Comments on: President Obama Nominates David S. Ferriero To Be Archivist of the U.S. (updated)

By: Rick Barry

Rick Barry — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:48:01 +0000

Mr. Ferriero should do very well as Archivist of the US. We learned a long time ago that it isn’t essential to have an archivist in that position; nor that having a well known archivist in the position is a guarantee of success. What is needed as a minimum is a person with significant management experience and skills. That in no way excludes professional archivists, but it doesn’t mean that “only archivists should apply” either. Further professional experience and skills are all the better. John Carlin was extremely successful as Archivist, especially in reprsenting NARA’s interests with the White House and Congress. NARA did very well during his tenure budget wise. While he did exercise his influence over internal NARA stategy and operations, he had the advantage of a highly trained and seasoned professional archivist, Lew Bellardo, as deputy Archivist. It would seem that Carlin had his major focus on the external world while Bellardo kept the store running smoothly. Mr. Ferriero is a professional librarian, a profession in my view that does a great deal better job of advocacy than its sister archivies profession. If he is representative of his profession in that way, he’ll have the right stuff for this job. The current Acting Archivist would certainly back him up very well in her former deputy post. And let’s not forget that in the modern world of digital information, there is much to be said about virtual integration of NARA and LOC digitized finding aids and some aspects of their collections. Our neighbor Canada made a big step in that direction a few years ago with the institutional integration of its corresponding institutions in Library and Archives Canada. There are many things short of institutional integration that can go a long way toward achieving better integration of their information assets.

By: Megan Bezzo

Megan Bezzo — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:10:03 +0000

As an archives and records management professional, I feel quite disappointed that our national leaders continously fail to appoint Archivists of the United States who possess respectible qualifications as a professional archivist. Being an exceptional librarian does not by default qualify one as an exceptional archivist and vice versa. While the media has reported on Mr. Ferriero’s outstanding qualifications as a librarian, I have heard little discussion of how he is prepared to grapple with uniquely archival issues and challenges; there is more to being a good archivist than being an outstanding manager. This is disappointing; I hope to be pleasantly surprised despite my reservations.

By: Elizabeth Bramm Dunn

Elizabeth Bramm Dunn — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 12:56:38 +0000

Those of us who have worked with him feel that David is an incredible choice. He has breadth of vision, a strong commitment to freedom of information, experience leading complex bureaucracies, the ability to identify and tap into the talents of those on his staff, and the gift of being able to communicate with and inspire people ranging from multi-millionaires to the guys on the loading dock. He also thrives in stressful positions such as this one.

By: Mary Hardin

Mary Hardin — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 03:07:33 +0000

David is a perfect choice to become the Nation’s National Archivist. He is people oriented and understands the importance of providing and preserving information in the 21st Century. Those of us in the library world wish him well.

By: Bernard A. Margolis

Bernard A. Margolis — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:59:19 +0000

David is a great choice to lead the National Archives. Experienced in managing complex organizations, knowledgeable of archives and libraries, articulate and engaging, he will do well. I wish him the very best in this important position.

By: Scott Garrison

Scott Garrison — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:51:29 +0000

He is a librarian, and one who believes strongly in preserving information and making it available. He’ll do well in this role.

By: Harriet Burdock

Harriet Burdock — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:05:34 +0000

He is NOT an archivist, has not been trained as one, has little or no understanding of materials in an archives and manuscripts collection. There are much better choices out there.