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James Billington

James Billington was an influential American scholar, historian, and librarian who served as the Librarian of Congress from 1987 to 2015. He was renowned for his expertise in Russian history and culture, authoring several notable books on the subject. Billington played a significant role in promoting the importance of libraries in preserving knowledge and fostering democracy. He was also known for advocating the use of technology in libraries to broaden access to information. His tenure emphasized the library's role as a vital resource for education, culture, and public discourse in the United States.