The budget for fiscal year 2022, known as the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), which began on October 1, 2021, ultimately proposes only fixed funding of $197.4 million. This is all the more surprising when you consider that last summer the US Congress approved an increase of $9 million, to reach a total of $206.5 million.
LSTA funding, which is administered by the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS), using state grants, is the primary source of federal funding dedicated to US libraries.
Not enough in the current context
In a context of inflation and economic uncertainty as the country faces the consequences of the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, this budget represents a reduction in absolute terms compared to the previous. ” With inflation exceeding 7%, the level of funding is not enough for libraries to maintain current programming and facilities, let alone to meet the increasing demand for library services American Library Association (ALA) President Patty Wong said in a statement.
In addition, the ALA says $ 35 million of this budget will be allocated to 31 renovation projects and library construction, we learned Publisher Weekly. Of these 35 million, $2 million will be allocated to missions relating to the ” information literacy “. In recent years, public, school and university libraries have had to invest in new services, such as broadband or computer equipment, not without consequences for their budgets.
The funding for 2022 program of innovative approaches in literacy (IAL), the only federal grant dedicated to school libraries, it has achieved a modest increase of $ million, bringing the program to $ 29 million. Again, the House had approved this summer an increase of $ 3 million, which is no longer on the agenda.
« Make our case »
The budget for the year 2022, passed this summer, was initially greeted quite favorably, before inflation is soaring and the overall economic situation deteriorates. Several items of expenditure were particularly seen their staffing increase modestly, particularly the Department of Education, the Library of Congress, the Government Publishing Office, or the National Library of Medicine.
Librarians hope now better news for future draft 2023 budget Biden government, which is expected soon. For the ALA, this reversal of the government should be seen as a warning to the library community.
« Whatever the direction taken by the administration, library advocates must strive to inform our legislators, as we inform our users, the vital role that libraries play in strengthening communities “Said Wong.
He added: ” This disappointment is an alarm signal for library advocates: we can not rest on our past successes, and we must work even harder to make our case in this complex political climate. »
READ: ‘Law 666’ would criminalize librarians
This Wednesday, March 16, Joe Biden confirmed the release of additional military aid to Ukraine of one billion dollars, and this, in the space of a week. A war that requires upsetting the budget forecasts of the United States, as of all the countries of the world.
Credits: jlhervàs (CC BY 2.0)
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