<<

Gazette Volume 20, No. 8 • March 13, 2009 • A weekly publication for Library staff Head of EPA Announces New Era for Agency

By Audrey Fischer

PA is back on the job. This is what Lisa Perez Jackson E wants people to know about the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the organization she was selected by President Barack Obama to lead. Jackson delivered this message during her keynote address on March 5 to begin the Library’s 2009 celebration of Women’s History Month. This year’s national theme is “Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet.” “Thanks to President Obama’s budget, EPA will have its highest level of support in its 39-year-history,” said Jackson, the

first African American to hold the posi- Barry Wheeler tion. “We are rising above past divides Maria A. Pallante, left, associate register for policy and international affairs in the Copy- right Office, presents EPA Administrator Lisa Perez Jackson with a facsimile of a 1722 that have slowed down progress on the plan of her hometown of New Orleans, from the Geography and Map Division. environment for decades.” between family and a career.” other women at the forefront today. In little more than 30 days since Demonstrating a strong sense of his- “I am here because of a long line of coming to the helm, Jackson has led tory, the new EPA head acknowledged a women who took the lead to save the the agency’s review of a number of the debt to the women who paved the way world,” she said, referring to women’s previous administration’s policies, such for her, such as House Speaker Nancy contributions to the environment and as automobile emissions standards and Pelosi, first lady Michelle Obama and HEAD OF EPA, continued on page 5 air quality in the vicinity of schools. “Parents deserve to know that the air their children breathe is safe,” she said. A chemical engineer by training and All Staff Invited to Celebrate LCPA’s 40th profession, Jackson was one of only two Forty years ago, in 1969, Richard collection of films through a cooperative women in the engineering program at Nixon was sworn in as the 37th president program with the American Film Institute, Princeton in the 1970s. But times were of the United States. The Apollo 11 astro- as well as the unparalleled Feinberg col- changing and the status of women in the nauts reached the moon. Half a million lection of Walt Whitman materials. And workplace was improving. music fans flocked to Woodstock, the the Library of Congress Professional “I was searching for a way to serve. Chicago Eight stood trial for activities at Association (LCPA) came into being EPA offered a place for talented young with 100 members and annual dues of $1. women to come and to thrive,” she said, the 1968 Democratic National Convention Glen Zimmerman, Bob Zich, Edith Scott recalling the early days of the agency, and “Sesame Street” made its television which was founded in 1970. Jackson premiere. and Jerry Pennington were the new staff served initially at EPA’s headquarters in Here at the Library, some big things organization’s officers. Washington, D.C., and later at its regional were happening too: The first five vol- To celebrate LCPA’s 40th anniversary, office in New York. umes of the Pre-1956 National Union meet old friends and make some new “I received a promotion shortly after Catalog were published, and the first com- ones, learn about educational forums my second child was born,” Jackson puter tapes of MARC records were being and other activities and enjoy some light noted. “Women shouldn’t have to choose distributed. The Library acquired a huge celebrate lcpa, continued on page 4 2 Library of Congress Gazette March 13, 2009

NoticeS Bring Kids to Work on April 23

Staff members are invited to participate in the Volunteers are needed to help organize Gazette Library’s annual “Take Our Daughters and Sons escorts for the tours and to serve as escorts, www.loc.gov/staff/gazette To Work Day,” which is a national event that to register young people for the tours and other helps girls and boys discover what the adults assignments. Staff wishing to volunteer may MATTHEW RAYMOND in their lives do every day in the workplace. contact Tynesha Adams, Human Resources Executive Editor GAIL FINEBERG This also is an opportunity for young people to Services, by e-mail [email protected] or call Editor learn about Library careers to which they 7-5232. Contributing Editors: Erin Allen, Calendar; might aspire. People may register participants online at Carlin “René” Sayles, Moving On and Length of Service; Whether they are parents, grandparents or www.loc.gov/staff/todsd from their own Runako Balondemu, Donated Leave nonfamily mentors, Library staff members are computers or at the computers in room Proofreader: George Thuronyi encouraged to bring the children in their lives LM-107. Online registration opened on March Design and Production: Susan Washington to work on Thursday, April 23. 9. For additional information contact event co-chairwomen Robin Patterson at 7-7191 or peter braestrup James W. Mcclung Founder Founding Publisher Activities for children ages 8 to 15 will begin e-mail at [email protected] or Cynthia Murphy, (1990 – 1997) (1990 – 1994) at 9 a.m. in the Madison Hall of the James 7-5773 or by e-mail [email protected]. Both work Madison Building and will close at noon. in Human Resources Services. An official publication of the Library of Congress, The Gazette encourages Library managers and staff to submit articles and photographs of general interest. Submissions will be edited to Parking Program Open season begins convey the most necessary information. This week, March 9 – 13, was the first of two weeks of Parking Program open season. Deadline for submission of articles is 5 p.m. Wednesday, one week prior to publication date. Please submit text in digital Staff should submit their applications on or before 5 p.m. Friday, March 20, for form via e-mail ([email protected]) preferably as an attachedM icrosoft the April ­– October 2009 Parking Program period. Word file. For more information, visit this website: www.loc.gov/staff/iss/parking.html. Back issues of The Gazette in print are available in the Public Eligible staff members may apply online. Affairs Office, LM 105. Electronic archived issues and the a color pdf file of the current issue are available online at www.loc.gov/staff/gazette. Dear Colleagues, Library of Congress Upon my retirement, which took effect on Feb. 28, I wish to express Washington, DC 20540-1620 my gratitude to the Library of Congress for enabling me to sustain myself Editorial: Gail Fineberg, 7-9194, [email protected] and my family for 40 years. Design and production: Susan Washington, 7-9193, [email protected] • During all those years the Library was my home away from home. It was a privilege for me to work for this world-wide known, prestigious ISSN 1049-8184 Printed on paper that contains recycled paper by the institution of knowledge. I have had an opportunity to work with people from all over the Printing Management Section, Office Systems Services world—good people and not-so-good people, as it happens in everyday life. As a cataloger I always tried my best to fulfill my obligations. I wish to thank my supervisors Angela Kinney, Robert C. Morgan and Gabriel C. Horchler for their excellent Gazette Welcomes Letters from Staff The staff is invited to use the Forum pages for lively and thoughtful leadership, guidance and amicable attitude toward the staff. debate relevant to Library issues. However, just as other newspa- I wish everybody in the ex-CEEL Team good luck in their careers as well as in their per editors exercise discretion over which letters to publish and how to edit them, so do we. In deciding whether or how much private lives. Goodbye to everybody. to publish, we consider content (including misstatements of fact, Mrs. Leah Silverstein libel, innuendo, ridicule of individuals or the institution, personal attacks, and redundancy) and length (the limit is 600 words). Formerly a member of the Central and Eastern European Languages Cataloging Letters must be signed by the author, whose place of work and Team, of the former Social Sciences Cataloging Division. telephone extension should be included so we can verify author- ship. Letter writers should understand that when they sign their letters and release them to us for publication they are relinquishing privacy. If a letter calls for management response, for example, an explanation of a policy or actions or clarification of fact, we Job Help Workshop Force Development, will lead the will ask for management response.—Ed., MtM workshop. “Developing Your Individual Development Plan” Seats are limited; RSVP to dflo@loc. gov or call 7-4529. Gazette Deadlines Noon, Thursday, March 26 Mumford Room, LM 649 The Library of Congress Chapter The deadline for editorial copy for the March of Blacks in Government (BIG) is 27 Gazette is Wednesday, March 18. Participants will: presenting this workshop. E-mail editorial copy and letters to the editor n to [email protected]. Get an introduction on creating an The Library chapter also will begin Individual Development Plan (IDP) To promote events through the Library’s its membership drive with tables for online calendar (www.loc.gov/loc/events) n Identify the role the IDP plays in career sign-ups from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the Gazette Calendar, e-mail event and development on Tuesday, March 24, outside of contact information to [email protected] by n Learn how to create an effective IDP Madison snack bar. 9 a.m. Monday of the week of publication. Boxed announcements should be submitted Brigitte Stowers, program specialist, Contact Shamika Mungin at 7-4660 or electronically (text files) by 9 a.m. Monday, Library of Congress Office of Work [email protected]. the week of publication to [email protected]. march 13, 2009 The LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Gazette 3

NEWS Laureate Kay Ryan Introduces Two Prize Winners always find that’s more effective for my By Donna Urschel brain.” About Mary Szybist, Ryan said, “I’m so U.S. Poet Laureate Kay Ryan had interested to see what she’ll do next. I was many insightful and incisive things to say compelled by her poems in the November about poetry, in her introductions of the Poetry Magazine.” Ryan especially liked two 2009 Witter Bynner poetry fellows, “On Wanting to Tell [Blank] About a Girl Christina Davis and Mary Szybist, at the Eating Fish Eyes.” Library of Congress recently. “At first this sounded pretty much Ryan expounded, for instance, on the like a poem I wouldn’t like. I thought it way poems should be read and appreci- would lean upon the sensational. It was ated. “I’m going to read that again,” Ryan a narrative, which I’m always afraid is said, after reading a poem by Davis. “I too satisfied with the surface. But this didn’t do a great job, plus I just think it work had the power to hypnotize me,” needs a second reading. And let me say, Ryan said. parenthetically, I think all poetry needs An excerpt from the poem: at least two readings. If you read a poem … Now the dark rain and you said you got it and thought it looks like dark rain. Only the wine was nice, then either it wasn’t a poem shimmers with candlelight. I refill Mary Szybist or you’re not through with it yet. the glasses “Poetry can stand up to multiple of a child while feeling the loss of an and we raise a toast to you readings and, in fact, requires them,” older friend.” as so and so’s daughter – elfin, jittery Ryan continued. “Although, and this is One of Szybist’s poems, “Swamp,” was as a sparrow – parenthetical to my parenthesis, it is also a response to a poem by former U.S. Poet slides into another lap the job of poetry to provide something Laureate Robert Hass titled “Meditations to eat another pair of slippery eyes immediate, to have surface pleasure, at Lagunitas.” She said Hass’s poem was with her soft fingers, fingers rosier something immediately available for “a beautiful celebration of particularities.” each time, sensory satisfaction.” Szybist explained, “But I have a childish for being chewed a little. The two fellows accepted their awards impatience with particularities at times. If only I could go to you, revive you. at the Library on Feb. 26. Davis is the They don’t seem to hold the same capac- You must be a little alive still. curator of poetry at the Woodberry Poetry ity for exuberance.” Room at Harvard University, and Szybist I’d like to put this girl in your lap. Szybist said she had been working is an assistant professor of English at She’s almost feverishly warm and on a series of poems on the Annuncia- Lewis and Clark College in Portland, she weighs tion, the scene depicted in the Gospel of Ore. They each received $10,000, pro- hardly anything. I want to show Luke when the angel Gabriel revealed vided by the Witter Bynner Foundation you how she relishes each eye. to Mary that she would conceive a child for Poetry in conjunction with the Library To show you her greed for them … to be born the son of God. Szybist read of Congress. “I’ve made myself familiar with many of four from the series, which, she said, Every year, the U.S. Poet Laureate Mary’s poems in her first book “Granted,” depicted the “dramatic confrontation selects poets of distinction who are not and I’m getting to understand her point of between the earthly realm, the godly yet widely known for the Witter Bynner view,” Ryan said. “She struggles with how realm and the spirit.” fellowships. The award program is in its we neither fit inside ourselves nor in the When Ryan returned to the podium 12th year. escapes that we imagine for ourselves.” to introduce Christina Davis, she joked, “I “It’s a novelty for me to be a prize- Ryan also said Szybist has the capacity forgot to mention the strange coincidence giver, to have attained a position where I “to talk about mysteries by going to the that both poets were published by Alice can return favors, to pass good things on,” edge of them and then picking up again James Books a few years apart. I have no said Ryan. “It’s a wonderful, wonderful on the other side. I really admire that.” connection to Alice James, and none to thing to identify other writers and help Szybist read 11 poems, about half of these poets, except for appreciating their move poetry along.” them from her book “Granted” (Alice beautiful poetry.” Ryan described what she liked about James, 2003). She, too, read the “Fish About Davis, Ryan said, “Scattered each fellow and introduced them sepa- Eyes” poem, and explained that she wrote along the path of questions, which are rately. “So their introductions are closer it because she was intrigued by the “amaz- integral to Christina Davis’s distinguished to their readings,” Ryan explained. “I ing juxtaposition of observing the hunger PRize Winners, continued on page 4 4 Library of Congress Gazette March 13, 2009

NEWs PRize Winners, continued from page 3 something of one of her topics, say one’s Madison Building, listening to then-Poet poems, she leaves a trail of observations relationship to a loved one after the loved Laureate Robert Hass. Davis then read as fresh and useless as Hansel and Gre- one’s death, then you feel how close she 12 poems, some of them from her 2006 tel’s bread crumbs. By useless, I mean, comes to as close as we can come.” book “Forth A Raven.” they seldom lead to answers. What they Ryan then read a poem by Davis that In addition to reading her poems, do is create an exciting mental world we she really liked, “Third Person:” Davis relayed a heartfelt story about receiving the Witter Bynner award. can care about without answers.” Whatever you do, do not make me Ryan continued, “She can think Moments before opening her letter from say him. the most breath-taking ‘as-ifs’ that lead Kay Ryan that announced the prize, she Him was not a word straight to something one feels is abso- had heard about the death of a dear old in his presence. lutely true but not on our cramped planet. friend from England, Peter Goodbaum, To speak of what was is to hold it But also regarding this planet, if you know who often saw her writing while sitting in above its home, a restaurant in Oxford. Goodbaum once Christina Davis a fish dripping asked Davis if she had a writing muse. against a gunwale Davis said, “I regretted to inform him Whereas inside the sea, that there was no muse. He was deeply the fishes do not drip. distressed and asked, ‘Aren’t you accom- Ryan further described Davis’s talent panied by something?’ To which I said, as a poet. “Davis is willing to be large ‘I don’t know.’ to command with her language. To “So I was thinking of my good friend accept the authority you must accept, Peter when I opened the letter and as when handling firearms. She is learned that Kay Ryan, a poet whom I deeply admired, had heard my words wrestling, I would say she is in a across the country. I understood at that mortal struggle, with her poems, and moment that Peter was onto something. I like that. They’re surprisingly quiet In truth, we are accompanied, across a on the top. Her language is alive with tiny table in Britain, across a page, across uncanny metaphors. At every juncture, a nation …” she has the courage to put more pres- Davis continued, “I’d like to dedicate sure on fewer words.” this reading to the great companions in At the outset of her reading, Davis said my life. If my poems seem heavy, may that 15 years earlier she sat in the same they not be of hailstones, but of the gravity room, the Montpelier Room in the James and love that binds us to this earth.” u celebrate lcpa, continued from page 1 and topics from meditation and yoga to LCPA, check out the Web site at www. refreshments and live music, visit the the latest in science fiction and fantasy, loc.gov/staff/lcpa/. For additional infor- Montpelier Room from noon to 2 p.m. landscaping and gardening, comparative mation about this event, contact Angela on Wednesday, March 18. religion, veterans’ issues, or how to join Kinney at [email protected]. u Whether staffers are new to the Library a book club at the Library. — By Abby Yochelson and have never heard of LCPA or are life- Other LCPA activities include long members, they are invited to the an annual book sale and the annual celebration. LCPA’s history and activities Employee Arts and Crafts Show. Gallery Talk will be explained at various tables. This is Need money for a college course or Noon, Wednesday, an opportunity to meet LCPA’s Volunteer a professional development workshop? March 18 of the Year and Vanguard Award win- Learn about the LCPA’s Continuing Edu- ners, volunteer for some new activities cation Fund and how to apply. Carol Johnson, Prints and in the coming year, and learn about the Music for this event will be provided Photographs Division, advantages of LCPA membership. by the Just Show Up Combo. will discuss “The Changing Image Staff wishing to learn a new language, A membership table will also be avail- of Lincoln,” in the Lincoln brush up on one they have forgotten, or able for staff wishing to join or renew a Bicentennial Exhibition, “With converse with others will find information membership—still a mere $5 for all of the Malice Toward None.” South about LCPA’s Language Tables, or they LCPA fun, professional development, and Gallery, Second Floor, can propose a new one to study. learning opportunities throughout the Jefferson Building. Information Forums range in interests year. For additional information about March 13, 2009 The LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Gazette 5

NEWs NEW HEAD OF EPA, continued from page 1 ing from the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina and smart growth.” “other great challenges of our time, such are mainly women,” she said. “They are “I’m happy to be a woman leading the as human rights, public health and equal- from poor and middle-class neighbor- way, but we need the gentlemen, too,” she ity of opportunity.” hoods, teachers, nurses. With love and quipped. “It will take all hands on deck to She cited pioneers in the conserva- advocacy for the city and environment, stop the ravages of climate change and tion movement, among them Rosalee they are demonstrating a kind of strength save the planet.” Edge, and . never to be underestimated. It’s a strength The Women’s History Month keynote She noted that Carson’s groundbreaking that moves nations.” program will be accessible online at www. loc.gov/today/cyberlc/). The program book “Silent Spring,” published in 1962, Their strength, along with the was accompanied by a special display has been credited with helping launch increased number of women in Congress of books about women in science and the environmental movement and setting and the Cabinet, is a “source of inspira- related bibliographies compiled by staff the stage for the establishment of EPA tion” to Jackson. in the Library’s Science, Technology and less than a decade later. “The struggle for equality is a struggle Business Division. A special display on “But there are also women who aren’t for the future,” she said. “We must pro- “Women Taking the Lead to Save Our in the history books,” she said. “Mothers tect the present to make a future. We Planet” is on view in the Madison Build- like my own, sisters, daughters. don’t have to choose between a ‘green ing lobby throughout the month of March. Her hometown of New Orleans is a economy’ or a ‘green environment.’” Jack- A collaborative Web site about Women’s case in point. son said she is heartened to be hearing History Month is accessible at www.wom- “The next environmental leaders aris- more about “green jobs, clean energy enshistorymonth.gov. u

moving on

The following personnel actions, TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS Office of Technology (TO), CRS; Hector which occurred at the Library of Christopher J. Corrigan, technical L. Morey, librarian, GS-09, African, Congress during Pay Period 22 in 2008, information specialist, GS-05, Federal Latin American and Western European were compiled from National Finance Research Division (FRD), LS; Sarah E. Division (ALAWE), LS; Robert R. Center (NFC) data. D’Antonio, library technician, GS-05, Newlen, administrative librarian, SL-00, Motion Picture, Broadcast and Recorded KSG, CRS; Danna C. Ponce, human PERMANENT APPOINTMENTS Sound (MBRS), LS; Adrienne W. resources specialist, GS-13, Office of Melissa S. Blaschke, librar y Durand, liaison specialist, GS-09, Office Workforce Management (WFM), Human technician, GS-05, Binding and Collections of Congressional Affairs and Counselor Resources Services (HRS); Lola Pyne, Care Division (BCCD), Library Services lead information technology specialist, (LS); Michael E. Bryant, supervisory to the Director (CAC), CRS; William F. GS-14, Digital Futures, OSI; and Brigitte librarian, GS-13, Collections Access, Loan Kistner, editor, GS-09, LIN, CRS; and D. Stowers, human resources specialist, and Management Division (CALM), LS; Christopher W. Lewis, editor, GS-09, GS-12, Office of Workforce Performance John Cannan, Librarian, GS-11, Public LIN, CRS. and Development (WPD), HRS. Service (PUBLIC), Law Library (LAW); PERMANENT APPOINTMENTS Christopher E. Carlson, supervisory Michael Baxter, library technician RESIGNATIONS information technology specialist, (copyright), GS-07, Performing Arts Kesele T. Myers, library technician, GS-14, Digital Futures, Office of Strategic Division (PA), Copyright Office (COP); GS-05, CALM, LS. Initiatives (OSI); Judith A. Conklin, Ronald S. Bluestone, supervisory RETIREMENTS supervisory information technology librarian, GS-15, Science, Technology and Elaine J. Bevilacqua, librarian, specialist, GS-15, Automation Planning Business Division (ST&B), LS; Julius C. GS-12, ALAWE, LS; Joan M. Davenport, and Liaison Office (APLO), LS; Angela Jefferson, librarian (research specialist), coordinator of review, SL-00, CAC, R. Hendrix, office automation assistant, GS-11, Knowledge Services Group (KSG), CRS; Talmadge D. Flowers, equal GS-06, National Library Service for the CRS; Hiromi Shimamoto, librarian, employment specialist, GS-13, Office of Blind and Physically Handicapped GS-09, Asian and Middle Eastern Division Workforce Diversity (OWD), Office of the (NLSBPH), LS; Jamie L. Hutchinson, (ASME), LS; and Jarletta O. Walls, Deputy Librarian/Chief Operating Officer visual information specialist, GS-11, Licensing Division (LD), COP. (DLC/COO); Regina Hall, police officer Office of Legislative Information (LIN), (private) first class, SP-03, Protective Congressional Research Service (CRS); REASSIGNMENTS Services (PS), Office of Security and Amber H. Wilhelm, visual information Robert J. Dilger, social science Emergency Preparedness (OS); Jean Y. specialist, GS-11, LIN, CRS; and Peter R. analyst, SL-00, Government and Finance Johnson, equal employment specialist, Young, administrative librarian, SL-00, Division (G&F), CRS; Martinez Majors, Asian Division (AD), LS. information technology specialist, GS-12, moving on, continued on page 7 6 Library of Congress Gazette March 13, 2009

notable events Former Kluge Fellow Frances Perkins Is Subject vant with a passionate personal to the Coolidge Auditorium on To Give Lecture on Radical Of New Book, “The Woman life and a mother who changed the first floor of the Thomas Jef- Christian Pacifists Behind The ” the landscape of American busi- ferson Building. The lecture is ness and society. titled “Legislating in Heels: An Joseph Kip Kosek, a former Although she is no longer a Kirstin Downey, an award- Anecdotal Journey.” The Law fellow of the Library’s John W. household name, Frances Perkins winning journalist at The Wash- Library is sponsoring this event. Kluge Center and assistant pro- was one of the most influential ington Post from 1988 to 2008, is A film titled “A Sense of fessor at George Washington Uni- people of the 20th century. She is a business reporter whose work Wonder” will be shown at 11:30 versity, will discuss the impact the subject of a new book, “The has focused on illuminating the a.m. on Thursday, March 19, in the of radical Christian pacifists on Woman Behind the New Deal: human implications of impor- Madison Building’s West Dining American democratic theory and The Life of Frances Perkins, FDR’s tant financial trends, particu- Room, LM 621. The 55-minute practice, at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Secretary of Labor and His Moral larly boom-and-bust cycles in the film, which features pioneer March 25, in Room LJ 119 in the Conscience.” modern economy. Downey’s cov- environmentalist Rachel Carson’s Thomas Jefferson Building. The author, Kirstin Downey, erage of the aftermath of the sav- struggle to defend the natural He is the author of “Acts of will discuss and sign her book ings-and-loan debacle of the late world, will be introduced and Conscience: Christian Nonvio- at a free public event sponsored 1980s won her several regional discussed by Diana Post, execu- lence and Modern American by the Center for the Book and press association awards. tive director of the Rachel Carson Democracy,” which is the topic of the Manuscript Division at noon “The Woman Behind the New Council. this talk, which is free and open on Monday, March 23, in the Deal: The Life of Frances Perkins, The Library is mounting a small to the public. Mumford Room, LM 649. FDR’s Secretary of Labor and His display of items from the collec- According to Kosek, in Franklin Delano Roosevelt Moral Conscience” (Random tions that relate to the theme response to the massive blood- named Frances Perkins secre- House, $35) will be available for the month. These will be on shed that defined the 20th cen- tary of labor in 1933. As the first for sale and signing following view in the foyer of the Madison tury, American religious radicals female cabinet secretary, she Downey’s discussion. Building. developed an effective new form spearheaded the fight to improve u u u u u The Library also is printing a of nonviolent protest, one that the lives of America’s working Women’s History Month promotional poster based on the combined Christian principles people while juggling her own Continues With Lecture image of “Mis Madres,” an image with new uses of mass media. complex family responsibilities. Women’s History Month con- created by Ester Hernandez, from Greatly influenced by the ideas Perkins’s ideas became the cor- tinues at the Library with a lec- the Prints and Photographs Divi- of Mohandas K. Gandhi, these nerstones of the most important ture by former Maryland Rep. sion. “acts of conscience” included social-welfare programs and leg- Constance Morella at 1 p.m. on Women’s history resources are sit-ins, boycotts, labor strikes islation in the nation’s history, Wednesday, March 18, in the available online at www/loc.gov/ and conscientious objection to including unemployment com- Whittall Pavilion, located next womenshistory. u war. Beginning with World War I pensation, child-labor laws and and ending with the ascendence the 40-hour workweek. NDIIPP Briefing: of Martin Luther King Jr., Kosek Arriving in Washington at the “A Public Interest in Private Records” traces the impact of radical Chris- height of the , Noon, Tuesday, March 17, at the National Digital Library tian pacifists on America. Perkins pushed for massive pub- Learning Center in the Madison Building Atrium Kosek, who teaches American lic-works projects that created David Kirsch, an associate professor of Management and studies at George Washington millions of jobs for unemployed Entrepreneurship at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. University, finished the research workers. She breathed life back Smith School of Business, will discuss his project “Birth of and writing for this book while into the nation’s labor move- the Dot-Com Era,” which is preserving at-risk digital materials from the American business culture during the early years of he was a Kluge Center fellow at ment, boosting living standards the commercialization of the Internet, from 1994 to 2001. the Library of Congress from across the country. As head of the The National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation 2007 to 2008. Kosek received Immigration Service, she fought Program is sponsoring Kirsch’s project and his presentation. a bachelor’s degree in history to bring European refugees to from the University of Illinois, safety in the United States. Her Urbana-Champaign, in 1997, and greatest triumph was creating LCPA Launches Membership Drive March 18 a Ph.D. in American studies from Social Security. Join the Library of Congress Professional Association Yale University in 2004. He was Based on eight years of (LCPA). Or renew your membership. awarded the Allan Nevins Prize research, extensive archival Membership drive dates, March 18–April 18 from the Society of American materials, new documents and Tables will be located outside the Madison coffee shop on Historians in 2005. The prize is exclusive access to Perkins’s the ground level and on the sixth floor outside the Cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 18–April 18. awarded annually for the best- family members and friends, this Contact: Bobbie Cook, 7-7012 or [email protected] or Juanita written dissertation in the field biography is the first complete Lyle, 7-8246 [email protected] to join or help with the drive. of American history. portrait of a devoted public ser- March 13, 2009 The LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Gazette 7

obituarieNEWS s

Obituary

Ronald S. Wilkinson Dies history at Harvard University as The range of his knowledge was Library of Congress: a Compre- Ronald S. Wilkinson, 75, who a Woodrow Wilson Fellow. He remarkable.” hensive Guide, which was pub- retired from the Library in Octo- studied the history of science at Alice Birney, who assumed lished in 2007. ber 2008 after 38 years of service University College, London, and Wilkinson’s duties in the Manu- Wilkinson was elected fellow, as a science historian, first in the Latin and English paleography script Division as the literary and Royal Entomological Society of Manuscript Division and later in and paleographical techniques at cultural specialist, remarked: “I London; fellow, Linnean Society the Science, Technology and Busi- the Institute of Historical Research have found Ron’s memoranda of London in 1966; and fellow, ness Division, died in February at in London on a Fulbright Scholar- about acquisitions travel to be Geological Society of London. He home. He had suffered for many ship before receiving his Ph.D. in detailed, helpful, meticulous and was appointed to the Michigan years from Parkinson’s Disease. history (history of science) from delightfully full of anecdotes.” Natural Areas Council in 1977. Wilkinson, a man of extraor- Michigan State in 1969. During Others recalled that Wilkinson Among his other memberships dinary intellectual talents, a gifted this period he also taught French, had been the primary contact were the Michigan Entomologi- and prolific writer and an avid history of American science and with Anna Freud regarding the cal Society (he was editor of environmentalist, was born in medicine, history of the book, important acquisition of the Sig- The Michigan Entomologist from Chicago. He left Wayne State Uni- and printing and book-collecting mund Freud Papers. 1966-1970), Societas Europaea versity, where he was majoring in at Michigan State, while concur- In 1990 Wilkinson joined the Lepidopterologica, and Societa chemistry, to join the Detroit News rently serving as curator of rare Science, Technology and Busi- Malacologica Italiana. His activi- as a reporter trainee, and then books and manuscripts for the ness Division as a senior science ties included collecting and iden- worked two years as a research Michigan State University Librar- specialist. He handled recom- tifying moths and collecting rare chemist before resuming his stud- ies. mendations on rare science books books, especially on natural his- ies at Michigan State University, Wilkinson came to the and wrote several articles for the tory and gastronomy. Wilkinson graduating in 1960 with high Library’s Manuscript Division in Gazette and Library of Congress also trained in various restaurants honors in English and history. 1970. James Hutson, chief of the Information Bulletin on notewor- in Michigan and Massachusetts Wilkinson completed a program division, noted that “an important thy rare science books acquired during his college years, rising in 17th and 18th century stud- feature of Ron’s work was that he and on other topics. His last major from commis to sous-chef. ies at the University of London was the specialist for both Ameri- accomplishment before retire- —By Stephanie Marcus, on a Ryder Scholarship from can Literature and American Sci- ment was his work on the divi- Science, Technology and Michigan State and then began ence, responsibilities which have sion’s project, Aeronautical and Business Division his doctoral studies in American now been assigned to two people. Astronautical Resources of the

Obituary

Mildred Henninger Dies of the 1976 Copyright Act. ninger was a graduate of Butler Center for the Arts, the Amalfi Mildred Henninger, for- When Henninger retired in University in Indianapolis. She Coast Music and Arts Festival, the merly an expert in copyright 1989, she was special assistant earned a bachelor’s degree in National Symphony Orchestra, registration and an employee of to the chief of the Examining music degree and a master’s and the Friday Morning Music the Library for three decades, Division. She was known as an degree in music, graduating with Club Foundation. In addition, she died Feb. 12. expert in supplementary regis- distinction from Indiana Univer- supported the Indiana Univer- Henninger joined the tration and was a skilled editor. sity. sity School of Music. Henninger Library in 1959 as a secretary In her final position, Henninger A longtime resident of the was an active member of Sigma to the director of personnel. In processed copyright registra- District of Colombia, Henninger Alpha Iota, an international music 1961 she became an examiner tions for computer programs in her retirement volunteered fraternity for which she played in the Copyright Office. She was and trade secrets and mate- with the Smithsonian Institution piano once a year. She served as promoted to supervisory exam- rial that did not clearly fit into as an information specialist and an usher at Saint John’s Episcopal iner in 1976. Beginning in 1977, established categories as cov- office assistant in the Smithsonian Church in Georgetown. she served as the first Perform- ered by the deposit regulations. Associates travel office. A faith- —By Judith Nierman ing Arts Section head after the In one year, she cleared nearly ful contributor to the arts in the Copyright Office was reorga- 350 pending registrations. District, she supported the capital nized with the implementation Born in Indianapolis, Hen- campaign to build the Harman moving on, continued from page 5 R. Turner, Jr., special assistant, GS-13, Manager-employee Relationships GS-13, OWD, DLC/COO; Mary J. Maze, OWD, DLC/COO; Micheal K. Walsh, Struggling with how to approach employees library technician (copyright), GS-07, supervisory librarian, GS-14, ALAWE, you manage? Contact the Library’s Employee Assistance Program counselor at 7-6389, sdia@ Information and Records Division (I&RD), LS; Aletta N. Waterhouse, Russian loc.gov; or call 1-888-290-4327 or go to www. COP; Ruth V. Person, fiscal specialist, leadership program coordinator, GS-14, guidanceresources.com at any hour on any day of the week. All Library employees and benefit- GS-11, LD, COP; Jean M. Rawson, social Office of the Librarian (LIBN); and eligible dependents may call the on-site counselor science analyst, GS-15, Resources, Science Maurvene D. Williams, program officer, or receive up to three sessions at no charge for and Industry Division (RSI), CRS; Leon GS-14, Center for the Book (CFB), LS. u off-site counseling close to home or work. 8 Library of Congress Gazette March 13, 2009

CALENDAR march Charge of Monitoring Your on its programming. Noon – 2 of the Rachel Carson Council, Friday,fri Marchda 13y Credit. Noon, West Dining p.m., Montpelier Room, LM Inc., introduces and discusses 13 Room, LM 621. Contact 619. Contact [email protected]. the film “A Sense of Wonder,” Aerobics Class: Strength 7-6389. a film about environmentalist training and floor exercise. Lecture: Yuwu Song and NDIIPP Briefing: David Ming Sun Poon, both of the Carson. 11:30 a.m., West Noon, LC Wellness Center, Dining Room, LM 621. LA B-36. Contact 7-8637. Kirsch, associate professor Asian Division, discuss “The of management and Application of Duxiu and Aerobics Class: High-Low. Music and the Brain Series: entrepreneurship at the Chinese Cultural Revolution Noon, LC Wellness Center, Jacqueline Helfgott, criminal University Maryland, Databases.” Noon, Asian LA B-36. Contact 7-8637. justice department at Seattle discusses “A Public Interest Reading Room Foyer, LJ University, and Norman Yoga: Noon, LM SB-02. in Private Records.” Noon, 150. Contact 7-3683. Contact 7-5984. Middleton, Library of Congress National Digital Library Gallery Talk: Carol Johnson Music Division, present a Learning Center. Contact Meditation: Open to all. 12:15 of the Prints and Photographs lecture titled “Halt or I’ll Play 7-2603, [email protected]. p.m., LA 300. Contact mrag@ Vivaldi! Classical Music as Division discusses “The loc.gov. Books and Beyond: Bibi Changing Image of Lincoln.” Crime Stopper.” 6:15 p.m., Film: Lincoln Bicentennial Gaston discusses and signs Noon, “With Malice Toward Whittall Pavilion. Contact Series: “Hallmark Hall of Fame: her book “The Loveliest None” exhibition, South 7-8432. Robert E. Sherwood’s Abe Woman in America: A Tragic Gallery. Contact 7-9203. Film: Environmental Film Actress, Her Lost Diaries and Lincoln in Illinois” (NBC, 1964). Festival: “Old Ironsides” Her Granddaughter’s Search Aerobics Class: Strength 7 p.m., Mary Pickford Theater, (Paramount Famous Lasky for Home.” Noon, Mary training and floor exercise. LM 301. Contact 7-5677. 12:30 p.m., LC Wellness Corp., 1926). 7 p.m., Mary Pickford Theater, LM 301. Friday,marc March 20h Pickford Theater, LM 301. Co-sponsored by the Library’s Center, LA B-36. Contact friday Contact 7-5677. Manuscript Division. Contact 7-8637. 20 Concert: Quatuor Ébène 7-5221. Yoga/Pilates: Start at your Aerobics Class: Strength training and floor exercise. performs works by Debussy, Lecture: Art historian Andy own level. 1 p.m., LM SB-02. Noon, LC Wellness Center, Fauré and Ravel. 8 p.m., Lowings presents a talk titled Contact 7-3013. LA B-36. Contact 7-8637. Coolidge Auditorium. Tickets “Reconstructing the Lyre of Women’s History Month: are required. Contact 7-5502. Ur.” Noon, African and Middle Former Maryland Rep. Film: Environmental Film Monday,marc March h16 Eastern Reading Room, Constance Morella discusses Festival: “Moby Dick” (Warner LJ 220. Contact 7-5676. Bros., 1930). 7 p.m., Mary monday “Legislating in Heels: An 16 Aerobics Class: Anecdotal Journey.” 1 p.m., Pickford Theater, LM 301. Library Research Orientation: High-Low. Whittall Pavilion. Sponsored Contact 7-5677. An introduction to using the Noon, LC Wellness Center, LA B-36. Contact 7-8637. by the Law Library. Concert: World grandmaster Library of Congress. 10:30 of the jazz guitar Jim Hall and a.m. – noon, LJ G07. Register LCPA What If … Science Thursday,marc Marchh 19 Fiction & Fantasy Forum: his band perform in concert. by calling 7-3370 or online at thursday 8 p.m., Coolidge Auditorium. www.loc.gov/rr/main/inforeas/ Author Ekaterina Sedia 19 Women’s History Month: Tickets are required. Contact orient.html. Sponsored by presents a talk titled “Prose’s Diana Post, executive director 7-5502. the Humanities and Social Magic.” 12:10 p.m., Dining Sciences Division. Contact Room A, LM 620. Contact 7-2138. [email protected]. “Education in Iraqi Kurdistan” Lecture: Idris Hadi Salih, Meditation: Open to all. Idris Hadi Salih, minister of higher education of the minister of higher education 12:15 p.m., LA 300. Contact Kurdistan region of Iraq, will speak. of the Kurdistan region of [email protected]. Noon, Monday, March 16 Iraq, discusses education in Wednesday,marc Marchh 18 African Middle Eastern Reading Room, LJ-220, in the African Iraqi Kurdistan. Noon, African wednesday Middle Eastern Division and Middle Eastern Division 18 Reading Room, LJ 220. Tai Chi Class: All levels. Sponsored by the African Middle Eastern Division. Contact 7-4518, [email protected]. 11:30 a.m., LC Wellness For information contact Hirad Dinavari (202) 707-4518 or Center, LA B-36. Contact [email protected]. Yoga/Pilates: Start at your 7-2617. own level. 1 p.m., LM SB-02. Please allow time to clear security. Request ASL and ADA Contact 7-3013. Bloomsday Camerata: accommodation five days in advance at 7-6362 or Reading through “The Cantos” [email protected]. Tuesday,marc Marchh 17 by Ezra Pound. Noon, Dewey 17 tuesday Conference Room, BCBS Service Day: LM 547. Contact 7-0013. Reconstructing the Lyre of Ur A Blue Cross Blue Shield Forum: Bible study. Open Andy Lowings, an art historian, harper and engineer from representative will be available to all. Noon, LM 613. Contact Oxford, England, will discuss the “Lyre of Ur Project,” at noon to respond to any health [email protected]. on Tuesday, March 17, in the Middle Eastern Reading Room, benefits inquiries. 10 a.m. – 2 Celebration: The LCPA LJ-220. p.m., HR Customer Service celebrates its 40th Lowings has reconstructed the 5,000- year-old instrument Center, LM 107. Contact anniversary with refreshments, 7-8305. after it was stripped by looters at the Iraqi National Museum in live music from The Just Show Baghdad in 2003. He also will demonstrate the instrument. EAP Seminar: How To Take Up Combo and information

Request ADA accommodations for events five business days in advance at 7-6362 or [email protected]. See www.loc.gov/loc/events for the Library’s online calendar.