On April 8, 2025, the American Library Association (ALA) and AFSCME filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in response to proposed federal budget cuts that would eliminate funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). These budget cuts threaten to gut the agency entirely which would severely weaken public libraries' ability to serve communities nationwide.
While this may appear to be an attack on government infrastructure, its ripple effects extend far beyond. For the educational media distribution landscape, the implications are serious: fewer library funds mean fewer acquisitions, reduced programming budgets, and less flexibility for librarians to invest in quality media collections. In short: selling to libraries is about to get a lot harder.
What’s Happening with IMLS?
IMLS is the primary source of federal funding for libraries and museums in the United States. It distributes more than $250 million annually to support library services, technology upgrades, staffing, and educational resources. The majority of this funding is funneled through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) to state and local library systems.
The administration's budget proposal calls for the complete elimination of IMLS, a move reminiscent of previous attempts that Congress rejected. However, this time, the proposal includes more pointed language, and the lawsuit filed by ALA and AFSCME highlights procedural failures in how the cuts were proposed. The plaintiffs argue that the administration failed to comply with statutory requirements, including providing adequate justification for the elimination and assessing the impact on underserved populations.
If the cuts go through - or if the uncertainty surrounding them delays grant disbursement or stifles library planning -many libraries will be forced to freeze or scale back purchasing decisions for the coming year.
Why This Matters for Distributors
Libraries are among the biggest institutional buyers of educational and documentary content. Whether in rural systems serving remote areas or urban hubs curating public events, libraries are consistent, values-driven partners for distributors.
Eliminating IMLS threatens this stability. Already operating on thin local budgets, many libraries depend on federal support to:
-Acquire new films for public viewing and collection development
-Run literacy and media literacy programs
-Subscribe to streaming platforms with independent and educational titles
-Host community screenings
For distributors, these effects could be felt sooner than expected. Reduced discretionary funds mean fewer purchase orders, smaller licensing agreements, and more competition for shelf space. Independent distributors focused on mission-driven or specialized content may face even greater challenges.
Be Proactive, Not Passive
It’s tempting to take a “wait and see” approach but uncertainty alone can chill library spending. Many institutions base their annual procurement decisions on anticipated IMLS disbursements. If those funds are delayed, reduced, or eliminated, entire purchasing cycles can be thrown off.
Distributors should take action now:
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on developments from ALA, IMLS, and your state library agency. Knowing how local funding may shift can help you anticipate client behavior.
Offer Scalable Solutions: Libraries facing budget constraints may be more open to flexible pricing, tiered licenses, or limited-time subscriptions. Adaptabilitlibray builds long-term trust.
Align with Their Mission: Libraries are seeking content that supports DEI, youth engagement, civic education, and community connection. Distributors who can clearly articulate how their catalog meets those goals will stand out.
How Video Librarian Is Supporting the Community
We’re committed to supporting both librarians and distributors through this uncertain time. Our goal has always been to serve as a trusted, comprehensive resource for librarians - helping them spend their budgets wisely with clear, informed recommendations.
For distributors, we’ll continue to highlight your films and connect them with library buyers. With funding at risk, effective outreach and visibility are more important than ever, and we’re here to help you maintain those vital connections.