The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-03-12
MAY NAME A WOMAN
Whom Will the Library Board Elect
AS Successor to DR..
Hosmer?
Miss Gratia Countryman and Miss
Lettie M. Crafts Will Be Prom
inent Candidates.

Since the resignation Of DR.. Hosmer as
librarian of the public library does not
take effect for nearly a year. 1t is quite
probable that the library board will exer-
else DELHI ,ration in election OF his sue
cessor and it may be long time before
the board takes the matter up IN any
way. It is natural, however. that there
should be speculation on the subject. ...f
The numerous suggestions. especially,
among the frequenters Of the library, have
not all been made since the definite an
nouncement of DR.. -Hosmer's retirement,
for there have been ru1nors from time 10
time that he had such a step IN contem-
plation, and those most nearly interested
in the matter and most familiar with IL
brary requirements and condlt1ons' nave
been doing some thinking on the subject.
The widespread custom Of !, promoting
employees in all kinds of public and private
service has inevitably turned attention to
the library staff to see whether possible
successor had been trained up there. The
feeling seems to be a strong one that II
the library board now has in its employ
any person of training and ability worthy
the position, it would be eninently fitting
that these qualifications should be recog-
nized by advancementSto the highest posi-
ton the board has to bestow. j.
Following out these ideas there has been
a scanning of the library staff by num-
Der of thoughtful persons whose views
have been canvassed by h e j Q u r n l.
The present assistant librarian, MISS
Gratia Countryman, is the person OF whom
nearly all thought first, and who when
the time comes to give the matter seri-
GUS consideration, will be a strong can
didate This opinion IS based In the view
of the library patrons on the conspicuous
ability with which she has already per-
formed the responsible duties Of her pres
ent position; her careful training under
Herbert Putnam, the present librarian
of the congressional library, her expert
| ence in the public library since its open
ing, and her recognized ability as a broad,
scientific, up-to-date librarian.
| Undoubtedly the question of sex will
| be raised, and many will ask whether a
| woman can fill all Of the requirements OF
the position, whether she can give the
| same service that man of similar train
ing and experience would do. The fnan-
| cial question will also be involved for
it may be found not easy to find man
| of the highest qualifications who can be
secured for a salary within the means OF
the Minneapolis institution.
There are few, If any, men In the city
who have the training and qualifications
considered necessary for the librarian
ship, and the prospective male applicants
are likely to be strangers. It Is already
limited that the crop will not be small. The
| question seems likely to resolve itself into
! one of a choice between a woman OF
known qualifications and familiarity witt
! local conditions, and man unfamiliar
| with the local situation.
u One other woman has been. suggested
as possessing the requisite experience ant
local knowledge for the position. This |!
i Miss Lettie NJ Srafts. secretary of tn,
library board. and assistant librarian o
the university library. Her work is yer,
: we'll known to a large and Influential
| class in the community and will be givel
due consideration.