Librarian of Congress

James H. Billington, the Librarian of Congress, has chosen to retire as of January 1st of 2016, and President Obama must choose Billlington’s replacement. Only by retirement or death does the Librarian leave his post once elected. President Obama joins a list of only 10 presidents who have had the honor of choosing a new Librarian of Congress. According to the NY Times, many names are being tossed around, including college presidents: Harvard’s Drew Gilpin Faust, and Wesleyan’s Michael S. Roth. Were the president to pick a librarian to head the Library of Congress, he may possibly consider the president of NYPL, Anthony W. Marx, or the Archivist of the United States, David S. Ferriero. But he also has the choice of choosing a management professional, another historian, or a former politician. Read the June 12, 2015 issue in the section of politics to find out more information. It will be interesting to see who is chosen to succeed Mr. Billington.