Recognizing Librarianship Anew

Today, Dr. Carla Hayden was sworn in at a ceremony as the 14th Librarian of Congress.  She was appointed by President Obama to succeed James Billington who retired last year.

From what I've read about her, she brings a wealth of experience to this position, having served in administrative capacities in the Chicago Public Library and the Enoch Pratt Free Library of Baltimore, for which she made significant strides in expanding their facilities and increasing their technological resources.  She even kept the library open when riots broke out in Baltimore.  She also served as President of the American Library Association.

Her appointment to this position also stirred controversy, as her confirmation vote in the Senate was delayed for some time, partly over concerns about her stance on limiting children's exposure to pornography on the Internet.

As President of the ALA, she upheld their stance on resisting filters on Internet.  But more recently, she said that Internet filters function better now than in years past, and she is in favor of installing them, noting Internet pornography is not appropriate in the library.

Having discussed issues related to intellectual freedom in classes for my MLIS, I recognize that it's a slippery slope when it comes to filters and other efforts to block access to information.  But I feel that the ALA needs to back off its overly-strong stance on resisting all efforts to prevent blockage of information, and dialogue more meaningfully with those who are keenly aware of the negative effects pornography has on society.

Technology is bound to be a major part of Dr. Hayden's work at the Library of Congress in the years to come, given how increasingly important it is becoming in libraries in general.  It will be interesting to follow the work she does as the first female and first African-American to hold the position of overseeing the institution that serves as the Congress's research arm and houses a huge collection of books.  (It will also be interesting to see how new legislation will play out that limits the terms of the Librarian.)

It was wonderful watching her swearing-in ceremony, because it was an opportunity not only to celebrate her achievement, but the wonderful resource this country has in the Library of Congress.  So many of the remarks given, especially in Dr. Hayden's speech--given with such fin demeanor--referred to the positive impact that libraries make on people's lives by giving them access to a wealth of resources, which makes libraries part of the bedrock of our society.  And the Library of Congress is at the forefront in this work by serving as steward of a great storehouse of knowledge and information resources.  I felt a sense of delight knowing that I am part of making libraries what they are in my fulfilling my life's vocation.

Best wishes to Dr. Hayden as she starts her work.