Carla_Hayden

Carla Hayden

Carla Hayden

American librarian and 14th Librarian of Congress (born 1952)


Carla Diane Hayden (born August 10, 1952)[1][2] is an American librarian who is serving as the 14th librarian of Congress.[3][4] Since the creation of the office of the librarian of Congress in 1802, Hayden is both the first African American and the first woman to hold this post.[5][6][7][8] Appointed in 2016, she is the first professional librarian to hold the post since 1974.[9]

Quick Facts 14th Librarian of Congress, President ...

Born in Tallahassee, Florida, Hayden began her career at the Chicago Public Library, and earned a doctorate in library science from the University of Chicago. From 1993 until 2016, she was the CEO of Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland, and president of the American Library Association (ALA) from 2003 to 2004.[10][11][12] During her presidency, she was the leading voice of the ALA in speaking out against provisions of the newly passed United States Patriot Act, which impacted public information services.[13][14]

In 2020, she was elected to the American Philosophical Society.[15]

Early life

Hayden was born in Tallahassee, Florida, to Bruce Kennard Hayden Jr., at that time director of the String Department at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, and Colleen Hayden (née Dowling), a social worker.[2][16] Her parents met while attending Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois.[2] Hayden grew up in Queens, New York. When she was 10 years old, her parents divorced and she moved with her mother to Chicago, Illinois.[2][17] She had a younger half-brother from her father's second marriage, Bruce Kennard Hayden, III, who died in 1992.[18]

Hayden's mother's side of the family comes from Helena, Arkansas. Her father's maternal side of the family, who eventually settled in Du Quoin, Illinois, had been enslaved, which is chronicled in the book, It's Good to Be Black, by Ruby Berkley Goodwin.[2][19]

Hayden said that her passion for reading was inspired by Marguerite de Angeli's Bright April, the 1946 book about a young African-American girl who was in the Brownies. At Chicago's South Shore High School, Hayden became interested in books on British history and "cozy mysteries".[20] She attended MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois, and then transferred to Roosevelt University.[2]

While she loved libraries she didn't consider it as a career until after she had graduated from Roosevelt University with majors in political science and African history in 1973. Hayden received her master's degree in Library Science in 1977, and a doctorate degree in Library Science in 1987,[21] both from the University of Chicago Graduate Library School.[22]

Career

Dr. Hayden (left) poses with actress Lynda Carter

Hayden began her library career at the Chicago Public Library telling stories to children with autism.[8] From 1973 to 1979, she worked as an associate/children's librarian at the Whitney Young branch. From 1979 to 1982, she served as the young adult services coordinator. From 1982 to 1987, Hayden worked as a library services coordinator at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry.[23]

Hayden moved to Pittsburgh, where she was an associate professor, teaching at the University of Pittsburgh School of Information Sciences from 1987 to 1991.[23] At the time, well known African-American librarians, E. J. Josey and Spencer Shaw, were on the faculty there.[2]

Hayden then moved back to Chicago and became Deputy Commissioner and Chief Librarian of the Chicago Public Library, posts she held from 1991 to 1993.[23] During her time working at the Chicago Public Library, Hayden became acquainted with Michelle Obama and Barack Obama.[24]

From 1993 to 2016, Hayden was executive director of Baltimore's Enoch Pratt Free Library.[23]

In January 2010, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Hayden as a member of the National Museum and Library Services Board and National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities.[25]

Enoch Pratt Free Library

On July 1, 1993, Hayden began the appointed position of Director at Enoch Pratt Free Library, the public library system in Baltimore, Maryland.[26]

During her tenure, Hayden oversaw a library co-operative with 22 locations, hundreds of employees, and an annual budget of $40 million. She also oversaw the first new branch opening in 35 years along with the renovation of the co-operative's central branch, at a cost of $112 million. During the 2015 protests of the death of Freddie Gray, Hayden kept Baltimore's libraries open, an act for which she received extensive praise.[27]

When interviewed by American Libraries Magazine during the Baltimore unrest in 2015 why she decided to keep the libraries open, Hayden replied,

I knew that the libraries are community resources. I knew that they are anchors in so many communities. In a lot of communities in Baltimore, especially challenged ones, we are the only resource. If we close, we're sending a signal that we're afraid or that we aren't going to be available when times are tough. We should be open especially when times are tough.[28]

When later asked to reflect about the incident in a 2016 Time magazine interview she stated that the library became a command center of sorts as many stores in the community closed, and that "we knew that [people] would look for that place of refuge and relief and opportunity."[29]

She left this position on August 11, 2016, when she was appointed to the Library of Congress.[18]

ALA presidency

As president of the American Library Association (ALA) from 2003 to 2004, Hayden chose the theme "Equity of Access".[30][31][32][33] The term "Equity of Access" refers to idea that all people, from every background and of all ages, income, and capabilities, should have access to information they need in uncensored and varied formats (digital, print, etc.).[34] On the topic of Equity of Access, Hayden has stated:

At a time when our public is challenged on multiple fronts, we need to recommit ourselves to the ideal of providing equal access to everyone, anywhere, anytime, and in any format. We need to pay particular attention to those groups who are already underserved, such as residents of rural and urban America, senior citizens and the disabled. By finally embracing equity of access we will be affirming our core valves, recognizing realities, and assuring our future.[34]

In her role as ALA president, Hayden was vocal in her public opposition to the Patriot Act, leading a battle for the protections of library users' privacy.[2][35] She especially objected to the special permissions contained in Section 215 of that law, which gave the Justice Department and the FBI the power to access library user records. Hayden often sparred publicly with then-U.S. attorney general John Ashcroft over the language of the law.[36] Ashcroft often ridiculed the library community, and stated that the ALA had been "misled into opposing provisions of the act that make it easier for FBI agents to fish through library records".[37] Hayden's response was immediate, stating that the ALA was "deeply concerned that the Attorney General would be so openly contemptuous" (to the library community), while also pointing out that librarians had been monitored and been under FBI surveillance as far back as the McCarthy Era. Hayden asserted that Ashcroft should release information as to the number of libraries that had been visited under the provisions of Section 215.[38] She has stated that the concern stemmed from making sure that a balance existed "between security and personal freedoms."[29]

As a result of her stand for the rights of every American, she became Ms. magazine's 2003 Woman of the Year. In her interview with the magazine, she stated:

Libraries are a cornerstone of democracy—where information is free and equally available to everyone. People tend to take that for granted, and they don't realize what is at stake when that is put at risk.[39]

Hayden says, "[Librarians] are activists, engaged in the social work aspect of librarianship. Now we are fighters for freedom".[39]

Along with her objections of the Patriot Act, Hayden has done much in her career in outreach programs. As ALA President she wrote:

At a time when our public is challenged on multiple fronts, we need to recommit ourselves to the ideal of providing equal access to everyone, anywhere, anytime, and in any format ... By finally embracing equity of access we will be affirming our core values, recognizing realities, and assuring our future.[30][40]

One program she is notable for is for the outreach program she began at the Enoch Pratt Free Library. This outreach program included "an after school center for Baltimore teens offering homework assistance and college and career counseling." Because of this, Hayden received Library Journal's Librarian of the Year Award in 1995. She is the first African-American to have received this award.[41]

Prior to and during her ALA presidency, Hayden also played a role in influencing the creation of the Spectrum Scholarship Program, which was first developed in 1997 and still offers yearly scholarships.[42] This scholarship program seeks to "actively recruit and provide scholarships to American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern and North African, and/or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander students to assist them with obtaining a graduate degree and leadership positions within the profession and ALA".[43]

14th librarian of Congress

On February 24, 2016, President Barack Obama nominated Hayden to serve as the next librarian of Congress.[24] In a press release from the White House, President Obama stated:

Michelle and I have known Carla Hayden for a long time, since her days working at the Chicago Public Library, and I am proud to nominate her to lead our nation's oldest federal institution as our 14th Librarian of Congress. Hayden has devoted her career to modernizing libraries so that everyone can participate in today's digital culture. She has the proven experience, dedication, and deep knowledge of our nation's libraries to serve our country well and that's why I look forward to working with her in the months ahead. If confirmed, Hayden would be the first woman and the first African American to hold the position – both of which are long overdue.[24]

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Hayden speaks in 2019

After her nomination, more than 140 library, publishing, educational, and academic organizations signed a letter of support. The letter said in part that Congress had "an opportunity to equip the library and the nation with the unique combination of professional skills and sensibilities that Dr. Hayden will bring to the post."[46]

The nomination was received by the U.S. Senate and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.[47][48] On April 20, 2016, the Committee on Rules and Administration, chaired by Senator Roy Blunt with Charles E. Schumer as ranking member, held the confirmation hearing.[45][49][50] Hayden opposed the 2000 Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), which was a sticking point in her nomination to become Librarian of Congress.[3][51]

On July 13, 2016, she was confirmed as Librarian of Congress by a 74–18 vote in the United States Senate.[27] Hayden was sworn in by Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts on September 14, 2016.[52][53] Even though more than eighty percent of American librarians are women, for over two hundred years the position of librarian of Congress was filled exclusively by white men,[54] making Hayden the first woman and the first African American to hold the position. Notably, she is also a librarian by profession. Many past librarians of Congress have been scholars and historians.[55]

As Librarian of Congress, Hayden says she hopes to continue "the movement to open the treasure chest that is the Library of Congress."[56] Hayden said much of her early effort will focus on building and retaining staff.[57] In the next five years, Hayden will also focus on making sure that at least half of the library's 162 million items are digitized, especially rare collections.[20] Hayden hopes for the library to have live performances and broadcasts and have traveling exhibits tour America that tie in with educational programming for schoolkids.[58]

Hayden aspires to modernize the institution during her tenure by both preserving the collection and modernizing access to it, as she will be the first librarian of Congress appointed "since the advent of the internet." In a press release by the ALA Washington Office, ALA president Julie Todaro said, "Hayden holds a profound understanding of the integral role libraries play in formal education, community-based learning, and the promotion of individual opportunity and community progress. I believe that through her visionary leadership the Library of Congress will soon mirror society's rapidly changing information environment, while successfully preserving the cultural record of the United States."[9] She spoke of her desire to reach people outside of Washington, D.C., especially in rural areas and in accessible formats to people with visual disabilities. Another one of her main goals is to improve the infrastructure and "technological capacity" of the Library of Congress.[23] She is undecided if the United States Copyright Office, which is overseen by the Library, should be independent of the library, but believes the Office should be "fully functional" and be able carry to out its mandates to protect creators.[45]

In January 2017, Hayden hosted 4-year-old Daliyah Marie Arana as Librarian of Congress for the day.[59] Following that, in October 2017, she hosted 8-year-old Adam Coffey as Librarian of Congress for the day

Honors

In 1995, Hayden was honored with the national Librarian of the Year Award by Library Journal, becoming the first African American to receive the prestigious award.[60] Her commitment to equity of access was central to the honor.[61]

Memberships

  • 2015–2016: Baltimore Community Foundation, Trustee[80]
  • Maryland African American Museum Corporation, Board Member
  • Goucher College, Board Member
  • Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute and Library, Board Member
  • Baltimore City Historical Society, Board Member
  • Baltimore Reads, Board Member
  • Maryland Historical Society, Board Member
  • Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance, Board Member
  • Open Society Institute–Baltimore, Board Member
  • PALINET, Board Member
  • Sinai Hospital, Board Member
  • University of Pittsburgh School of Information Sciences, Board Member
  • 2007– : Baltimore Gas and Electric, Board Member[81]
  • 2010– : National Museum and Library Services Board, Member[25]
  • 2010– : National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities, Member[25]
  • Baltimore City Combined Charity Campaign, Chair
  • American Institute of Urban Psychological Studies, Board Member
  • Kennedy-Krieger Institute, Board Member
  • Maryland Museum of African American History, Board Member
  • YWCA, Board Member
  • Urban Libraries Council, Board Member

Publications

  • RTK Editorial Committee; American Library Association (1992). "A New Way of Thinking about Librarians by Carla Hayden". In Schuman, Patricia Glass; Crist, Margo; Curry, Elizabeth (eds.). Your Right to Know: Librarians Make It Happen: Conference Within a Conference Background Papers. Chicago, IL: American Library Association. pp. 34–37. OCLC 30037844. – ALA Annual Conference, Sunday, June 28, 1992, 9 a.m.-5 p.m

Books

Book chapters

Selected articles

  • Hayden, Carla D. (1985). "Museum of Science and Industry Library". Science & Technology Libraries. 6 (1–2): 47–54. doi:10.1300/J122v06n01_06.Closed access icon
  • Hayden, Carla D. (1986). "Literature for and about black adolescents". Illinois Libraries. 68: 372–374.
  • Hayden, Carla; Raseroka, Helen Kay (1988). "The Good and the Bad: Two Novels of South Africa". Children's Literature Association Quarterly. 13 (2): 57–60. doi:10.1353/chq.0.0619. S2CID 143395453.Closed access icon
  • Hayden, Carla D. (1989). "Multicultural Literature and Library Services for Children: A Continuing Challenge for the New Century". 55th IFLA Council and General Conference Paris, France 19-26 August 1989. The Hague (Netherlands): IFLA General Conference. pp. 2–4. OCLC 438720810.
  • Hayden, C. D. (1991). Children and Computer Technology in American Libraries. Books by African-American authors and illustrators for children and young adults, 14.
  • Hayden, C. D. (2003). ALA reaffirms core values, commitment to members. Newsletter On Intellectual Freedom, 52(6), 219.
  • Hayden, C. D. (2003). Equity of Access—the Time Is Now. American Libraries, 34(7), 5.
  • Hayden, C. D. (2003). ALA President's Message: Something for Everyone@ Your Library. American Libraries, 5–5.
  • Hayden, C. D. (2003). ALA President's Message: What Are Libraries For?. American Libraries, 5–5.
  • Hayden, C. D. (2004). ALA President's statement to Judiciary Committee. Newsletter On Intellectual Freedom, 53(1), 1–35.
  • Hayden, C. D. (2004). ALA President's Message: The Equity Struggle Must Continue. American Libraries, 5–5.
  • Hayden, C. D. (2004). ALA President's Message: Libraries Matter Because People Believe in Them. American Libraries, 35(1), 5–5.
  • Hayden, C. D. (2004). ALA President's Message: Advocacy from the Outside and from Within. American Libraries, 35(2), 5–5.
  • Hayden, C. D. (2004). ALA President's Message: Reaching Out to the Underserved. American Libraries, 35(3), 5–5.
  • Hayden, C. D. (2004). ALA President's Message: Building accessibility for all. American Libraries, 35(4), 5–5.
  • Hayden, C. D. (2008). Free Is Our Middle Name. Unabashed Librarian, (146), 10–11.

Thesis/dissertation

  • Waters, Carla Diane Hayden (1977). A Public Library Program for the Parent and Preschool Child. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago. OCLC 6178030.

References

  1. "Carla Hayden". The HistoryMakers. 16 July 2010.
  2. "Finding Aid to The HistoryMakers® Video Oral History with Carla Hayden" (PDF). The HistoryMakers. 16 July 2010. Archived from the original (Finding aid) on 2 April 2017. Retrieved 2 April 2017.
  3. Landgraf, Greg (November 2016). "Meet Carla Hayden: America's Librarian" (PDF). American Libraries.
  4. "About the Librarian | About the Library | Library of Congress". Library of Congress. Retrieved 2020-05-24.
  5. Brown, Matthew Hay (6 September 2016). "Carla Hayden, longtime Enoch Pratt CEO, to be sworn in as 14th librarian of Congress on Sept. 14". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on 17 May 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  6. Hines, Shawnda (16 July 2016). "Dr. Carla Hayden to serve as the next Librarian of Congress". American Library Association. Archived from the original (Press release) on 2018-12-30.
  7. "ALA's Past Presidents". American Library Association. 2011. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011.
  8. "The American Philosophical Society Welcomes New Members for 2020". American Philosophical Society. Retrieved 2020-05-24.
  9. Museum Association of Douglas County (April 1997). "The History of Tuscola's Negro* Population" (PDF). Cabin Chatter: Newsletter of the Museum Association of Douglas County. Tuscola, IL: Museum Association of Douglas County: 101. OCLC 38191450. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-04-02. Retrieved 2017-04-02.
  10. Antoniades, Christina Breda (13 July 2015). "At Home With Carla Hayden". Baltimore.
  11. McGlone, Peggy (13 September 2016). "'Rock star' Baltimore librarian makes history at Library of Congress". The Washington Post.
  12. Goodwin, Ruby Berkley (2013). It's Good to Be Black (Sixtieth-anniversary ed.). IL: Southern Illinois University Press. ISBN 978-0-8093-3122-2. OCLC 900954690.
  13. Hayden, Carla Diane (1987). A Frontier of Librarianship: Services for Children in Museums. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago. OCLC 23706364.
  14. Peet, Lisa (22 April 2016). "LC Nominee Hayden's Hearing Demonstrates Widespread Support". Library Journal. Archived from the original on 2 January 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
  15. The White House, Office of the Press Secretary (24 February 2016). "President Obama Announces His Intent to Nominate Carla D. Hayden as Librarian of Congress" (Press release). whitehouse.gov.
  16. The White House, Office of the Press Secretary (19 January 2010). "President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 1/19/10". whitehouse.gov.
  17. St. Lifer, Evan; Rogers, Michael, eds. (1 June 1993). "Hayden leaves Chicago PL to head Enoch Pratt Free Lib.: Librarian unanimously selected by library's 22-member board despite last-minute overtures from Chicago PL". Library Journal. 118 (10): 19. ISSN 0363-0277.Closed access icon
  18. McGlone, Peggy (13 July 2016). "Carla Hayden confirmed as 14th librarian of Congress". The Washington Post.
  19. "Equity of Access". American Libraries. 35 (6): 1–14. June 2004. JSTOR 25649192.Closed access icon
  20. "ALAAction No. 5 in a series: Equity Brochure HTML". American Library Association. 29 March 2007.
  21. "ALA Equity Brochure: Equity of Access". American Library Association. 2007. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
  22. Peterson, Andrea (3 October 2014). "Librarians won't stay quiet about government surveillance". The Washington Post.
  23. Orenstein, Catherine (December 2003). "Women of the Year 2003: Carla Diane Hayden". Ms. Archived from the original on 2017-03-27. Retrieved 2016-06-25.
  24. American Library Association. Office for Literacy and Outreach Services; Hayden, Carla D. (foreword by) (2004). Osborne, Robin (ed.). From Outreach to Equity: Innovative Models of Library Policy and Practice. Chicago, IL: American Library Association. pp. ix–x. ISBN 978-0-8389-3541-5. OCLC 54685483.
  25. "Reflections on Spectrum's Beginnings". American Library Association. January 3, 2018. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  26. "Spectrum Scholarship Program". American Library Association. 29 March 2017. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  27. Garunay, Melanie (24 February 2016). "Meet President Obama's Nominee for Librarian of Congress" (includes video). whitehouse.gov.
  28. Blunt, Roy; Mikulski, Barbara A.; Cardin, Ben; Sarbanes, Paul S.; Schumer, Chuck; Hayden, Carla D.; Capito, Shelley Moore; Klobuchar, Amy; Cochran, Thad; King, Angus; Boozman, John (20 April 2016). "Librarian of Congress Nominee Carla Hayden Confirmation Hearing" (Video). C-SPAN.
  29. Morales, Macey (21 April 2016). "Broad Public, Library and Educational Sector Support of Hayden Nomination" (Press release). American Library Association.
  30. Gross, Daniel A. (20 September 2016). "Carla Hayden Takes Charge of the World's Largest Library". The New Yorker.
  31. Fritze, John (13 July 2016). "Enoch Pratt leader Carla Hayden confirmed for Library of Congress". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on 2 June 2019. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
  32. McCauley, Mary Carole (14 September 2016). "New librarian of Congress Carla Hayden taking over organization in turmoil". The Baltimore Sun.
  33. Schmidt, Samantha (12 January 2017). "Introducing Daliyah, the 4-year-old girl who has read more than 1,000 books". The Washington Post.
  34. Gatewood, Tracey (3 February 1996). "She's top librarian in U.S.". Afro-American Red Star. Washington, D.C. p. A1. ProQuest 369728030.Closed access icon
  35. Berry, John (1 January 1996). "Librarian of the year 1995. (cover story)". Library Journal. 121 (1): 36–38. ISSN 0363-0277.Closed access icon
  36. "Jean E. Coleman Library Outreach Lecture". American Library Association.
  37. Colvin, Geoff (24 March 2016). "Fortune's World's Greatest Leaders. 25: Carla Hayden: Nominee, Library of Congress, 63". Fortune. Archived from the original on 4 June 2019. Retrieved 2 April 2017.
  38. "Carla Hayden receives the 2017 Melvil Dewey Medal". American Library Association. April 20, 2017. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  39. "2017 WNBA Award Winners Announced". Women's National Book Association. June 16, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  40. "North Star Award Winners". hurstonwright.org. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  41. "Time Firsts: The Librarian Carla Hayden Winners". Time.com. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  42. "NYPL Library Lion Former Honorees". nypl.org. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  43. "W.E.B. DuBois Medal Recipients". Retrieved 14 April 2022.
  44. American Library Association. Honorary Membership.
  45. "Carla Hayden to receive 2018 Newberry Library Award". American Libraries. February 1, 2018.
  46. "Wake Forest Class of 2019: Be 'seekers and stewards of the truth'". Wake Forest News. 2019-05-20. Retrieved 2019-05-21.
  47. "2019 Summit Highlights Photo". Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, presents the Golden Plate Award to Dr. Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, at the Banquet of the Golden Plate Award gala ceremonies.
  48. "Home Page". Commencement. Retrieved 2023-05-21.
  49. ALA Award Winners," American Libraries 54 (September/October 2023): 34.
  50. "Drs. Lillian Bauder and Carla Hayden Elected to Baltimore Community Foundation Board of Trustees". Baltimore Community Foundation. 10 December 2015. Archived from the original on 3 April 2017. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
  51. Gould, Robert L. (July 18, 2007). "Three Independent Directors to be Elected to Baltimore Gas and Electric Company Board of Directors" (PDF). Constellation Energy Group. Archived from the original (Press release) on September 30, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
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