IMLS consists of an Office of the Director, Office of Museum Services, Office of Library Services, and Office of Research and Technology. Each State develops a five-year plan tailored to the individual states' needs and addressing the goals of using technology to expand access and expanding service to those who may have difficulty using the library. However, many public libraries have waiting lists for patrons wanting to access the Internet due to heavy demand. States use IMLS funds to help narrow the digital divide by providing access to computers and to the Internet, community training, and content development. Today's libraries and the librarians are information navigators.
Libraries support learning throughout the lifetime.
States use IMLS grants for after-school programs, homework centers, literacy training, ESL programs, adaptive services for the disabled, job and health information, support for small business, parenting resources and story telling for children, programs for seniors and more. These grants enhance the quality of library services nationwide, improve access to information resources, and encourage collaboration between museums and libraries. Others will contribute to the partnership with NSF, bridging the spectrum from basic research through applied research and demonstration, to implementation of digital libraries. Grants in this program support the development of technology skills and information access, literacy and reading in communities that lack many basic resources and services. This program restructured in FY 2000 supports leadership activities with broad impact.