All staff for the Institute for Library and Museum Services were put on administrative leave as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to cut federal spending and eliminate some government agencies on March 31. 

The Institute for Library and Museum Services is a federal agency that funds exhibits and staff for libraries and museums. It also funds accessibility tools for people with visual impairments and technologies for archival processing.

Grants to libraries and museums, totaling $266 million, seem unlikely to be administered. At least half of the 75 people on leave are expected to lose their jobs completely.

Today on The Metro, we’re bringing you some conversations with people who have been working at museums and libraries for years. 

Senior producer David Leins spoke with Devon Akmon, director of the Michigan State University Museum and a board member of the American Alliance of Museums.

Host Tia Graham also spoke with Russ Bellant, a longtime Detroiter and grassroots organizer. Bellant was formerly on the board of commissioners for Detroit Public Library.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.