DEFUNDING THE STACKS: EXECUTIVE ORDER 14238 AND ITS IMPACT ON PUBLIC LIBRARIES

March 14, 2025’s Executive Order 14238 eliminated, “to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law” the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the main source of federal support for libraries in the United States. This study describes the experiences of public library leadership as they navigate the implications of the order, as well as the uncertainty and operational challenges created by the ensuing legal battles. Through a content analysis of data collected from interviews, it seeks to understand how public library directors and senior administrators interpret the policy shift, respond to the associated challenges, and adapt their organizations to rapidly changing federal and legal conditions. These interviews demonstrate that despite their resilience, public libraries in the United States are very vulnerable to funding cuts and political issues.