December 7, 1993

Press Contact: Helen Dalrymple (202) 707-1940

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Barbara Ringer Named Acting Register of Copyrights

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has announced that former Register of Copyrights Barbara Ringer has been appointed Acting Register of Copyrights, effective November 29.

Register of Copyrights Ralph Oman will be leaving the Library earlier than planned to pursue opportunities in the private sector. His retirement is now effective November 26 instead of January 8, 1994 as previously announced.

Mary Levering, currently acting for the Register, will remain to assist in the management of the Copyright Office in order to ensure a smooth transition.

Ms. Ringer was Register of Copyrights from November 19, 1973 until she retired on May 30, 1980, after over 30 years of distinguished service to the Copyright Office and the Library of Congress. She was closely involved with the 20-year program for the general revision of the U.S. copyright law. As Register of Copyrights, she was a key adviser to the Congress in the preparation and passage of legislation culminating in the adoption of the first major revision of the copyright law since 1909: the Copyright Act of 1976 (P.L. 94-553, Title 17, U.S.C.

Following her retirement, Ms. Ringer was affiliated for several years with the Washington, D.C. law firm of Spencer & Kaye. She has written and spoken extensively on copyright issues and has made significant contributions to the crafting of recent copyright-related legislation. Since May 1993, she has served as co-chair of the Librarian's Advisory Committee on Copyright Registration and Deposit.

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PR 93-159
12/3/93
ISSN 0731-3527