[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 92 (Friday, July 15, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 15, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             CRITICISM OF LIBRARY OF CONGRESS NOT JUSTIFIED

  Mr. PACKWOOD. Madam President, I noticed in the Washington Post today 
an article somewhat critical of the Library of Congress and apparently 
the responsiveness of the Library of Congress to the Congress.
  I wanted to come and at least speak a word of defense of the Library 
of Congress, and especially the Congressional Research Service. I have 
utilized them for as long as I have been in the Senate, and I have 
found them bright, quick, and friendly.
  On many occasions, I deal directly, personally, with the people that 
are doing some research for me, because I have discovered that, on 
occasion, if you remove it once or twice from me and through staff and 
then perhaps some other staff and then to somebody doing the research, 
the communication does not directly get through.
  But on every occasion when I dealt with the Library of Congress, they 
have been responsive, they have been, really, in their analysis, if it 
is a legal piece, any law firm in the country would be happy to have 
the quality of the work that they are getting. So I do not know where 
the criticism comes from.
  I would start to name, but I think I will not, people at the 
Congressional Research Service that I would count as personal friends, 
but I fear I would leave somebody out. I could stand here for 90 
seconds naming name after name after name of people that I have found 
beyond measure more helpful than almost anyone else I deal with in this 
town, perhaps in this country.
  So put me down on the positive side for the Library of Congress and 
for the support of their appropriations.
  And for anybody who has found them ill-mannered or unresponsive, all 
I can say is, if you will spend but 30 seconds with the person you are 
dealing with, tell them what you want, they are appreciative and they 
will respond immediately. And if it is not exactly what you need, you 
say, ``Karen'' or you say, ``Jack, this isn't quite it. Can we take 
another run at it?'' And they will do it very, very receptively.
  I think criticism of the Library of Congress, especially the 
Congressional Research Service, is not justified and perhaps comes from 
people that are not sufficiently experienced in dealing with them 
personally. They will find that it takes but a phone call and a very 
simple explanation of what it is you are looking for, and they will 
respond 10 times over.
  I thank the Chair.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Who seeks recognition?
  Mr. PACKWOOD. Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The absence of a quorum has been 
suggested. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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