In 1802, two years after the creation of the library, President Thomas Jefferson approved a congressional act that created the Office of the Librarian and granted the president power of appointment over the new office.[9] Shortly thereafter, Jefferson appointed his former campaign manager John J. Beckley to serve as the first librarian of Congress.[10] He was paid $2 a day and was also required serve as clerk to the House of Representatives.[11] It was not until 1897 that Congress was given the power to confirm the president's nominee.[12] This same law gave the librarian the sole power for making the institution's rules and appointing the library's staff.[12]