Carolyn Staley, deputy director of the National Institute for Literacy, has been identified as the front runner for appointment by President Clinton to the directorship of the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (ILMS). A routine background check is currently being conducted on Staley, and, although the White House says other nominations are being considered, her confirmation seems likely despite rumblings in the library community that she lacks the library background specified for the post in the Museum and Library Services Act of 1996.

On May 2nd, the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) adopted a resolution urging the White House to appoint a new director consistent with the provision in the law that requires "special competencies in library services."

In 1991-94 Staley served as director of then-Governor Clinton's Commission on Adult Literacy in Arkansas. She has also served as director of touring programs for the Arkansas Arts Center and director of the Arkansas Arts Council.