IMLS Public Access Policy Guidance Explained

"The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has released its Public Access Policy Guidance, and while it follows the same requirements as all agencies, it may look a bit different from some of the large-scale scientific research agencies. IMLS’s implementation is practitioner-oriented, reflecting the agency’s focus on strengthening the capacity of library and museum services, staff, and the communities they serve. The guidance also emphasizes flexibility in how research deliverables and other types of award outputs are shared. To better understand the implications of this policy implementation at IMLS, we spoke with Ashley Sands, PhD, senior program officer at IMLS. Our discussion explored the scope of the guidance, its alignment with IMLS’s longstanding commitment to public access, and what the updates mean for awardees...."