Help wanted: non-Luddite bibliophile
Position: Librarian of Congress
Job description: It all got started when Thomas Jefferson sold us his books in the 1800’s. We’ve only had 13 librarians of Congress since then. We’re looking for our 14th. If you’re hired, you’ll replace James Billington, who’s leaving in January 2016.
Job requirements: The librarian of Congress shall be appointed by the president, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. He shall make rules and regulations for the government of the Library. Must love books, but not be afraid of computers. We’ve got stacks and stacks of books that need to be digitized. You can’t be a Luddite. “The person doesn’t have to be a technologist,” says Suzanne Thorin, the former dean of the library at Syracuse University. “The person needs to get a team of people who know about technology.”
Political experience a must. But you can’t be a hack, because you have to be able to stand up to Congress when it wants to target your budget for cuts. “If it’s a hack, from Hacksville, meaning a political appointee who has earned his or her stripes through loyal political service to the president of the United States, that’s an easier target,” says Paul Light, professor of public service at New York University.
To apply: Applicants need to create a Federal style resume and apply through USAJOBS.gov for a position at the Library of Congress.
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