Library of Congress Act of 2015

Library of Congress Act of 2015 was a significant piece of federal legislation that modernized the governance structure of the Library of Congress. Enacted during the 114th United States Congress, its primary purpose was to establish a formal, professional qualifications-based process for the appointment of the Librarian of Congress. The law represented a major shift from a long-standing tradition of political appointment to a system emphasizing professional expertise in library science or related fields.

Background and legislative history

The impetus for the legislation stemmed from the impending retirement of the 13th Librarian of Congress, James H. Billington, who had served since his appointment by President Ronald Reagan in 1987. Billington's tenure, while marked by significant digital initiatives like the American Memory project, also faced criticism from the Government Accountability Office and others over management and technological challenges. The American Library Association and other professional organizations had long advocated for the head of the world's largest library to be a professionally qualified librarian. The bill was introduced by Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri, with co-sponsorship from Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York. It moved swiftly through the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and passed the Senate by unanimous consent in October 2015. The House of Representatives passed the bill by voice vote in December, and it was signed into law by President Barack Obama on December 18, 2015.

Provisions of the Act

The Act amended the original Library of Congress Act of 1897. Its central provision required that any nominee for the position of Librarian of Congress must have "substantial library and information services experience." This broad but decisive language was intended to ensure expertise in areas such as digital preservation, collection development, and library management. The law also formalized the appointment process: the President nominates a candidate, who must then be confirmed by the Senate, similar to other major positions like a Cabinet secretary or a Supreme Court justice. This codified a practice that had been customary but was not previously a statutory requirement.

Implementation and administrative changes

The law took effect immediately upon enactment. President Barack Obama initiated the first search under the new statutory requirements, forming a committee to recommend candidates. This process culminated in the nomination of Carla Hayden, the CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore and a former president of the American Library Association. The Senate confirmed Hayden's nomination in July 2016, making her the first woman and the first African American to hold the position. Her appointment was seen as the direct and intended result of the new qualifications mandate established by the Act.

Impact on collections and services

While primarily an administrative law, the Act's emphasis on professional leadership was expected to have long-term impacts on the institution's core functions. Proponents argued that a professionally-qualified Librarian of Congress would be better equipped to steward the library's vast collections, which include the Gutenberg Bible and the rough draft of the Declaration of Independence. It was anticipated to strengthen initiatives in digital asset management, public outreach through the National Book Festival, and support for the United States Copyright Office, which operates under the library's purview. The law also reinforced the library's role in serving the Congress and the American people through entities like the Congressional Research Service.

Reception and analysis

The Act received widespread bipartisan support and was praised by organizations including the American Library Association, the Association of Research Libraries, and the Special Libraries Association. Observers noted it brought the Library of Congress in line with other major national libraries, such as the British Library and the Bibliothèque nationale de France, which are typically led by information professionals. Some commentary in outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post framed the law as a necessary modernization, moving the library away from its historical pattern of being led by scholars or political figures, like the poet Archibald MacLeish or historian Daniel J. Boorstin, and toward credentialed library leadership for the 21st century.

Category:2015 in American law Category:United States federal library legislation Category:114th United States Congress