GAO Wants Library of Congress To Overhaul IT System, Hire CIO

The Library of Congress lacks “clear direction” for its IT program and needs to “expeditiously” hire a chief information officer (CIO), the Government Accountability Office said in a report released Tuesday. “Although the Library obligated at least $119 million on IT for fiscal year 2014, it is not effectively managing its investments,” it said. After the GAO finished its review in January, LOC officials said the library would draft a “strategic plan” for IT within 90 days and hire a CIO, the report said. “If it follows through on these plans, the Library will be in a stronger position to address its IT management weaknesses and more effectively support its mission,” it said. Copyright stakeholders have pointed to the Copyright Office’s outdated IT procedures as a chief reason for removing the office from the purview of the library (see 1502260057 and 1502200040). The library hired an interim CIO as it searches for a permanent hire, which is expected to be completed by September, Librarian of Congress James Billington said in a letter attached to the report. He said the LOC will complete its strategic plan in April. "The Library appreciates the work of the GAO and believes the report ultimately will be helpful," a spokeswoman said. "Several recommendations are already underway, such as developing a new IT strategic plan, finalizing an enterprise architecture plan and updating regulations and governance regarding IT."