Created by the Museum and Library Services Act of 1996, P.L. 104-208, IMLS administers the Library Services and Technology Act and the Museum Services Act. 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 fund 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. Native American Library Services Grants support the development of basic library services, technical assistance and enhancement of library services for Federally recognized tribes, Alaska Native villages and Native Hawaiians. 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.