Home The American Library Association Joins Others In Expressing Con
Contact: Frank DiFulvio
Press Secretary, ALA Washington
202-628-8410
fdifulvio@ala.org
For Immediate Release
April 23, 2004
The American Library Association Joins Others In Expressing Concern About the Nomination of Allen Weinstein to Become Archivist of the United States
WASHINGTON -- On April 8, 2004 the White House suddenly announced the nomination of Allen Weinstein to become the next Archivist of the United States. Prior to the announcement, there was no consultation with professional organizations, archivists, or historians. This is the first time since the National Archives and Records Administration was established as an independent agency that the process of nominating an Archivist of the United States has not been open for public discussion and input.
When former President Ronald Reagan signed the National Archives and Records Administration Act of 1984, he stated, "The materials that the Archives safeguards are precious and irreplaceable national treasures, and the agency that looks after the historical records of the Federal Government should be accorded a status that is commensurate with its important responsibilities." Earlier in 1984, when the National Archives Act was being discussed, a Senate report cautioned that if the Archivist was appointed "arbitrarily, or motivated by political considerations, the historical records could be impoverished or even distorted."
The law clearly states that, "The Archivist shall be appointed without regard to political affiliations, and solely on the basis of the professional qualifications required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the office of Archivist." In 1984, a House report noted, "The committee expects that determining professional qualifications will be achieved through consultation with recognized organizations of archivists and historians." The law also states that when the Archivist is replaced, the President "Shall communicate the reasons for such removal to each House of Congress."
"The American Library Association believes that the decision to appoint a new Archivist by President Bush should be considered in accordance with both the letter and the spirit of the 1984 law," said ALA President Dr. Carla Hayden.
The ALA is joining with other concerned organizations (turn the page for a complete list) to ask the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs to schedule open hearings on this nomination of Professor Weinstein, in order to more fully explore the reasons why the Archivist is being replaced, and if Professor Weinstein possesses the requisite qualifications to become the Archivist of the United States.
Among other issues, ALA and the following organizations, believe it is important to learn more about Professor Weinstein's:
- Knowledge and understanding of the critical issues confronting NARA and the archival profession generally. Especially the challenges of information technology, and the competing demands of public access to government records, privacy, homeland security, and ensuring the authenticity and integrity of all records.
- Thoughts on how NARA should balance competing interests for protecting sensitive or confidential information with those seeking to gain access to records created by government agencies.
- Ideas for continuing essential programs as well as important new archival initiatives, such as the Electronic Records Archives project.
- Thoughts on fully supporting the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), whose grants have been instrumental in starting and supporting the production of published editions of historical documents, and in helping to raise the level of archival practice at state and local levels.
- Experience and demonstrated ability to lead and manage a large government agency such as NARA.
- Plans for protecting the professional integrity and political non-partisanship of NARA as a governmental agency.
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American Library Association
Society of American Archivists
American Association for State and Local History
American Historical Association
Association for Documentary Editing
Association of Research Libraries
Conference of Inter-Mountain Archivists
Coordinating Council for Women in History
Council of State Historical Records Coordinators
Illinois Library Association, Social Responsibility Forum
Midwest Archives Conference
National Association of Government Archives and Records Administrators
National Humanities Alliance
New England Archivists
Northwest Archivists, Inc.
Organization of American Historians
Progressive Librarians Guild
Wisconsin Library Association
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