OurDigitalWorld Newsletter: April 2025

Winds of Change: IMLS defunding a giant blow to GLAM sector

It’s hard not to talk about politics in any industry these days and while we try to remain neutral and truly “politic”, ODW shares many of the feelings on both sides of the border about the defunding of the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in the US. It is difficult to imagine the effect of having a national institution so hastily removed from the landscape of culture, education and the communities it serves.

What does this mean for Libraries in the US? According to the FAQ on the American Library Association website, “The intent to undercut and eliminate the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is extremely shortsighted and perilous for the millions of Americans who rely on our public, school, academic, and special libraries. Library funding draws less than 0.003% of the annual federal budget yet has enormous impact in communities nationwide.”

The American Alliance of Museums is also responding with a letter from the AAM President as part their advocacy campaign, underlining the democratic nature of museums: “Museums are vital to American infrastructure, serve all people in states red and blue and communities rural to urban, receive significant support from Americans regardless of political party, and any threat to museum funding—including threats to the federal agencies that support museums—is a threat to their own communities.” Read more.

These organizations, as well as state library associations and their members, are issuing calls to action and standing up for a return to stable, socially responsible governance and support. In solidarity, we encourage everyone to back these efforts and advocate for the community and shared values of the GLAM sector on both sides of the border and internationally.

Cross-border history: Inland Seas Journal

The Inland Seas bulletin has been the cornerstone of the Great Lakes Historical Society since the organization first started in 1944. Thanks to the National Museum of the Great Lakes and their dedicated volunteers, these bulletins are now available online from 1945-2020, exploring the breadth of influence the Great Lakes have had across North America for centuries.

An essential research tool, the Inland Seas is fascinating view into the lake faring history shared by the US and Canada.

Explore the collection

Community History Connections

First Nations peoples and their territories span the continent and have since before any national borders were established. Settler families have migrated to North America and between the US and Canada for centuries. Ships, railways, highways, planes and more continuously traverse the boundaries. From genealogical records to exhibits, these stories are entwined and ever moving and the community collections offer so many ways to explore our shared histories…

• 1812 History
• OGS Family Histories
• Ontario Scrapbook Hansard
• Empire Club of Canada
• Great Lakes History
  • Explore all the collections

Bring up the house lights!

Along the Canal: Welland People and Events

Upcoming Events: Proudly Sponsored by ODW