Librarian of Congress

Librarian of Congress
Seal of the Library of Congress
Flag of the Library of Congress
Incumbent Disputed Robert Newlen (acting) Todd Blanche (acting) since May 8, 2025 (Newlen) May 12, 2025 (Blanche)
Library of Congress
Appointer	President of the United States with Senate advice and consent
Term length	Ten years
Inaugural holder	John J. Beckley
Formation	1800
Deputy	Disputed Vacant (since May 8, 2025) Brian Nieves (acting) (since May 12, 2025)[1]
Salary	US$203,700 Level II of the Executive Schedule[2]
Website	loc.gov/librarianoffice/

The librarian of Congress is the head of the Library of Congress, appointed by the president of the United States with the advice and consent of the United States Senate,^[3] for a term of ten years.^[4] The librarian of Congress also appoints and oversees the Register of Copyrights of the U.S. Copyright Office and has broad responsibilities around copyright, extending to electronic resources and fair use provisions outlined in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. The librarian determines whether particular works are subject to DMCA prohibitions regarding technological access protection.^[5][6] In addition, the librarian appoints the U.S. poet laureate and awards the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.