GPO Hires First Preservation Librarian
The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) announced the establishment of the agency's first preservation librarian position.
David Walls will serve as GPO's first preservation librarian; he is a member of the American Library Association (ALA) and comes to the agency from Yale University where he worked as a preservation librarian for 12 years. While at Yale, Walls established practices for the digital conversion of library and special collection materials.
GPO's preservation librarian will be tasked with updating the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) collection management plan for the preservation of federal government documents.
Digital preservation is an ongoing initiative for GPO. In 2009, the agency launched GPO's Federal Digital System (FDsys), a content management system, preservation repository and advanced search engine that provides the public with permanent public access to federal government information. GPO is also a member of LOCKSS (Lots of Copies Keep Stuff Safe), a worldwide digital preservation alliance that collaborates with libraries and organizations on preservation initiatives.
"David's experience and expertise in preservation will be an asset to GPO and its mission of Keeping America Informed," said Acting Superintendent of Documents Ric Davis. "This is an important position for the agency as we work with the library community on the continuing transition to a primarily electronic FDLP, and ensure that the content can be migrated in the future to guarantee current and permanent public access to federal government information."
For more information, visit www.fdsys.gov.
- People:
- David Walls