MCN statement on the government shutdown

MCN would like to express its support of our colleagues in the community who are experiencing hardship as a result of the government shutdown.

Museums, libraries, parks, monuments, and other cultural heritage agencies funded by the United States’ federal government provide vital services and economic contributions. They enrich the lives of all Americans and strengthen American democracy. In addition, federal granting agencies, such as the Institute of Museum and Library Services, serve the work of many private, nonprofit institutions, and the cultural heritage sector as a whole.

Dedicated to growing the digital capacity of museum professionals, MCN believes a political impasse simply should not disrupt or threaten these critical services. Thousands of federal employees – cultural and information professionals, support staff, and contractors – are currently furloughed without pay, unable to perform their duties or carry out the essential missions of their agencies. All workers, including non-federal contract workers, deserve to be paid in a timely manner, and to be able to work without threat of future disruptions.

We urge our government to find ways to end the standoff and allow everyone to return to work as soon as possible.

MCN (Museum Computer Network), Board of Directors and staff