library Administrative 

Agencies, in particular 

for at-risk youth.

Through all communications mechanisms, disseminate information and 

expertise about museum 

and library STEM learning efforts, particularly 

those targeted to at-risk 

youth.

Establish funding 

priority to support 

STEM programming 

for at-risk youth.

Provide focused outreach to help potential 

grantees develop innovative grant programs.

Develop evaluation 

strategy for grant 

cohort.

Create training/toolkit 

to expand STEM programming efforts.

Use informal learning practitioners to 

expand practice and 

broaden participation.

Leverage efforts of 

Office of Science and 

Technology Policy, 

National Science 

Foundation and Corporation for National and 

Community Service .

Support the development of new 

programming models 

that target at-risk 

youth in museums 

and libraries.

Document program development 

to strengthen the 

capacity of library 

and museum staff 

to replicate successful evidence based 

programs.

Increase awareness 

regarding the range 

of programming options in museum and 

library settings.

Improve federal information resources 

to include program 

descriptions of effective library and 

museum practices.
10 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

FY 2014 APPROPRIATIONS REQUEST

Ongoing Strategic Initiatives

Building Digital Success

In FY 2014, IMLS will continue to encourage broadband adoption. More than 60 million people lack access to 

broadband, and many more lack basic digital literacy. While cost is a major barrier to adoption, research tells 

us that it is not the only barrier. The ability to use a computer and to find relevant services is significant as 

well. Digital literacy training programs are in high demand and libraries are the de facto digital literacy training 

corps in the United States. IMLS is working with the FCC and Connect2Compete to raise public awareness and 

provide training opportunities nationwide.

Digital success is an ongoing strategic priority and IMLS supports several efforts. IMLS supports digital inclusion in communities with its project, Building Digital Communities. This is a framework for increasing digital 

capacity and literacy that is being piloted in a number of communities. IMLS is strengthening the capacity of 

state and local libraries to meet the digital literacy needs of their users by identifying and making accessible 

on-line and in-person training for users and library staff.

Assessing Comprehensive Community Development Approaches with Library and Museum Anchors

In FY 2014, IMLS will assess how libraries and museums can play a role in community development. At a time 

of economic constraint, local communities are forced to explore new ways to provide needed services. Across 

the country, libraries and museums have answered this call. The extensive network of libraries and museums in 

urban, suburban, and rural communities provides a ready-made infrastructure for emergency and information 

resource centers and gathering places for community planning.

Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action 

In FY 2014, IMLS will continue its strategic investment in exemplary stewardship of museum and library 

collections and promote the use of technology in discovering knowledge and cultural heritage. The care and 

management of the nation’s collections, both material and living, is necessary to expand and sustain access for 

current and future generations. Using the latest technology, institutions are digitizing and sharing their collections and developing new standards and protocols to preserve and provide access to traditional, digitized, and 

“born digital” data and objects.
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 11

FY 2014 Appropriations 

Request

Federal Partnerships

As directed in the Museum and Library Service Act, IMLS partners with other federal agencies on initiatives, 

materials, or technology to support workforce development activities undertaken by libraries; resource and 

policy approaches to eliminate barriers to fully leveraging the roles of libraries and museums in supporting the 

early learning, literacy, lifelong learning, digital literacy, workforce development, and education needs of the 

people of the United States; and initiatives, materials, or technology to support educational, cultural, historical, scientific, environmental, and other activities undertaken by museums.

Currently IMLS is partnering with the following federal entities:

•	 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

•	 U.S. Department of Labor

•	 U.S. Department of Commerce, National Technology Infrastructure Agency 

•	 Federal Communications Commission – Connect to Compete

•	 U.S. Postal Service

•	 U.S. Department of Education 

•	 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

IMLS is helping agencies to use the national infrastructure of libraries and museums to deliver services and 

information to the American public.
12 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

FY 2014 APPROPRIATIONS REQUEST

Research, Evaluation, and Data Collection

IMLS requests $1,820,000 to collect data, carry out research, and identify best practices in cooperation with 

the nation’s libraries and museums. The Museum and Library Service Act authorizes the Director of IMLS 

to annually conduct policy research, analysis, and data collection with ongoing collaboration (as determined 

appropriate by the Director), and in consultation, with (1) state library administrative agencies; (2) national, 

state, and regional library and museum organizations; (3) other relevant agencies and organizations.

Highlight: Public Library Survey (PLS)

The Public Library Survey provides data from the nation’s 17,078 public library outlets.

The PLS provides a universe base file for many surveys of the library community, such as the Public Library 

Funding and Technology Access Study and the U.S. Impact Study, which was funded by IMLS and the Gates 

Foundation. The data is used in a variety of library locator and search and compare tools, including the agency’s Public Library Locator, the Department of Labor’s American Job Center Locator Service and the Connect to 

Compete digital training locater tool. The data is also used for a variety of local, regional and national community indicator initiatives, including HUD’s Performance Based Planning Measures developed by the Office of 

Sustainable Housing and Communities.

Top level findings for 2010:

•	 Libraries provided 3.75 million programs (more than ever before) with 61.5 percent designed for

•	 children.

•	 Circulation increased to 2.46 billion materials, the highest ever reported. Circulation of

•	 children’s materials is on the rise comprising one-third of all materials circulated.

•	 The number of e-books tripled since FY 2003 and the number of computers for patron use doubled in past 

10 years.

•	 Physical visits to libraries decreased 1.1 percent in 2010. (Note: the survey does not collect

•	 data on online visits or transactions of public libraries.) Physical visits remain strong, with

•	 an overall 10-year increase of 32.7 percent from FY2001 to FY2010.

•	 On average, Americans visited a public library 5.3 times per year, a ten-year increase of 21.7 percent.

•	 Public libraries lost staff. Since FY 2008, overall staff decreased by 3.9 percent. FY 2009 is the first year 

since the recession that libraries lost librarians in addition to other library staff. There was a decrease of 

2.2 percent from FY 2009 to FY 2010.

IMLS also administers a biannual survey of state libraries. IMLS is developing additional research tools to understand the characteristics of museums in the United States and to evaluate the performance of its grantees.
Photo by Roger Mastroianni, courtesy of Ohio’s Cuyahoga County Public Library.

Program Descriptions
14 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: GRANTS TO STATE LIBRARY 

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES

FY 2014 Budget Request: $150,000,000

The Grants to States program reaches the largest number of citizens by providing funds to state library administrative agencies (SLAAs) 

Awards based upon state plan and population-based formula

The IMLS Library Grants to States program awards population-based formula grants to each State Library 

Administrative Agency (SLAA) in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, 

American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The formula consists of 

an equal for each state plus a supplemental amount based on population. Population data are based on the 

information available from the U.S. Census Bureau website. The 2010 Act sets base allotments of $680,000 

for states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and $60,000 for the other entities. The law limits the amount of funding 

available for administration at the state level to four percent and requires a 34 percent match from nonfed-
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 15

Program Descriptions

eral state or local funds. Programs and services delivered by each SLAA support the purposes and priorities 

set forth in the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). SLAAs set goals and objectives for their states 

regarding the use of Grants to States funds within the statutorily required five-year plan approved by IMLS.

These goals and objectives are determined through a planning process that includes statewide needs assessments.

Support for Pacific Territories, Freely Associated States and the Virgin Islands

Grants to the Pacific Territories and the Freely Associated States (FAS) are funded under a Special Rule, 20 

U.S.C. § 9131(b)(3), which authorizes a small competitive grants program in the Pacific region and the U.S.

Virgin Islands. There are seven eligible entities: Guam (GU), American Samoa (AS), the Commonwealth of 

Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall 

Islands (RMI), the Republic of Palau (PU), and the U.S. Virgin Islands (VI). The funds for this grant program 

are taken from the allotment amounts for the FAS (FSM, RMI, and PU). The territories (GU, AS, CNMI, VI) 

receive allotments through the Grants to States program and, in addition, may apply for funds under the 

competitive program. Five percent of this program’s funding is set aside for Pacific Resources for Education 

and Learning (PREL), based in Hawaii, to facilitate the grants review process. The projects funded under this 

program also support the LSTA purposes.

Evaluation

Every state is required to submit evaluation reports (FY2008-2012 grant cycle) and five-year plans (FY2013-

2017 grant cycle). IMLS reviews these data to measure the costs of library services and to compare the costeffectiveness of programs.

IMLS’s “Measuring Success” initiative identifies key service areas common to all states and territories and 

measures their impact. IMLS provides technical assistance to clarify the priorities in the LSTA, is developing 

a new outcome-based reporting system, and is building a stronger community for sharing effective programs 

and practice. “Measuring Success” not only helps identify best practices within the formula grant program 

but will also assist in sharing effective practices across the discretionary grant programs.

States submitted their five-year plans to IMLS in December 2012. States plan to use their Grants to States 

resources to fund the following: 

STEM, makers spaces, learning labs

A growing number of states (24) offer programs and services that enhance skills needed for success in the 

21st century. These include digital literacy, which encompasses the use of all digital devices; information literacy, which emphasizes the ability to locate, assess, and critically evaluate information; and media literacy, 

the ability to create content in a wide variety of modes and formats.

Literacy programs

All states fund literacy programs such as summer reading programs, designing innovative reading motivation 

programs, purchasing reading materials, and working with state and federal agencies as well as community 

organizations to improve literacy. Eighty percent of states plan to fund early childhood resource centers and 

develop collaborative partnerships with schools, public libraries, and other community organizations.
16 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

Immigration 

Six states offer services to assist immigrants in accessing citizenship information and provide resources to aid 

in test preparation. These states recognize that many immigrants or new Americans lack basic English skills 

and are therefore unable to secure gainful employment and actively participate in their communities. Twenty 

states provide access to programs and services targeting persons with limited English proficiency.

Technical Infrastructure / Broadband Support

All states use their funds for the acquisition and maintenance of computing hardware and software. States use 

federal funds to provide technical assistance to regional and local (many rural) outlets, purchase computers 

and mobile devices equipped with basic office programs for public use at no charge, and acquire servers or 

cloud services. More than 70 percent of states specifically identified improving broadband access as a priority.

States use federal funds to purchase statewide telecommunications services for public libraries, foster relationships with Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) partners, and provide assistance to states 

procuring and managing e-rate discounts.

Workforce Development

Half of the states have identified workforce and small business development as a primary community need.

States use federal funds to support job centers and programs, develop resume-building and interview skills in 

library customers, and acquire business databases for market research.

Civic Engagement

A growing number of states (15) have identified civic engagement as an important community need. These 

states use federal funds to promote libraries as community hubs where residents can participate in public 

forums on local and national issues, offer community meeting spaces, and provide referrals to federal and state 

agencies and community organizations that can offer direct services or expertise.

All states plan to sustain or improve access to resources in all formats. States will use their grant funds to 

deliver books by mail or bookmobile to underserved populations, provide interlibrary loan services, and support integrated online searching and borrowing of materials. All states plan to purchase e-content including 

databases with full-text access, e-books, and e-audiobooks. A majority of states purchase statewide access to 

e-content, decreasing the cost for individual libraries. Seventy percent of states will use funds to digitize and 

provide access to local and archival collections including state government documents and to develop and 

promote guidelines and standards, purchase or upgrade digital asset management software and services, and 

provide training to staff.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: GRANTS TO STATE LIBRARY 

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 17

Program Descriptions

Table 2: State Allotments for FY 2008–FY 2014

State FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012

FY 2013

Request

FY 2014

Request

AL $2,545,491 $2,731,363 $2,746,218 $2,567,650 $2,501,154 $2,513,489 $2,411,174

AK $833,016 $982,962 $984,174 $960,008 $952,947 $955,904 $942,600

AZ $3,228,606 $3,489,746 $3,560,969 $3,324,148 $3,250,835 $3,154,754 $3,032,711

AR $1,766,109 $1,936,565 $1,945,548 $1,838,337 $1,800,586 $1,801,600 $1,738,780

CA $16,431,277 $16,882,749 $16,971,056 $15,497,372 $15,029,503 $15,069,224 $14,337,409

CO $2,612,765 $2,834,938 $2,869,234 $2,694,346 $2,641,949 $2,633,382 $2,542,415

CT $2,068,566 $2,232,450 $2,231,803 $2,090,429 $2,038,047 $2,046,968 $1,968,985

DE $912,962 $1,063,319 $1,066,966 $1,034,832 $1,023,258 $1,026,307 $1,009,249

FL $8,425,588 $8,770,131 $8,803,371 $8,111,592 $7,871,982 $7,955,387 $7,615,279

GA $4,622,315 $4,910,851 $4,972,854 $4,620,382 $4,495,213 $4,427,044 $4,241,400

HA $1,101,262 $1,248,881 $1,250,947 $1,199,217 $1,159,084 $1,204,846 $1,179,860

ID $1,180,138 $1,344,632 $1,355,376 $1,299,688 $1,280,599 $1,285,082 $1,252,889

IL $6,133,883 $6,377,081 $6,398,149 $5,766,746 $5,664,245 $5,592,954 $5,302,398

IN $3,292,765 $3,492,642 $3,506,281 $3,254,929 $3,161,761 $3,167,893 $3,026,995

IA $1,840,733 $2,004,495 $2,010,773 $1,885,804 $1,844,037 $1,849,064 $1,783,676

KS $1,745,712 $1,910,501 $1,921,944 $1,809,993 $1,773,974 $1,776,121 $1,716,081

KY $2,374,218 $2,560,096 $2,572,188 $2,409,463 $2,350,899 $2,348,041 $2,252,631

LA $2,409,825 $2,583,026 $2,634,925 $2,480,805 $2,424,055 $2,426,484 $2,332,144

ME $1,116,986 $1,263,871 $1,263,471 $1,208,487 $1,185,547 $1,187,048 $1,157,199

MD $2,988,627 $3,170,413 $3,176,887 $2,964,835 $2,889,137 $2,905,001 $2,792,641

MA $3,346,669 $3,538,949 $3,559,988 $3,323,269 $3,233,374 $3,194,851 $3,066,059

MI $4,941,233 $5,144,483 $5,113,653 $4,676,712 $4,504,022 $4,450,322 $4,228,265

MN $2,793,089 $2,983,922 $2,993,749 $2,791,145 $2,717,086 $2,720,448 $2,611,187

MS $1,809,550 $1,973,794 $1,982,436 $1,863,411 $1,819,928 $1,817,073 $1,751,630

MO $3,087,560 $3,285,694 $3,300,104 $3,080,330 $2,994,821 $2,974,634 $2,841,978

MT $952,693 $1,104,586 $1,108,783 $1,070,859 $1,057,408 $1,061,071 $1,040,860

NE $1,311,709 $1,466,605 $1,470,441 $1,400,237 $1,377,353 $1,383,445 $1,346,160

NV $1,628,664 $1,817,143 $1,832,430 $1,632,613 $1,702,212 $1,719,652 $1,670,495

NH $1,114,075 $1,263,260 $1,263,185 $1,211,002 $1,189,626 $1,183,232 $1,154,156

NJ $4,343,636 $4,530,162 $4,528,274 $4,170,801 $4,042,569 $4,047,555 $3,862,513

NM $1,392,895 $1,553,194 $1,559,494 $1,485,647 $1,463,144 $1,474,908 $1,428,737
18 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

Table 2: State Allotments for FY 2008–2014 (continued)

State FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012

FY 2013

Request

FY14

Request

NY $8,955,719 $9,234,002 $9,318,366 $8,513,873 $8,146,018 $8,111,013 $7,705,999

NC $4,401,145 $4,696,435 $4,767,500 $4,160,471 $4,322,143 $4,366,417 $4,181,131

ND $818,116 $963,563 $964,313 $939,310 $931,737 $941,097 $931,176

OH $5,543,747 $5,762,879 $5,770,712 $5,307,272 $5,120,439 $5,087,388 $4,824,539

OK $2,100,996 $2,283,428 $2,294,344 $2,158,082 $2,114,098 $2,127,442 $2,049,574

OR $2,153,972 $2,341,114 $2,359,806 $2,213,648 $2,164,574 $2,158,117 $2,079,923

PA $5,963,310 $6,191,018 $6,197,247 $5,633,066 $5,544,252 $5,544,710 $5,262,289

RI $1,006,294 $1,148,900 $1,145,724 $1,102,216 $1,086,948 $1,081,344 $1,057,070

SC $2,424,418 $2,633,782 $2,665,509 $2,508,533 $2,450,059 $2,466,338 $2,375,883

SD $881,774 $1,032,934 $1,036,430 $1,005,672 $995,771 $994,601 $979,186

TN $3,173,028 $3,409,056 $3,434,523 $3,204,074 $3,120,490 $3,124,537 $2,997,882

TX $10,787,020 $11,275,967 $11,462,047 $10,614,851 $10,388,436 $10,481,539 $10,035,621

UT $1,652,433 $1,852,581 $1,892,820 $1,796,291 $1,769,981 $1,755,500 $1,705,088

VT $812,903 $955,380 $955,355 $929,254 $919,668 $919,146 $904,747

VA $3,872,179 $4,098,498 $4,123,366 $3,763,502 $3,741,963 $3,770,951 $3,618,841

WA $3,328,627 $3,547,224 $3,582,706 $3,351,575 $3,277,624 $3,287,428 $3,156,124

WV $1,333,562 $1,483,211 $1,484,197 $1,409,521 $1,382,914 $1,388,302 $1,346,119

WI $2,962,815 $3,163,009 $3,174,392 $2,946,913 $2,862,663 $2,860,518 $2,735,857

WY $765,437 $911,752 $916,086 $898,190 $890,868 $896,899 $886,940

DC $794,432 $940,769 $942,308 $920,394 $915,107 $915,925 $907,013

Puerto 

Rico $2,252,920 $2,427,110 $2,432,483 $2,270,426 $2,140,076 $2,095,062 $1,996,535

American 

Samoa $65,133 $85,486 $89,087 $86,309 $81,378 $81,195 $79,645

Northern 

Marianas $76,850 $98,394 $82,818 $80,639 $80,748 $80,570 $78,371

Guam $115,602 $137,960 $139,083 $131,530 $121,361 $120,836 $117,578

U.S. Virgin 

Islands $87,268 $107,966 $108,676 $104,027 $100,971 $100,621 $97,602

9131(b)(3)

(D) Poold $203,040 $265,078 $265,431 $257,272 $254,658 $254,020 $250,711

TOTAL $160,885,357 $171,500,000 $172,561,000 $160,032,000 $156,365,300 156,365,300 150,000,000

d

 Section 9131(b)(3)(D) of the Museum and Library Services Act directs that funds allotted based on the populations of the Republic of 

the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau be used to award grants on a competitive basis taking 

into consideration recommendations from the Pacific Region Educational Laboratory in Hawaii. These three republics, along with the U.S.

Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, are eligible to compete for the grants.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: GRANTS TO STATE LIBRARY 

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 19

Program Descriptions

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS: LIBRARY DISCRETIONARY PROGRAMS

IMLS has three discretionary programs for library services: The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program, 

National Leadership Grants (which includes funds for Sparks! Ignition Grants) and Native American/Native 

Hawaiian Library Services.

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program 

FY 2014 Budget Request: $10,000,000

These grants support education and professional development projects such as graduate student scholarships; 

internship, residency, and fellowship programs; continuing education opportunities; curriculum and program 

development by graduate programs in library science, archives, or school library media; and research by professors of library science, archives, or school library media.

Applications received, amount requested, 2012 106 $37,815,498

Number and amount awarded 2012 32 $10,356,498
20 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS: LIBRARY DISCRETIONARY PROGRAMS

National Leadership Grants – Libraries

FY 2014 Budget Request: $13,200,000

National Leadership Grants for libraries provide funding to support research, improve professional practice 

beyond the grantee institution, and disseminate evidence-based practice through knowledge sharing and by 

creating scalable models.

Applications received, amount requested, 2012 125 $29,423,769

Number and amount awarded 2012 45 $9,388,219

The Sparks! Ignition Grants program is a special initiative within the National Leadership Grant category. It 

supports projects that expand and test new library, archive, and museum practices. They are small, targeted 

investments in high-risk, innovative ideas that, if successful, could result in larger-scale National Leadership 

Grant applications.

Sparks! Ignition Grants – Libraries

Applications received, amount requested, 2012 32 $718,360

Number and amount awarded 2012 7 $161,152

Native American/Native Hawaiian Library Services

FY 2014 Budget Request: $3,869,268

This program helps native communities improve their libraries to meet the educational needs of their populations. The program offers three categories of grants to established libraries or organizations that serve federally 

recognized Indian tribes and Native Hawaiians:

Basic tribal grants to support materials, computers, and connectivity (non-competitive)

Tribal enhancement grants to expand partnerships for learning and access (competitive) 

Native Hawaiian grants to enhance existing or support new services 

Basic grants awarded 2012 226 $1,666,000

Enhancement applications 2012 47 $6,306,472

Enhancement grants awarded 2012 14 $1,644,268

Native Hawaiian applications 2012 4 $1,003,560

Native Hawaiian grants awarded 2012 3 $552,000
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 21

Program Descriptions

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS: MUSEUM SERVICES

There are four discretionary programs for museum services: Museums for America, National Leadership Grants 

(which includes funds for Sparks! Ignition Grants), Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services, and 

Museum Grants for African American History and Culture.

Museums for America

FY 2014 Budget Request: $22,707,652

Museums for America grants reach museums of all kinds and sizes, providing diverse populations throughout 

the nation with enriching and educational exhibits, school services, public programs, and lifelong learning 

experiences. In FY2014, IMLS will reach even greater numbers of museums by introducing “no match” grant 

opportunities. Small museums have identified the match rule as one reason that they are unable to compete 

for grants. IMLS will commit $3 million to support individual museum grant awards of $25,000 or less, which 

will not require a match of any kind.

IMLS is also developing a strategy to encourage applications from regions of the country where museum applications are low in number or application success rates are less than 25 percent.
22 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS: MUSEUM SERVICES

Applications received, amount requested, 2012 470 $52,296,907

Number and amount awarded 2012 152 $18,113,376

The Conservation Project Support program was combined with Museums for America in 2013 to strengthen 

funding for more comprehensive projects involving collections care and conservation.

Applications received, amount requested, 2012 128 $9,954,263

Number and amount awarded 2012 31 $2,614,183

National Leadership Grants

FY 2014 Budget Request: $7,879,914

National Leadership Grants for museums provide funding for projects that improve and advance professional 

practices for the nation’s 17,500 museums. Grants support research and development, professional development, and national models.

Applications received, amount requested, 2012 85 $18,212,115

Number and amount awarded 2012 15 $3,447,740

Sparks! Ignition Grants – Museums

The Sparks! Ignition Grants program is a special initiative within the National Leadership Grant category. It 

supports projects that expand and test new library, archive, and museum practices. They are small, targeted 

investments in high-risk, innovative ideas that, if successful, could result in larger-scale National Leadership 

Grant applications.

Applications received, amount requested, 2012 29 $692,789

Number and amount awarded 2012 6 $143,714

Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services

FY 2014 Budget Request: $925,687

This program provides grants to federally recognized tribes and organizations that serve Native Hawaiians for 

museum-related cultural services and programs for their members and the public. Many of these programs involve the preservation, care, and interpretation of significant objects and traditions unique to Native American 

culture. This program helps these communities learn from their common experiences and challenges.

Applications received, amount requested, 2012 36 $1,686,001

Number and amount awarded 2012 22 $925,687
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Program Descriptions

Museum Grants for African American History and Culture

FY 2014 Budget Request: $1,410,017

This program provides professional training and development for African American museum staff. The grants 

can be used for professional training, technical assistance, internships, and gaining outside expertise.

Applications received, amount requested, 2012 42 $4,362,160

Number and amount awarded 2012 14 $1,442,312
IMLS Administration

Photo by Cunningham Charlowe, courtesy of Ohio’s Columbus Museum of Art
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 25

IMLS Administration

IMLS ADMINISTRATION

FY 2014 Budget Request: $14,000,000

Introduction

This section highlights the FY 2014 administrative request for the Institute’s human capital management, 

financial and budget accountability, grants and acquisition management, and maintenance of the agency’s 

information technology infrastructure.

Administrative Costs Overview

Personnel compensation and benefits account for approximately 65 percent of all administrative expenses, 

while the remaining 35 percent goes primarily to fixed costs such as rent, building security, required audits, 

and information technology and financial system requirements.

Administrative Highlights and Future Plans

Our agency remains committed to its fiscal responsibility. We have reduced administrative expenditures 

within our control and have a clear goal to maximize the value of the taxpayer dollar in carrying out the mission of IMLS.

The FY 2014 request includes $14 million for administrative activities. This funding level will ensure that 

IMLS can effectively review, distribute, monitor, evaluate, and share the results and best practices of our 

programs. Major areas supported by the administrative budget include staff salaries and benefits, GSAleased space, grants management and technical assistance activities, financial accounting and reporting 

requirements, website and content management system improvements, and modernized information technology and cyber security activities.

Recent Administrative Highlights and Future Plans

Human Capital

In FY2012 IMLS received VSIP/VERA authority. IMLS used this authority to realign our organizational structure to match the priorities identified in the IMLS Strategic Plan 2012-2016.

Office Space

In FY2013 IMLS fully consolidated into reduced office space at our current location in Washington, DC, a 

reduction of approximately one-third of our previous space resulting in administrative savings throughout the 

remainder of our lease (through March 2015).

Travel

We conducted a comprehensive review of agency-related travel in FY 2011 and subsequently began reducing our costs with enhanced IT solutions. To minimize costs associated with our two annual conferences 

we continue to conduct cost analyses for identifying the host city. In addition, we revised and improved our 

internal travel policy to ensure that our travel is done in the most efficient manner while still meeting the 

agency’s mission.

We continue to minimize travel for reviewers, using enhanced technology to conduct business remotely. We 

will continue this practice in FY 2014 while still maintaining the integrity of our high-quality grant portfolio.
26 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

IMLS ADMINISTRATION

Grants and Financial Management 

IMLS continues to look for ways to increase our efficiency and automation of the grant-making process, including the adoption of an electronic grants management system. We remain actively involved in the newly created 

Financial Management Line of Business (FMLOB), managed by GSA, which now includes the requirements 

and activities that were previously under the Grants Management Line of Business (GMLOB). We anticipate 

continuing our successful partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration – Enterprise Services Center 

(FAA-ESC) for our accounting and financial reporting requirements. This partnership gives IMLS the numerous 

benefits that a shared service provider can offer, including reduced levels of costs and limited full-time employees.

In addition, IMLS continues its successful and cost-beneficial partnerships with 

•	 Northrop Grumman and the Department of Transportation for E-travel services;

•	 GSA for the use of agency purchase and travel credit cards; and

•	 the Department of Interior – National Business Center for payroll services and indirect cost grant proposals.

•	 These partnerships result in cost savings and operational efficiencies, access to timely budgetary and financial reporting, and critical information necessary to make strategic agency and programmatic decisions.

Information Technology

The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) continues to keep the agency up to date with new technologies that improve the quality of the agency’s work and the security of its network. Cyber security has been a 

primary focus for the IMLS OCIO, which is reconfiguring the network structure to prevent data loss and network 

breaches and continuing to assess and make improvements to the IT security program.

OCIO is exploring alternatives to the existing Integrated Services Digital Network-based landline telephone 

system, and will expand the use of SharePoint for intranet services and as a centralized repository for agency 

documents and communication, reducing printing costs and increasing efficiency.

Through intelligent and thoughtful management of IT resources and investments, and continuous improvements in the security of the Institute’s IT infrastructure and processes, IMLS will better serve its workforce, 

stakeholders, and the American people.

Improved IMLS Website and Content Management System 

IMLS publishes its grants on a publicly available database on its website. In addition, IMLS has begun to use 

social media and other strategies to enhance public participation. Welaunched an enhanced website using a 

content management system that allows the public to learn about agency investments in community institutions and find data and policy briefs on early learning, health, workforce, STEM learning, broadband, global 

awareness, and education support.

In developing its strategic plan, IMLS used IdeaScale, a social media platform, to engage citizen participation.

More than 1,400 users participated by voting for their favorite ideas, adding new ideas, and commenting on 

ideas. The IMLS blog continues to be a source of “what works” in libraries and museums and amplifies the 

impact of individual grants. Recently, IMLS created a Facebook page and encouraged its 33 National Medals 

Finalists to ask the public to share stories on the IMLS website.
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 27

IMLS Administration

Administrative Request by Object Class Code

In FY 2014, the IMLS request for administrative costs is $14,000,000. Areas supported by this request are 

summarized below.

Table 3: IMLS History of Administration Costs: FY 2012 – FY2014 ($ in thousands) 

Object Class Description

FY 2012 

Actual

FY 2013 

CR

FY 2014

Request

11000/12000/13000 Personnel Compensation and Benefits 9,100 9,200 9,000

21000 Travel and Transportation of Persons 825 825 720

22000 Transportation of Things 25 20 20

23000 Rental of Space (Rent, Communications 

and Utilities), Equipment Rental, Telephone Services, Postage

2,000 1,750 1,550

24000 Printing and Reproduction 55 50 40

25000 Other Contractual Services 2,380 2,540 2,545

26000 Supplies and Materials 60 60 50

31000 Equipment 60 60 75

Total $14,505 $14,505 $14,000

11000 Personnel Compensation

12000 Personnel Benefits

13000 Benefits for Former Personnel

Amount Requested: $9,000,000

These object classes fund the salaries and benefits of all employees, including full-time, part-time, temporary, 

and intermittent appointments (for example, the National Museum and Library Services Board [NMLSB]). To 

minimize personnel costs, the salary for the NMLSB will remain at $100/day. The personnel benefits provide 

estimated contributions toward employees’ retirement, health, and life insurance plans, as well as costs for 

unemployment benefits and injuries sustained in the workplace. Additionally, costs associated with public 

transportation subsidies afforded to the agency’s employees are included in this category. This request reflects 

the proposed federal pay increase of one percent in FY 2014. This funding request will provide for 69 FTE in 

2014.

21000 Travel and Transportation of Persons

Amount Requested: $720,000

This object class supports travel for IMLS staff to conduct site visits to oversee IMLS grants, panel reviews for 

the discretionary grant programs, convenings for state data collection and Grants to States professional development activities, and staff presentations on IMLS programs. Travel funds also support the annual National 

Medals for Museum and Library Service as well two NMLSB meetings.

Since FY 2010 IMLS has reduced funds allocated to travel and transportation by over $300,000. Immediate 

savings are being directed towards IMLS grant programs, as well as improving the transparency of and accountability for federal spending, using more robust tracking and analytical tools that are becoming available to 

federal agencies.
28 - Institute of Museum and Library Services

IMLS ADMINISTRATION

22000 Transportation of Things

Amount Requested: $20,000

This object class includes freight and express charges by common carrier, contract carriers, and other incidental expenses. Attendance at library and museum conventions, conferences, and meetings requires shipment of 

the Institute’s displays and certain associated materials. This area also includes mail transportation charges for 

express package services (i.e., charges for transporting freight).

23000 Rent, Communications and Utilities, Rental of Space (Standard Level Usage Charge), 

Equipment Rental, Telephone Services, Postage

Amount Requested: $1,550,000

This object class includes funding for the agency’s office space through the General Services Agency (GSA); 

communication technology services, including data, voice, and cable services; equipment rental; rental of audiovisual equipment used in presentations at conference sessions and off-site meetings; and postage.

In FY 2013 IMLS fully consolidated into a reduced space at our GSA-leased building, lowering the monthly 

rental space costs.

24000 Printing and Reproduction 

Amount Requested: $40,000

This object class funds the composition and printing of program applications and guidelines, research publications, conference proceedings, and Federal Register notices. To help contain costs in this category we continue 

to promote and expand the use of our website and other various forms of social media. The site provides access 

to program guidelines, grant information, recent awards lists, and a variety of information about IMLS initiatives, activities, and programs. We will continue to expand the electronic dissemination of all public materials 

reach prospective grantees from institutions of all sizes and in all geographic areas to keep printing costs at a 

minimum.

25000 Other Contractual Services

Amount Requested: $2,545,000

This object class supports a wide range of contractual services that are not covered in any of the preceding 

categories. Included in this expense category are costs for

•	 the support, maintenance, and improvement of information technology systems, including cyber-security 

activities;

•	 partnerships and interagency agreements for financial management systems, accounting and reporting 

services, payroll processing, grant indirect cost proposals, building security, and other required government 

services;

•	 information technology support such as the IMLS Help Desk, State Program Reporting system, and maintenance of the General Supporting System for all agency operations;

•	 independent financial and IT-related audits;

•	 Grants Management Line of Business and Grants.gov related expenses;

•	 employee training;

•	 agency contracts for temporary personnel assistance; and

•	 honoraria for panelist and field reviewers for grant proposals and applications.
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 29

IMLS Administration

26000 Supplies and Materials

Amount Requested: $50,000

This object class funds only the essential office supplies needed in carrying out the business of IMLS. IMLS 

continues to be a partner in the GSA SmartPay2 charge card program, receiving discounts and thereby holding 

these expenses to a minimum.

31000 Equipment 

Amount Requested: $75,000

This object class supports all equipment, furniture, and office machines having a useful life in excess of one 

year, such as chairs, desks, file cabinets, IT equipment, and printers. It also includes routine upgrades to local 

area network hardware and software in order to accommodate upgrades in database management and financial 

data. The majority of anticipated equipment expenditures will be for technology renewal of office automation 

equipment, systems software, and furniture that would be more expensive to repair than replace. We intend to 

maximize the usefulness of existing hardware by upgrading rather than purchasing new equipment wherever 

possible. Rapid changes in technology, however, will make it necessary to purchase some new computer equipment, integration systems software and hardware, and electronic data exchange systems. This will enable us to 

be responsive to and compliant with Administration directives and guidance and federal laws, to remain on the 

cutting edge of technology in delivering services, and to continue being efficient.

Total Administrative Services Request: $14,000,000
FY 2014 Performance Plan

Photo courtesy of Nebraska’s Omaha Children’s Museum
Institute of Museum and Library Services - 31

Build Evidence

Act on 

Evidence

Support 

Knowledge

Diffusion

Evaluate 

Effectiveness

Revise 

Programs

FY 2014

Performance Plan

FY 2014 PERFORMANCE PLAN

Step 1: Build Evidence 

Over the past two years IMLS has focused considerable effort on improving its capacity to monitor grant 

program investments and measure impact. The agency has reconfigured its policy and operational leadership 

structure, reorganized work units, and altered staffing allocations to concentrate greater resources on technical 

assistance, strategic partnerships, evaluation of program impacts, and the communication of best practices.

The agency’s five-year strategic plan provides a clear road map for synthesizing lessons learned from grant 

making, national initiatives, and policy research to inform future investments, share best practices, and build 

organizational capacity across the library and museum sectors. Staff from each of the agency’s program and 

operational units is actively engaged in the implementation of the new strategic plan, with cross-agency teams 

established to monitor progress for each goal.

Step 2: Act on Evidence

IMLS functions as a learning organization with significant content-area expertise. The IMLS program staff possesses a significant depth of experience in the museum and library service sectors. IMLS constantly reviews its 

grant and project portfolios. These reviews increase administrative efficiency, monitor program performance, 

and develop more targeted grant guidelines.

In the earliest stage of the grant process, experienced library, museum and education sector professionals 

perform a two-tiered peer review of applications to assure that project proposals are in line with best practices.

All grantees report on the conduct of their projects on an annual basis and on project outcomes at the conclusion of the grant period. IMLS is working with evaluation experts and museum and library stakeholders to build 

more robust outcome-based reporting tools. In addition, third party evaluations of IMLS grant programs are 

conducted on a rolling basis to measure program impact and review administrative functions and efficiency 

and program costs.

In areas where greater evidence of effective practice is needed, IMLS is experimenting with making smaller 

challenge grants. In areas where effective practice is known, IMLS is encouraging applicants to align program 

efforts with these practices.

FY 2014 Performance Improvement Model
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FY 2014 PERFORMANCE PLAN

Step 3: Evaluate Effectiveness

For many years, IMLS worked to improve evaluation capacity in the field by providing general guidance materials broadly and technical assistance to individual grantees on a project-by-project basis. While many grantees 

found the technical assistance valuable, the strategy was not effective at documenting lessons learned for the 

field or in building a stronger community of practice for museum or library service evaluation.

The agency is now shifting its emphasis from project-level assessment to program-level performance assessment and is now monitoring efficiency and performance in its museum and library service grant programs. In 

addition to funding third-party program evaluations, IMLS is working with its grantees to develop more detailed 

program plans and assessment protocols.

Step 4: Support Knowledge Diffusion

IMLS recognizes that improving evaluation practices without communicating results does little to improve museum and library services. IMLS works to identify and create new, more effective knowledge-sharing opportunities. In its grant programs, IMLS requires all grantees to share findings through publicly accessible publications, conference presentations, journal articles and/or association websites. The agency is working to develop 

a new suite of performance reports that will collect more standardized data on project practices and outcomes 

and allow for greater comparison within and across grant programs. To improve access to research data IMLS 

has revised grant guidelines to require that all research grantees include data access plans.

Step 5: Continually Revise Agency Programs and Services to Incorporate Best Practice

IMLS’s strategic plan builds on the agency’s strategic resources to achieve positive public outcomes for communities and individuals; support the role of museums and libraries in preserving and providing access to 

collections and content; and promote library, museum, and information service policies that ensure access to 

information for all Americans. IMLS developed the five-year plan with significant public input, via public meetings and discussions with stakeholder groups and the use of social media tools.

Since adoption of the plan, IMLS has refined project plans to align with the agency’s broad goals.
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FY 2014

Performance Plan

Strategic Plan Update

The IMLS Strategic Plan 2012 – 2016 is a living document and provides the framework for the annual performance plan, with activities focused on the five strategic goals. We have included specific plans for high-priority 

activities in FY 2014.

Learning: IMLS places the learner at the center and supports engaging experiences in libraries and museums 

that prepare people to be full participants in their local communities and our global society. 

To succeed in our rapidly changing society and economy, individuals must keep informed of relevant events 

and trends, develop perspective and judgment, gain new knowledge to remain current in their occupations, and 

continually update their skills. Everyone is welcome at our nation’s libraries and museums, giving these institutions the unique capacity to reach the marginalized and underserved.

Through their collections, exhibits, programs (onsite, offsite, and online), and partnerships, these institutions 

serve as essential and trusted components of the nation’s learning ecosystem, providing opportunities for lifelong learning. They satisfy critical needs for pre-K, out-of-school, afterschool, summer, and adult learning.

IMLS has demonstrated its commitment to supporting accessible programs targeted at underserved communities. We are developing analytical tools and communication platforms to share best practices. We continue 

to seek out educational partners and to document their success. IMLS supports professional development of 

the library and museum workforce by analyzing past investments and convening stakeholders to share lessons 

learned and inform future grant making.

In 2014, IMLS will

•	 establish funding priority to build stronger youth program in libraries and museums,

•	 support a library and museum pilot initiative to provide school readiness programming in communities with 

high concentrations of low-income children in non-structured day care, and

•	 continue to support national efforts to ensure that all Americans are digitally literate and competitive in 

the 21st century.

Community: IMLS promotes museums and libraries as strong community anchors that enhance civic 

engagement, cultural opportunities, and economic vitality. 

Healthy, thriving, sustainable communities need institutions that strengthen civic life, understand and respond 

to community needs, and provide common experiences that knit together diverse interests. Museums and 

libraries are community-based organizations that can serve as these anchor institutions. They connect people 

to information and ideas. They encourage the participation and dialogue that are crucial to creating a sense 

of place and strengthening the link between individuals and their communities. They are more than just safe 

places for community gathering; they provide a center for community vitality, a connecting point for community 

services, and a venue for cultural expression and lifelong learning.

IMLS identifies and leverages innovative services developed in one community and then shares the strategies 

and approaches with similar service providers in other communities. IMLS uses its targeted federal investments to optimize use of private, state, and local funds; ensure that underserved populations are reached; and 

provide links to practice, research, and data across agencies working to address community needs.
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FY 2014 PERFORMANCE PLAN

In FY2012, the agency made several specific investments including a new partnership with the Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) and a grant to the American Library Association to improve librarians’ capacity to serve as effective community conveners. We continue to sustain and enhance partnerships with other 

federal agencies.

In 2014, IMLS will support ongoing efforts with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to streamline services for naturalization process using the infrastructure and capacity of libraries and pilot initiatives to model 

libraries and museums as leaders in solving community challenges

Content: IMLS supports exemplary stewardship of museum and library collections and promotes the use of 

technology to facilitate discovery of knowledge and cultural heritage.

Access to museum and library collections helps to fuel innovation, inspire the development of new knowledge, and increase global understanding. Too many of the collections held in U.S. libraries and museums 

are at risk and in need of proper storage, emergency planning, and conservation treatment. IMLS is helping 

these institutions to digitize and share their collections and develop new standards and protocols to preserve 

and provide access to “born digital” data and objects.

IMLS programs help to leverage local dollars and strengthen partnerships to support management, care, and 

access to collections and to the information, meaning, and content they represent. IMLS has made significant investments through its grant programs, national initiatives, and partnerships to foster best practices in 

collections management, preservation, and digitization.

These activities include the traditional priorities of its library, museum, and archive constituencies. IMLS 

is the primary federal agency providing support for collections care at the local level. This work is critical to 

the success of museums and libraries, and IMLS has the knowledge to provide this support and assistance.

Based on the review of completed projects, the Institute is developing an action plan for collections care 

training. To support digital and virtual collections, IMLS will focus on evaluating existing activities and encourage more cost-effective and efficient use of technology.

In 2014, IMLS will support

•	 survey research and analysis to determine the impact of investments made in response to the national 

assessment of state of collections (2005 Heritage Health Index), with a full report to be issued in 2015, 

and

•	 initiatives that develop a common infrastructure for sharing and providing access to digital content.

Access: IMLS advises the President and Congress on plans, policies, and activities that sustain and increase public 

access to information and ideas.

In an economy powered by knowledge, libraries and museums ensure equitable access to information, a 

cornerstone of economic growth and a strong democracy. Technology is changing the ways that people access 

and use library and museum services.

Through its statistical collection and analysis and research, IMLS identifies barriers to information access 

and supports the development of methods to overcome them.
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FY 2014

Performance Plan

In 2014, IMLS will continue to monitor the ability of all Americans to access free content through their local 

public library and support the development of systems to ensure that free access remains available

Model Agency: IMLS achieves excellence in public management and performs as a model organization through 

strategic alignment of IMLS resources and prioritization of programmatic activities, maximizing value for the 

American public.

IMLS continues its commitment to improve administrative efficiencies and focus on its high-quality stewardship of public funds and outstanding public service: 

•	 The Office of Communications and Government Affairs has increased its use of social media and other 

strategies and has increased interagency collaborations.

•	 The Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation collects evidence-based data to inform grant-making 

priorities.

•	 The Office of Strategic Partnerships identifies productive partnerships to strengthen IMLS impact and use 

taxpayer dollars wisely.

IMLS is proud of its ongoing exemplary stewardship of and accountability for federal funds. We strive to be a 

model agency in effective and efficient management, and have received accolades from our peers and congressional leaders on our management reforms.

In 2014, IMLS priorities will include the following:

•	 Implement the eGMS grants management system with the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) 

and National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to streamline the grants cycle from start to finish.

•	 Implement an agency-wide training plan based on realignment of required competencies and 21st century 

workplace skills.

•	 Expand the sharing of grant information with the public, including applications, grant performance reporting, and post-award analysis of success in meeting grant objectives.
Authorizing Framework

Photo by Chris Tumbusch, courtesy of the Pierce County Library System in Tacoma, Washington 
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Authorizing Framework

AUTHORIZING FRAMEWORK

This justification requests funding under both the Museum and Library Services Act and the National Museum for African American History and Culture Act. The Museum and Library Services Act authorizes programs through FY 2016. The National Museum for African American History and Culture Act is a permanent 

authorization.

This section provides highlights of the Museum and Library Services Act and the African American History and 

Culture Act, key IMLS programs and activities, and the distribution of IMLS funds.

Library Services 

All the programs support the following goals, as stated in the updated IMLS statute 

(20 U.S.C. §9121):

•	 to enhance coordination among Federal programs that relate to library and information services; 

•	 to promote continuous improvement in library services in all types of libraries in order to better serve 

the people of the United States; 

•	 to facilitate access to resources in all types of libraries for the purpose of cultivating an educated and 

informed citizenry; 

•	 to encourage resource sharing among all types of libraries for the purpose of achieving economical and 

efficient delivery of library services to the public; 

•	 to promote literacy, education, and lifelong learning and to enhance and expand the services and 

resources provided by libraries, including those services and resources relating to workforce development, 21st century skills, and digital literacy skills; 

•	 to enhance the skills of the current library workforce and to recruit future professionals to the field of 

library and information services; 

•	 to ensure the preservation of knowledge and library collections in all formats and to enable libraries to 

serve their communities during disasters; 

•	 to enhance the role of libraries within the information infrastructure of the United States in order to 

support research, education, and innovation; and 

•	 to promote library services that provide users with access to information through national, State, local, 

regional, and international collaborations and networks. 

Library Grants to States

SLAAs may use the appropriation for statewide initiatives and services for:

1. expanding services for learning and access to information and educational resources in a variety of 

formats, in all types of libraries, for individuals of all ages in order to support such individuals’ needs 

for education, lifelong learning, workforce development, and digital literacy skills;

2. establishing or enhancing electronic and other linkages and improved coordination among and between 

libraries and entities, as described in 9134(b)(6) of this title, for the purpose of improving the quality 

of and access to library and information services;

3. (A) providing training and professional development, including continuing education, to enhance the 

skills of the current library workforce and leadership, and advance the delivery of library and infor-
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AUTHORIZING FRAMEWORK

mation services; and (B) enhancing efforts to recruit future professionals to the field of library and 

information services;

4. developing public and private partnerships with other agencies and community-based organizations;

5. targeting library services to individuals of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to individuals with disabilities, and to individuals with limited functional literacy or information skills;

6. targeting library and information services to persons having difficulty using a library and to underserved 

urban and rural communities, including children (from birth through age 17) from families with incomes below the poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget and revised annually in accordance with section 9902(2) of title 42) applicable to a family of the size involved;

7. developing library services that provide all users access to information through local, State, regional, 

national, and international collaborations and networks; and

8. carrying out other activities consistent with the purposes set forth in section 9121 of this title, as 

described in the state library administrative agency’s plan.

Library Discretionary Grants 

The Library Services Discretionary Grants Programs are established in 20 U.S.C. Sections 9161, 9162, and 

9165 and include: National Leadership Grants, Native American Library Services Basic Grants, Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants, Native Hawaiian Library Services, and Laura Bush 21st Century 

Librarian Program.

National Leadership Grants support projects that address challenges faced by the museums, libraries, and/or 

archives and that have the potential to advance the practices of those institutions. According to statute, the 

funded activities may include

1. building workforce and institutional capacity for managing the national information infrastructure and 

serving the information and education needs of the public; 

2. (A) research and demonstration projects related to the improvement of libraries or the enhancement 

of library and information services through effective and efficient use of new technologies, including 

projects that enable library users to acquire digital literacy skills and that make information resources 

more accessible and available; and (B) dissemination of information derived from such projects; 

3. preserving or digitizing of library materials and resources, giving priority to projects emphasizing coordination, avoidance of duplication, and access by researchers beyond the institution or library entity 

undertaking the project, including the development of national, regional, statewide, or local emergency 

plans that would ensure the preservation of knowledge and library collections in the event of a disaster; and 

4. model programs demonstrating cooperative efforts between libraries and museums.
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Authorizing Framework

The Native American Library Services Basic Grant funds are distributed in equal amounts among eligible 

applicants. Basic Grants may support existing library operations and maintain core library services. The Native American Library Services Enhancement Grant program and the Native Hawaiian Library Services Grant 

program are competitive; projects may enhance existing library services or implement new library services.

The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program is also a competitive grant program. The statutory purposes of 

the program are

1. recruiting and educating the next generation of librarians, including by encouraging middle or high 

school students and postsecondary students to pursue careers in library and information science; 

2. developing faculty and library leaders, including by increasing the institutional capacity of graduate 

schools of library and information science; and 

3. enhancing the training and professional development of librarians and the library workforce to meet 

the needs of their communities, including those needs relating to literacy and education, workforce 

development, lifelong learning, and digital literacy.

Museum Services

The Museum and Library Services Act authorizes the IMLS Office of Museum Services for these purposes:

1. Encouraging and supporting museums in carrying out their public service role of connecting the whole 

of society to the cultural, artistic, historical, natural, and scientific understandings that constitute our 

heritage

2. Encouraging and supporting museums in carrying out their educational role, as core providers of learning and in conjunction with schools, families, and communities

3. Encouraging leadership, innovation, and applications of the most current technologies and practices 

to enhance museum services through international, national, regional, State, and local networks and 

partnerships 

4. Assisting, encouraging and supporting museums in carrying out their stewardship responsibilities to 

achieve the highest standards in conservation and care of the cultural, historic, natural, and scientific 

heritage of the United States to benefit future generations

5. Assisting, encouraging and supporting museums in achieving the highest standards of management 

and service to the public, and to ease the financial burden borne by museums as a result of their 

increasing use by the public

6. Supporting resource sharing and partnerships among museums, libraries, schools, and other community organizations

7. Encouraging and supporting museums as a part of economic development and revitalization in communities

8. Ensuring museums of various types and sizes in diverse geographic regions of the United States are 

afforded attention and support 

9. Supporting efforts at the State level to leverage museum resources and maximize museum services
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AUTHORIZING FRAMEWORK

The National Museum of African American History and Culture Act 

This Act directs the Director of IMLS to consult with the Council and Director of the National Museum of 

African American History and Culture to establish the following:

1. a grant program with the purpose of improving operations, care of collections, and development of professional management at African American museums;

2. a grant program with the purpose of providing internship and fellowship opportunities at African American museums;

3. a scholarship program with the purpose of assisting individuals who are pursuing careers or carrying 

out studies in the arts, humanities, and sciences in the study of African American life, art, history, and 

culture.

Museum Discretionary Programs

Program Purpose

Museums for America Build capacity, community engagement, or management and 

care of collections.

National Leadership Grants, Develop innovative tools, partnerships, or other resources that 

impact multiple institutions and advance the museum profession.

Native American/Native Hawaiian 

Museum Services

Improve museum services for federally recognized tribes and 

organizations that serve Native Hawaiians.

Museum Grants for African American 

History and Culture

Build the capacity of African American museums through professional training and development.

Policy Research, Analysis, Data Collection, and Dissemination

Section 9018 of the Museum and Library Services Act authorizes the Director of IMLS to annually conduct 

policy research, analysis, and data collection with ongoing collaboration (as determined appropriate by the 

Director), and in consultation, with (1) state library administrative agencies; (2) national, state, and regional 

library and museum organizations; (3) other relevant agencies and organizations.

1. The legislation further states that the policy research, analysis, and data collection shall be used to

2. identify national needs for and trends in museum, library, and information services; 

3. measure and reports on the impact and effectiveness of museum, library, and information services 

throughout the United States, including the impact of federal programs authorized under this Act; 

4. identify best practices; and 

5. develop plans to improve museum, library, and information services of the United States and to 

strengthen national, state, local, regional, and international communications and cooperative networks.

IMLS provides reliable and objective data and analysis to inform policy decisions. It is a source of information about library and museum service trends, including analysis of market conditions that affect the 
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Authorizing Framework

financial health of the museum and library sectors and research on emerging services. IMLS is committed to 

supporting highly diverse perspectives, methods, and researchers to advance museum and library and information services research.

Interagency Collaboration

The Museum and Library Services Act authorizes the IMLS Director to support interagency collaboration: 

The Director shall work jointly with the individuals heading relevant Federal departments and agencies, 

including the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Education, the Administrator of the Small Business 

Administration, the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, the Director of the National 

Science Foundation, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of State, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Housing 

and Urban Development, the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Chairman of the 

National Endowment of the Humanities, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, or 

the designees of such individuals, on 

1. initiatives, materials, or technology to support workforce development activities undertaken by 

libraries;

2. resource and policy approaches to eliminate barriers to fully leveraging the roles of libraries and 

museums in supporting the early learning, literacy, lifelong learning, digital literacy, workforce 

development, and education needs of the people of the United States; and 

3. initiatives, materials, or technology to support educational, cultural, historical, scientific, environmental, and other activities undertaken by museums.

4. IMLS has a wide range of interagency partnerships with purposes including advancing broadband 

adoption, coordinating early learning activities, and supporting the effective delivery of workforce 

development services.
To limit printing costs, the Institute of Museum and Library Services is restricting the print run 

of this document to a limited number of copies. An electronic version is available for download 

at www.imls.gov/assets/1/AssetManager/FY14_CJ.pdf.