Presidential libraries: merging public records and private lives
OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives
ISSN: 1065-075X
Article publication date: 28 August 2007
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the Presidential Library System run by the United States National Archives and Records Service and analyze how its history and the legislation surrounding the presidential libraries can create conflicting missions and controversy.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a viewpoint focusing on several recent events in the news concerning presidential libraries that highlight their ambiguous position.
Findings
The paper finds that presidential libraries and museums are a national resource and sites for learning, teaching and scholarship. However, the full potential of these institutions is often not realized due to insufficient funding and inconsistent legislation both resulting in lack of access to the records. This also leads to misunderstandings and controversies surrounding these institutions.
Practical implications
Access to government records is a hallmark of democracy. Understanding how access to the records of former presidents has been determined provided insight into access to all government records.
Originality/value
The paper provides a context for analyzing current events relating to presidential libraries.
Keywords
Citation
Yakel, E. (2007), "Presidential libraries: merging public records and private lives", OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives, Vol. 23 No. 3, pp. 238-241. https://doi.org/10.1108/10650750710776350
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited