The infrastructure of libraries and museums in the United States is deteriorating at an alarming rate, posing a threat to the preservation of our cultural heritage and the accessibility of vital public resources.

The Current State of Libraries and Museums

 

Libraries and museums are cornerstones of community engagement, education, and cultural preservation. However, many of these institutions are struggling with outdated facilities, insufficient funding, and the adverse effects of climate change. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) rates our nation’s overall infrastructure every four years and most recently gave us a grade of C-. While this primarily covers roads, bridges, and other physical infrastructure, the situation for social infrastructure like libraries and museums is equally dire​​.

 

The Impact of Climate Change

 

Climate change is exacerbating the vulnerability of galleries, libraries, archives, and museums. According to a study by Louisiana State University (LSU), more than half of these institutions reported increased damage to their collections due to water and moisture, with 10% of this damage resulting from natural disasters between 2017—2019. This damage underscores the urgent need for these institutions to assess and mitigate climate-related risks to protect their invaluable collections​.

The Importance of Social Infrastructure

 

Libraries and museums are more than just repositories of books and artifacts; they are essential social infrastructures that foster community bonds and civic engagement. When these spaces are neglected, the social fabric of communities weakens. Public spaces like libraries enable recurring interactions that build relationships across different ethnic, economic, and social backgrounds. They are crucial for maintaining a cohesive society, providing spaces for education, cultural exchange, and community support​.

Taking Action

 

FedWriters is actively contributing to the revitalization of our nation’s libraries and museums by supporting an Institute of Museums and Library Services (IMLS) study. Through this strategic collaboration, FedWriters is providing essential services and resources to assess the pressing infrastructure challenges faced by these cultural institutions.

By leveraging its expertise in technical writing and content development, FedWriters is drafting an inaugural study of the condition of library and museum facilities which might inform possible future investment and research targeted to select areas. 

This study will involve reviewing past research, using data from other organizations with similar programs, conducting geospatial analyses, and gathering primary data from important stakeholders to understand key areas for the agency’s future investment decisions in specific sectors.

This concerted effort aims to not only preserve the rich cultural heritage housed within these institutions but also to enhance their capacity to serve and educate communities for generations to come.

The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services of the United States Government.