The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is an independent agency of the United States federal government established in 1996.

[4] In creating IMLS, Congress observed that the federal library and museum programs are far reaching, spanning cultural, educational, scientific, and information policy matters.

Congress declared in the institute’s authorizing legislation, “Democracy demands wisdom and vision in its citizens,” and an important role of the federal government is to promote education and access to information for people of all backgrounds, wherever located.

[5] By supporting museums and libraries throughout the nation, IMLS enables these organizations to carry out their public service role of connecting the whole of society with the cultural, artistic, historical, natural, and scientific understandings that constitute our heritage.

The Agency helps to ensure that all Americans have access to museum, library, and information services, and invests in new and exploratory approaches, as well as proven and tested methods.

IMLS reports that it funds work that advances collective knowledge, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement, as well as projects that support broadband access and advancing digital literacy, learning and education, civic engagement, climate change, and services that address historic and growing inequities.

[16] Lawmakers saw "great potential in an Institute that is focused on the combined roles that libraries and museums play in our community life.

The act stipulated that the agency maintain a rotating directorship starting with the former director of the Institute of Museum Services for a four-year term.

"[38] The Agency’s discretionary grants are selected through a highly respected and competitive peer review process, drawing on professionals located across the nation.

[39] This work enables museums and libraries located in geographically and economically diverse areas to deliver essential services that make it possible for individuals and communities to flourish.

Each year, approximately 1,500 Grants to States projects support the purposes and priorities outlined in the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

OMS enhances museum resources that foster early, digital, information, health, financial, media, civic, and other types of literacies.

MAP offers museums an opportunity to strengthen operations and plan for the future through a low-cost, year-long process of self-assessment and consultative peer review.

[48] This is the “nation’s highest honor for institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities.” Since 1994, IMLS has presented the award to 182 outstanding libraries and museums of all types and sizes that deeply impact their communities.

This partnership between IMLS and the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers recognizes student poets’ achievements at the national level and highlights the importance of literacy.

During their year of service, the poets lead readings and workshops at libraries, museums, and schools, and participate in a range of regional literary and arts events.

Designed to support the preservation of nationally significant historic properties and collections, the grant program is competitive and requires a dollar-for-dollar match.

Participating museums offer free or greatly reduced admission fees year-round to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders.

[62] IMLS partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to boost COVID-19 vaccine confidence in communities across the United States.

[63] OCLC, IMLS, and Battelle are working together to create and distribute science-based information and recommended practices to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 for museums, libraries, and archives.

[64] The Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE) supports IMLS's efforts to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas.

ORE's functions are detailed in Section 9108 of IMLS’ authorizing legislation, which states that IMLS “collaborate and consult with state library agencies, library and museum organizations, and other relevant agencies and organizations to conduct our research, evaluations, and data collections.” The legislation further states that IMLS “use the research to identify national needs for and trends in museum and library services, measure and report on the services' impact and effectiveness, identify best practices, and develop plans to improve them.” On December 27, 2020, the National Museum of the American Latino Act (“American Latino Act”) (PL116-260) was enacted into law.

The legislation establishes grants and fellowship programs at IMLS to support American Latino Museums and related scholarship.

It authorizes $15 million per year for IMLS to carry out its statutory purpose of recognizing, celebrating, and enhancing understanding of the important history and contributions of American Latinos.

The updated language calls on IMLS to take an active role in research and data collection and to advise the President and Congress on museum, library, and information services.

But the framers of the 2003 law also sought to capitalize on lessons learned since 1996 by amending the initial MLSA in several ways, including the establishment of the National Museum and Library Services Board and incorporating new authority for research and evaluation.