[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 16 (Thursday, January 31, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S538]]
                     THE RETIREMENT OF GREG HARNESS

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the distinguished 
and respected career of Senate Librarian Greg Harness, who retires 
today.
  Librarians serve as bridges, connecting information and resources 
with those who need it. They are charged not only as the keepers of 
knowledge but also as the distributors of it, and it is a duty that 
Greg has upheld in the most respectful, prompt, and accurate manner. 
Members of the Senate and their staff have come to rely on the vast 
resources that Greg oversees and know that each request for 
information, no matter how small it may seem, will be treated with the 
same courtesy and professionalism.
  Greg came to the Senate Library as a reference librarian in 1975, 
intending to stay only 2 years. Instead, Greg found his niche in the 
Senate Library, where he has worked for 32 years. He served in a 
variety of capacities over his tenure, transitioning to an assistant 
librarian position in 1995 and finally to Senate Librarian in 1997. One 
of his most important contributions was moving the Senate Library from 
the Capitol Building to the Russell Senate Office Building in 1999. 
Greg not only helped facilitate the move, but he also oversaw the 
design of the new library.
  It is also worth noting that over the course of Greg's career, the 
field of librarianship has been transformed by new technology. In 1975, 
the Senate Library was the first Secretary of the Senate office to 
receive computers, allowing researchers to access information more 
quickly. For the Senate Library, this necessitated the need for 
research librarians who are not only knowledgeable of traditional 
paper-based resources but are also masters of electronic resources. 
Greg understands this balance and has assembled a qualified staff to 
fulfill this need.
  From personal experience I can attest that Greg's tenure has been a 
welcome addition to the Senate Library's distinguished tradition of 
providing legislative, historic, and general knowledge to all that it 
serves. The Senate has been privileged to have Greg's expansive wealth 
of intellect and wisdom. I thank him for all the services he has 
provided to me, to other Members of the Senate, and to Senate staff. 
His service will be truly missed, and I wish him the best in his new 
endeavors.

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