August 25, 1994

Contact: Guy Lamolinara (202) 707-9217

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Norma K Baker Named Director of Development

The Library of Congress has named Dr. Norma K. Baker as Director of Development effective August 24. Dr. Baker has served as acting director since December 1992.

Dr. Baker, who has a Ph.D. in musicology, is credited with establishing the James Madison Council, a private-sector, national advisory body created by the Library in 1990. Members of the philanthropic council each contribute a minimum of $10,000 annually to support various Library programs. Acquisition of the Library's 100 millionth item, a collection of works by the artist John Rubens Smith, was made possible by funds provided by the Council.

"Dr. Baker's efforts in the Development Office doubled the amount of private donations from all sources to the Library from 1993 to 1994, to $9.2 million, allowing the Library to undertake programs that are not financed by Congress. This is an important part of putting Library resources to work for the nation," said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington.

Dr. Baker coordinates the Library's fund-raising activities, and travels nationwide to meet with donors in leading corporate and philanthropic organizations.

"I ensure that both donors and potential donors are aware of the key role of the Library and its activities in the cultural and research life of the nation," she said.

Dr. Baker has worked in the Development Office since 1988. She first held the position of special assistant to the development officer before rising to become acting director. She has been at the Library since 1982. Among her former posts is that of performing arts copyright examiner.

Prior to working at the Library, she held positions at the National Opera Institute at the Kennedy Center and the International Piano Festival and Competition at the University of Maryland, where she earned her Ph.D.

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PR 94-142
8/25/94
ISSN 0731-3527