James H. Billington, who had served as Librarian of Congress for the past 28 years, resigned his position on September 30. Appointed by Ronald Reagan, Billington came into office before the Internet and all the changes that came with the information super highway. This interesting information came from New Republic in their article, “The Next Librarian of Congress Should Be an Actual Librarian.”
President Obama will be appointing a new Librarian of Congress soon. Then Congress will havae to approve his choice. This position has the power to provide exemptions to a copyright regime that currently limits what consumers can do with their media, software, digital devices, and even vehicles. This new Librarian could limit what Americans can do with the content and technologies by choosing not to make exemptions to copyright law. They could also do a great deal to benefit the American people and libraries.
Melody K. Smith
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