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New US Librarian of Congress confirmed

In the US, Carla Hayden has been confirmed as the 14th Librarian of Congress, the first woman and the first African-American to serve in the position, reports Publishers Weekly. Hayden is also the first professional librarian to be appointed to the job in more than 60 years. The Senate voted 74-18 in favour of Hayden’s appointment after she previously received unanimous approval from the Senate Rules Committee on 9 June, a reflection of the broad support for Hayden in the role. Hayden has been CEO of Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library since 1993, and she takes over from James H Billington, who announced his retirement in January. The American Library Association said it was ‘elated’ with the appointment. ‘There is no doubt that Dr Hayden will have a positive impact by leading efforts to establish a more modern approach to serving members of Congress, researchers and the public at large,’ it said.

 

Category: Library news International