On Friday, new Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced that the head of the Copyright Office Maria Pallante was being moved into a new position, senior advisor for digital strategy, where she “will support the Librarian’s agency-wide digital strategy, advising on collecting and preserving digital materials, collections copyright status, licensing opportunities and third-party collaborations related to digital content.” A search is being conducted for a new register of copyrights and Hayden said in the statement that “improved information technology for the office will be a top priority.” Karyn Temple Claggett serves as as acting register of copyrights.
A Billboard story maintains firmly that “it’s clear she was asked to step down.” They write: “Pallante was locked out of the Library of Congress computer system this morning, according to two sources who spoke with Library employees. Earlier, Hayden had called several members of Congress to tell them about her decision. Later, she called the heads of several media business trade organizations to give them the news, according to one who received such a call.”
Pallante had been considered friendly to copyright industries as she worked on a broad overhaul and modernization of copyright — and she also advocated making the Copyright Office part of executive branch, with her post becoming subject to presidential appointment.
In personnel news, Molly Hodgin has been promoted to associate publisher of HarperCollins Christian Publishing’s specialty publishing division.
Andy Ball has been promoted to director, managing editorial, Little, Brown Children’s, Orbit, Redhook, and Yen Press.