Analysis of Seacoast-area Public Libraries Funding Cuts

Key Facts and Data Points

• Executive Order: The White House issued an executive order on March 14 to reduce or eliminate functions of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
• IMLS Grant: IMLS provides a $1.5 million grant annually to fund the interlibrary loan (ILL) program in New Hampshire.
• Impact on Libraries:
  • Dover Public Library: Loaned 1,546 materials and borrowed 2,263 materials in 2024.
  • Portsmouth Public Library: Borrowed and loaned approximately 2,700 books annually.
• Talking Book Services: Used 59,988 works from Libby (an audiobook, eBook, and digital magazine service) in Dover in 2024.
• Strategic Concerns:
  • Libraries face potential loss of funding for ILL and Talking Book services.
  • No clarity on the extent of funding cuts or alternatives.

Market Implications

• Reduction in Service Access: Elimination of IMLS funding could lead to significant reduction or elimination of interlibrary loan services, impacting access to materials for library patrons across New Hampshire.
• Financial Strain: Libraries may need to reallocate existing budgets or seek alternative funding sources to maintain services, creating financial uncertainty and potential service cuts.
• Impact on Vulnerable Populations: Loss of Talking Book services would disproportionately affect visually impaired individuals who rely on these resources.

Competitive Dynamics

• Statewide Collaboration: The ILL program fosters collaboration among libraries in New Hampshire. Cuts to this funding could disrupt this cooperative model, leading to fragmented service delivery.
• Alternative Funding Challenges: Libraries may explore local or private funding options, but limited resources and lack of clarity on federal cuts complicate strategic planning.

Long-Term Effects

• Potential Service Erosion: Without IMLS funding, libraries may be forced to reduce services, impacting community access to essential resources.
• Regulatory Uncertainty: The executive order creates uncertainty in federal support for cultural institutions, potentially leading to broader implications for library and museum funding nationwide.

Strategic Considerations

• Public Advocacy: Libraries may need to engage in public advocacy to highlight the importance of their services and secure alternative funding sources.
• Resource Optimization: Libraries could explore cost-saving measures or partnerships to maintain services despite potential funding cuts.

Conclusion

The proposed reduction or elimination of IMLS funding poses significant risks to library services in New Hampshire, particularly affecting access to materials and support for visually impaired individuals. The situation underscores the importance of federal funding in sustaining essential public services and highlights the need for strategic adaptation by libraries in the face of financial uncertainty.