A recent order by President Donald Trump to cut funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services has raised concerns. The budget cuts could affect the Samuel H. Coleman Memorial Library, an essential resource for students and academic life on campus.
The IMLS, a crucial source of federal funding for libraries nationwide, supports essential resources, programs and services. At FAMU, Coleman Library serves as a vital academic hub, providing students with access to books, research materials, digital resources and collaborative study spaces.
“The Institute of Museum and Library Services provides vital federal funding to libraries across the nation, allowing them to deliver essential resources, programs and services to students and community members,” explained a university representative.
From the perspective of a student library assistant at Coleman Library, the impact of these resources is undeniable. Beyond the library’s impressive collection of over 1.2 million volumes and an annual circulation of approximately 64,000 items, it serves as a crucial hub for student collaboration, study and support. Assisting students with research, database navigation and citation formatting underscores the vital role of adequate funding in maintaining these essential services.
“This library is the heart of our campus, a place full of positivity,” said Ms. Lillie Muse, who has worked at Coleman Library for 35 years and is well known for her dedication to students. She explained that cutting funding could make it harder for the library to provide support and a sense of belonging for students.
“The students are my heart!” Ms. Muse said. “I come to work every day hoping to make a positive difference for each student I meet. This library is more than just a place to study — it’s a place where students feel supported and at home. If I’ve helped even a little in their success, then I know I’ve done my job.”
The proposed cuts could lead to reduced library hours, diminished access to research databases, staffing reductions and a decrease in available books and materials. These changes would disproportionately affect students, hindering their academic success and professional development.
Libraries are more than just places to check out books; they are the very foundation where students build their futures. To protect libraries from these proposed cuts, the community should get more involved. We can do this by talking with classmates and professors, reaching out to local leaders about why libraries matter, joining library support groups and using social media to spread the message.
Libraries provide the tools necessary for success, and through unified action, we can ensure their continued strength and accessibility for generations to come.