Presidential Libraries: Research Institutions or Shrines to Former Presidents
The latest CQ Researcher profiles Presidential Libraries and our
neighbor the Kennedy Library is pictured on the front page. This report comes
out of the current controversy about the future site of the George W. Bush
Library at Southern Methodist University and poses the question, "Are (Presidential Libraries) valuable
archives or wasteful monuments?" Supporters claim that the libraries,
actually archives, contain invaluable resources on the history of a Presidency.
"The libraries have grown in importance because of a post-Watergate law
enacted in 1978 making all presidential papers public records and guaranteeing
access beginning five years after a president leaves office." Critics
counter that the libraries are more concerned with the presidential image than
facts. "In recent years, the JFK library has fielded a steady stream of
complaints that it has limited access to documents that would detail Kennedy's
medical condition or extramarital liaisons." Then there is the issue of
cost. The Clinton Library cost $165 million. Estimates for the Bush Library are
$500 million. Presidents must raise funds for the construction and some operating
costs while the National Archives maintains and administers the libraries. Since
1986 presidents are required to establish an endowment for operations equal to
20 % of construction costs. These endowments are overseen by foundations set up
by the president. In the case of George W. Bush Library, the Bush foundation, whose
expressed mission is “to further the domestic and international goals of the
Bush administration,” has been established to oversee the library and
accompanying museum and policy institute. What do you think? Are our tax
dollars funding partisan institutions or are we preserving our nation’s
history? Read the entire report here.
