The library and information science (LIS) field continues to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of diverse communities, including the demands of a hyperconnected world. The result is the reimagining and reengineering of libraries as physical and digital spaces and recalibrating their roles in, and relationships with, their communities. Those outside our field may marvel at—or be disconcerted by—transformations they experience as new, seismic shifts from what they understand about libraries. We know the transformation is far from sudden, and far from over. Understanding this, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is using best practices and key research to better understand and equip libraries with the tools needed to address the future needs of the diverse communities they serve.

FROM REVOLUTION TO EVOLUTION

The pandemic presented a scaled, global demonstration of library responsiveness. IMLS recently released Public Library Survey (PLS) data that illustrates the countless ways public library staff created or adopted new policies, service models, products, and partnerships, or reconfigured existing ones to meet current and future demands. In addition, we know that staff in all types of libraries, archives, the academy, associations, and partner organizations expertly and creatively supported their respective communities during the height of the pandemic. IMLS can certainly find examples among the many projects we were able to fund through the CARES Act, American Rescue Plan Act, and our regular funding opportunities.

Commentary outside of LIS often cast libraries’ ability to pivot as extraordinary and revolutionary. Consider this, though: The first integrated library systems, online public access catalogs, and forerunners to our modern online search functions were developed in the 1960s–70s in libraries by LIS professionals. The field was in the vanguard of the origins of the information age that laid the foundation of our contemporary digital and virtual lives. Through IMLS grantmaking, research, and policy work, I see the continuous contributions of the field that have stewarded the world from digital revolution to digital evolution.

Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robots, and the impact they bring are the wonders and worries of the day—much like the internet was three decades ago. Just as we did then, we are leveraging principles and practices to amplify the promise and mitigate the pitfalls of these and other disruptive technologies. A cursory look at IMLS awards indicates LIS work with AI going back at least a decade. Our collective examination of and experimentation with AI, machine learning, and whatever comes next will contribute to safe, equitable application of and access to tools and information that allow everyone the opportunity to participate in civic life.

CIVIC LIFE, LITERACY, AND THE PURSUIT OF WELL-BEING

Libraries are adapting new technologies to meet the needs of communities, increase civic engagement, and promote information literacy to empower community members to fully participate in civic life. IMLS recently hosted a delegation of bright, dynamic young adults participating in the national 4-H Conference. These community leaders were challenged to investigate how museums and libraries could better help young adults participate more in the civic life of their communities. They articulated a deep appreciation for libraries, and a keen understanding of the challenges libraries face today—a testament to positive, impactful engagements with their local libraries. They presented solutions reflecting their deeply rooted digital lives, and their desires to be better informed citizens and community members. They strongly believe libraries are situated to prepare them.

The field has been at the forefront of broadening the concept of literacy to include health, financial, and digital literacy as necessary for civic life and well-being, while attempting to make libraries central to developing literacy skills. Through its stewardship of the Information Literacy Taskforce, IMLS has convened federal agency partners, experts, and practitioners to develop strategies, resources, and practices that can be used locally to empower individuals to think critically about information in an ever-expanding information environment.

It is widely accepted that reading and literacy are one of the most important determinants of future outcomes for young people. IMLS continues to reimagine its investments as formats evolve, reading habits change, and new practices develop. Child reading and literacy are focal points of IMLS’s inaugural Learning Agenda. Shaped in collaboration with researchers and practitioners across LIS and adjacent fields and disciplines, research in child reading and literacy will investigate issues and opportunities for libraries in this critical area of our collective work.

COLLABORATION, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, COMMEMORATION

Libraries’ work to anticipate the changing needs of communities has been as great an impetus in their transformation as technology. They have continually collaborated in new ways with new partners to help fill social, educational, and cultural gaps. These types of partnerships challenge us to rethink engagement as an invitation to create and build with communities, as opposed to doing something to or for them. The outcomes of these collaborations are important, but often the unknown, unacknowledged histories and narratives that shape the present can inform the future.

IMLS’s mission is to support, advance, and empower libraries through our grantmaking, research, and policy development. In turn, we are inspired. IMLS has partnered with PBS Books to present “Visions of America: All People, All Stories, All Places,” a digital-first series of videos and virtual conversations to commemorate the nation’s upcoming Semiquincentennial in 2026. The series showcases local stories that amplify diverse voices and spotlights cultural institutions that are often considered hidden gems. In addition, the series offers a curriculum for educators and library and museum professionals to host programmatic discussions on these stories and their profound impacts. We have also funded projects and forged partnerships that center library staff and libraries as trusted conveners, facilitators of civic participation, and stewards of democracy. As the Semiquincentennial approaches, I invite you to consider the ways your communities, institutions, and scholarship can support the telling of their own untold stories, spark discourse, and find the common good to celebrate.

Cyndee Landrum currently serves as Acting Director of IMLS. Previously, she served as the Deputy for Library Services, overseeing the Agency’s largest program, Grants to States, the primary source of federal funding for libraries.