WHAT THE BILL DOES

S. 2271, Museum and Library Services Act of 2018

This bill renews MLSA to enhance the ability of libraries and museums to address community needs, including workforce development, literacy, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. It is supported by the American Library Association and the American Alliance of Museums, maintains current authorization levels, and includes these key changes:

General Provisions

• Strengthens the use of data driven tools, including research, analysis and modeling, evaluation, and dissemination, to measure the impact and maximize the effectiveness of library and museum services, build capacity, and better tailor local services to address and meet community needs.

• Provides technical support and assistance to help the libraries and museums with data collection responsibilities; enhances consultation and public engagement in research, data collection, analysis, and dissemination activities; and ensures that disseminated materials are accessible and easy to digest and use.

• Enhances the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ collaborative efforts with an expanded number of federal agencies to fully leverage the role of libraries and museums in supporting and meeting the needs of Americans.

• Increases the reservation for Services for Native Americans to more closely match appropriations.

• Provides IMLS with additional tools to responsibly meet its oversight and programmatic responsibilities

Library and Services Technology Act

• Recognizes the roles of libraries as community hubs, equipped to serve evolving and diverse community needs (including those of rural residents, individuals with disabilities, Native Americans, veterans, military families, and caregivers, among others) in such areas as literacy; education; lifelong learning; health information; workforce development; economic and business development; digital literacy, critical thinking, and financial literacy; and new and emerging technology.

• Provides for the awarding of National Leadership grant funds on activities that serve a range of library types and geographically diverse areas; include evaluation, analysis, and dissemination components; and actively involve, have direct impact on, or provide future application in libraries. Clarifies that grant funds can be used to help libraries prepare for and provide services after a disaster or emergency.

• Emphasizes recruiting and training of our nation’s next generation of library and information science professionals – necessary for an information economy — from a broad range of backgrounds.

Museum Services

• Authorizes activities to improve the recruitment, preparation, and professional development of museum professionals to preserve our heritage for future generations.

• Highlights the educational role of museums and the ways that museums engage and strengthen their communities.

• Encourages partnerships with other agencies, professional networks, and community-based organizations to leverage museum services in service to the nation.