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bigwangbowski t1_j28ffai wrote

The Librarian of Congress before her was David Mao, who only served a year. I wonder what the story behind that is.

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Oldenlame t1_j28iutx wrote

David Mao was acting Librarian of Congress filling in after the retirement of James H. Billington until a new Librarian could be appointed. Securing the historic works of the library is an important task that cannot wait on bureaucracy. Contained within the library are many documents from the founding of the nation. Protecting them is as much a calling as a job.

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bigwangbowski t1_j28jsi3 wrote

David Mao was the deputy librarian under Billington and from initial appearances, looked like he was on track to become librarian. My guess is that he wanted a job that was more law-focused as reflected by his experience and training as well as what he moved on to.

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