A headline just crossed my desk from the Sacramento Bee: “Brown Appoints Former Reporter Lucas as State Librarian“
Deep Breath… A manager of one of the most important library systems in California without any apparent
professional library managerial experience?
I am concerned that the Governor of California has placed the stewardship of the State Library in the hands of someone without any professional library experience. I could be wrong. If there is any information I have missed, please let me know in the comments section below. This item certainly indicates a fondness for books.
What do you think? Is this the start of a trend? Is it necessary for the person in charge of a State Library to be a Librarian?
UPDATE #1: The last appointment to this position without any previous library experience was in 1899.
UPDATE #2: California Education Code Section 19302 states that “The division shall be in charge of a chief who shall be a technically trained librarian and shall be known as the “State Librarian.” (Hat Tip to David McFadden)
UPDATE #3: Here is the full text of the Governor’s announcement.
UPDATE #4:
3-26-17 11:03 AM PDT