INDIANA LIBRARIE~ Volum.e 6, Nuntber 2 1986

I :

Merica Evans Hoagland, 1898 Indiana's First Library Educator

Journal of the Indiana Library Association Indiana Library Trustee Association and Indiana State Library INDIANA LIBRARIES

Daniel Callison, Editor Mary Krutulis, Copy Editor Joyce Martello, Managing Editor Production by the Indiana Historical Bureau

PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE

M. Jacqueline Nytes, ILA and 'Ghairperson, Carmel C. Ray Ewick, Indiana State Library, Indianapolis Patty Pizzo, ILTA, Bloomington · ~ £.~_ndstrom, ILA, Fort Wayne Gerald Sargent, ILTA, Beech Grove

INDIANA LIBRARIES is published two to four times a year as warranted by the number of articles received. Subscription price, $10 annually. Advertising and subscription offices: Indiana Library Association, 310 North Alabama, Indianapo­ lis, IN 46204, (31 7) 636-6613. Address articles for publication to Daniel Callison, School of Library and Information Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, (812) 335-5113, or 335-2018.

OFFICIAL NOTICE: This issue completes the 1986Volume. Because of a lack of manuscripts and because of problems in printing schedules, IndianaLibraries will not publish any issues dated 1987. Volume 7 will begin with Issue 1 dated 1988.

Cover Photograph Credit: Merica Evans Hoagland, about age 40. Photograph reproduced from Grace G. Courtney, History: Indiana Federation of Clubs, Fort Wayne, 1939. Volunie 6, Num.ber 2 · 1986

Special Issue: Historical Perspectives on Indiana Libraries

Indiana's First Library Educator ...... 2 Joanne Bailey

Two Publics: The Willard Library and the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Library ...... 11 Donald E. Baker

The Dream of a Small Town ...... 31 Connie J. Brown

Profile of an Indiana Career in Libraries: Florabelle Wilson ...... 34 Susan A. Stussy Harold J. Sander ...... 40 Robert L. Logsdon

From Distant Shores: A Library and Community Heritage ...... 4 7 Arthur S. Meyers

Looking Back: "My First Year as Director of a Public Library" ...... 53 Fern Miner, Linda Robertson, Julie Hersberger, David Eisen \UPUl

JUL 31990

Journal of the Indiana Library Association Indiana Library Trustee Association and Indiana State Library 2/Bailey Indiana Libraries

Indiana's First Library Educator

Joanne Bailey Acting Head of the Education Library Indiana University

Melvil Dewey, who established Although librarians praised the in­ America's first library school at Co­ stitute and recommended that it be­ lumbia University in January, 1887, is come an annual event, it did not, and well known as the nation's first library the only other library training effort educator. Before library schools came in the state was a course taught by into being, people who wished to be­ visiting lecturers at the Winona come librarians could acquire know­ Assembly and Summer School. 4 ledge of the profession in several At the turn of the century, a Fort ways, including learning by doing, Wayne woman, Merica Evans Hoag­ imitating other librarians, and serving 1 land, emerged as Indiana's first library as apprentices. The rapid growth of educator. She was born in 1858. Her public libraries during the last quarter father, Pliny Hoagland (1810-1884), a of the nineteenth century rendered Fort Wayne businessman, was wid­ these methods impractical because owed when Merica was three. She they could not keep up with the grow­ attended the Fort Wayne public ing demand for librarians. As a result, schools and the Vassar College pre­ other forms of training emerged, in­ paratory class of 187 5-7 6. While still cluding library institutes lasting sev­ young she became involved with club eral days to a week, training classes at work, organizing the Qui Vive Club in public libraries, summer library Fort Wayne in 1878, and by the schools, and year-long library schools. 1890s she was a prominent Fort By 1910, eleven one-year library Wayne club woman. Her club and schools had been established in the community activities often focused on United States; only one, the Indiana library related matters. In 1893, for Library School, did not survive to the 2 example, she served on the Woman's present day. Club League committee for the selec­ Indiana Librarians expressed an in­ tion of books for the public library terest in library education as early as and the following year she worked to 1896, when the Indiana Library establish the Fort Wayne YWCA and Association, in lieu of its annual meet­ held the position of secretary of the ing, held a three-day library institute.3 Fort Wayne Public Library Commit- Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Bailey/ 3 tee. By 1895, she was contributing "designed to give an outline, some­ club and library items to a weekly thing of the work given in the regular column in the Fort Wayne Morning library school with a view to the needs Journal, and in 1896 she began a of smaller libraries."8 weekly publication, Public Occurrent, Merica Hoagland did not rest content dedicated to club and library work.5 with a short course in library work. That same year she attended her In 1900, before her appointment as first American Library Association state organizer, she had proposed that meeting, and in 1897 Hoagland the Indiana Library Association became state president of the Indiana appoint a committee "to draw suit­ Union of Literary Clubs. able resolutions in favor of securing an Miss Hoagland 's interest in library endowment for a library school to be work grew, and at the age of 40 she located in Winona, Indiana."9 The attended the New York State Library ILA was reluctant to act on her 1900 Summer School at Albany. (Melvil recommendation, and it remained so Dewey had moved his school from in 1904, when Hoagland presented Columbia University to Albany in plans for a one-year library school to 1889.) Following completion of the be conducted as a department of the course, she gained practical expe- Winona Technical Institute in Ind­ rience by organizing libraries in Iron­ ianapolis, a school originally intended wood, Michigan (1899); Sioux Falls, to provide technical education to South Dakota (1899); and Joliet, Il­ boys. The ILA 's dubious endorse­ linois (1900/1901). Her speeches before ment noted that " ... salaries paid li­ state and regional library meetings on brarians are not sufficient to permit the suJ?jects of library legislation and them to attend library schools. This the role of club women in library de­ school enables high school graduates velopment gained Hoagland recogni­ to take a course for fifty dollars a tion which led to an appointment, in year. "1 0 It is evident that the ILA 1901, as the state organizer for the regarded the proposed library school Indiana Public Library Commission.6 as inferior to other schools. In her role as organizer, Miss Hoag­ The Public Library Commissioners land increasingly saw need for library also had reservations about the library training in Indiana, a state that had school. At a November 7, 1905 meet­ only one library school-trained librar­ ing, William W. Parsons, one of the ian by 1899 .7 Initially she visited the commissioners and the president of librarians of Indiana's public libraries, the Indiana State Normal School in giving informal training in the organi­ Terre Haute, suggested that the school zation of collections, selection of should have been established at his building sites, choice of building institution. Miss Hoagland countered plans, appointment of librarians, and that Indianapolis was the best location administration. The need for more in the state because of its centrality systematic instruction led Miss Hoag­ and that the State Normal School was land to conduct a library institute in established to train teachers, not li­ the fall of 1901; it was attended by brarians. Parsons remained uncon­ thfrteen students.7 This was followed vinced, and the commission decided by a month-long course in the spring that while it "might continue to act in of 1902, and in 1903 the Public [an] advisory capacity, it would not Library Commission hfred Miss Anna maintain any entangling alliance with Redfield Phelps as an instructor for its the W.T.I. " 11 Nevertheless, Miss newly established summer school for Hoagland 's position as secretary and librarians. The summer school was state organizer for the Public Library 4 /Bailey Indiana Libraries Commission undoubtedly lent cred­ ed in graduating the Winona Library ibility to the project. School's last class that spring. Lack of official enthusiasm did not Although she was without financial dampen Hoagland 's interest in library support and no longer had official ties education, and Indiana's first one-year to the Public Library Commission (she library school opened on November had resigned her post as organizer in 15, 1905, with eighteen women stu­ 1906), Hoagland did not let the dents and two instructors. The In­ school die.16 In February 1908, she dianapolis News reported that this secured the support of women library school, operating as a department of enthusiasts who, "chilled by exposure the Winona Technical Institute, was to the drizzling rain, with bedraggled created "to train young men and wo­ skirts and ruffled dispositions," forced men that they may properly conduct their way into the Indianapolis Prop­ public libraries in Indiana and other ylaeum to hold a meeting to discuss States of the middle west."12 The steps that could be taken to obtain Winona Library School's statement of financial backing for a permanent li­ purpose, printed in its 1906 annual, brary school in Indianapolis.1 7 In ad­ declared that it "stands first, for the dition to petitioning philanthropists training of young men and women in such as Andrew Carnegie for support, character, in knowledge and selection Miss Hoagland, in 1908, began a per­ of books and in technical processes of sonal canvas for funds, incorporated caring for them; and second, as offer­ the school under the name of Indiana ing to high school and college grad­ Library School, and established an ex­ uates, opportunity to fit themselves ecutive board consisting of prominent for wage earning positions which can­ Hoosiers including author Meredith not but afford satisfaction and educa­ Nicholson, historian Jacob P. Dunn, tional uplift."13 Although the and Butler College president Thomas school's primary purpose was to train C. Howe. HoaglaHd's goal was to se­ librarians to work in small libraries cure private support for the school throughout Indiana and neighboring until legislation was passed giving it states, the Indianapolis Star noted state funding. that some women students "were en­ Senate Bill 275, introduced in tering the school that they may get 1909, included a provision for a state the general benefits which come from 14 library school, but it, as well as a sim­ close knowledge of books." ilar library bill introduced in 1911, Tragedy struck the Winona Library met strong opposition. Public Library School on April 11, 1906, when fire Commission secretary Carl Milam destroyed the library school rooms (who in 1920 became the Secretary of and the institute's library .15 Only the America! Library Association), ad­ twelve days later, however, the school dressing the General Assembly in resumed activity on the third floor of 1911, cited the small number of li­ the Graphics Arts Building. Although brary positions available each year, the school survived this physical disas­ low salaries, and the pr~·sence of "at ter easily, it had more difficulty with­ least nine other library schools of re­ standing the WiJ;10na Technical In­ cognized standing" as the main rea­ stitute's financial distress. Early in sons why the "necessity for a school 1908, the institute's director, Dr. quite disappears."18 In February, Solomon C. Dickey, proposed closing 1912, Miss Hoagland began to agitate the library school. By making per­ for a bill to be introduced in the 1913 sonal sacrifices, including relinquish­ General Assembly, but by this time ing her salary, Miss Hoagland succeed- the Indiana Library Association's Leg- ...... _ 1-1 c.o 00 ..._,(J)

ttj 8. The Public Library Commission's Summer School for Librarians at Winona Lahe in 1907. ro ~ Reprinted courtesy of the Indiana State Archives. CJl CJ) to ~. ~

...... ~ R.s· ~ The first library training class on a picnic at Riley's Old Swimming Hole at Greenfield in 1901. ~ Merica Hoagland is second from left. Reprinted courtesy of the Indiana State Archives. t"--1 & ""1 ~ ...... ""'1 ('\) (/;) Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Bailey/ 7 islative Committee had taken an of­ and the University of Illinois Library ficial stand against a library school in School. Guest lecturers included such Indiana, their principal opposition be­ people as Clement Andrews, president ing "the present inadequate system of of the American Library Association payment for public librarians in the in 1906-07; Mary Wright Plummer, state." The Committee "declared that Director of the School of Library the average salary of librarians is so Training at Pratt; librarians from low that they could not afford to pay neighboring states; officers of the tuition and expenses for even a one­ Bobbs-Merrill Publishing Company; year course in a library school. " 1 9 newspaper editors; professors from Ironically, ILA's 1912 opposition to Indiana's colleges and universities; and the library school was based on the Indiana's state library officals. same reasons used to issue their tenta­ An Indiana Library School bulletin tive endorsement in 1904. This op­ published in 1910 listed fifty-two position sealed the fate of the Indiana graduates of the school in the first five Library School, which by 1912 was years of its existence. It is possible conducting classes in Hoagland's In­ that some students were not ac­ dianapolis home. The Indiana Library counted for and others began but did School died a quiet death in 1913, not complete the program. The when Hoagland finally withdrew her Winona Library School's 1906 annual energy, time, and financial backing. conveys some of the students' enthu­ But as late as 1926 she remained opti­ siasm for their venture: "We were a mistic, writing that she expected it class of friends from the first, all "to be continued sometime. "2 0 firmly caught. The library spirit was In the eight years of its existence, everywhere, and in comparison with it 21 Miss Hoagland 's school offered, as did Southern hospitality is nothing! " other schools of this era, a curriculum Roxana Johnson, one of the Indiana focusing primarily on technical as­ Library School instructors, corre­ pects of librarianship. Instruction was sponded with the faculty at the Uni­ in the form of lectures, discussion, versity of Illinois Library School and study, and practice work in libraries. observed in 1909, "I have enjoyed my The school's bulletins list courses in work immensely and feel rather sat­ book selection, accession work, li­ isfied with the work students have brary handwriting, administration, done for me. We have no brilliant classification and cataloging, reference ones -but they are all doing their work, typewriting, and bookbinding. best."2 2 Students also received instruction in Many graduates of Miss Hoagland 's English and American literature, for­ school held positions in Indiana li­ eign languages, general history, and braries, including Ethel Cleveland, the Bible. founder of the business branch of the Miss Hoagland directed the school Indianapolis Public Library; Florence throughout its existence, working Jones, who headed the reference de­ with one or two full-time and numer­ partment at the Indianapolis Public ous part-time instructors each year. Library; Margaret Wade, who became Although she had not graduated from librarian of the Anderson Carnegie a one-year library school, Merica Public Library; and Susan Weimer, Hoagland was careful to select instruc­ who was the children's librarian at the tors from schools such as the New Muncie Public Library. A few gained York State Library School, the School recognition outside of Indiana. Mabel of Library Training at Pratt Institute, Hunt, children's author, was the New­ bery Award runner-up in 1951 with 00 b3 ~ ~

~ R.s· ;::! ~ t"-i The Indiana Library School at 642 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis. Q.: 'l Reprinted courtesy of the Indiana Division, Indiana Stale Library. ~ 'l ~· en Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Bailey/ 9 Johnny Appleseed, and Rene Reese School of Atlanta and the Carnegie went on to direct training classes at Library School at Pittsburgh, operated the Denver Public Library. at public libraries. Although Miss Hoagland 's school 3 Public Libraries 2 (February died in 1913, her dream of an Indiana 1897), 56. library school survived. In 1922, the 4 Winona Assembly Daily Review Indiana Library Association's Com­ 2 (May 1900), 50. mittee on Education for Librarianship 5 recommended that an "Indiana Li­ The only known issue of Pub­ brary School" be established in lic Occurrent, dated June 17, 1896, Indianapolis under the direction of Indiana Division of the State Library. the Public Library Commission or the 6 Minutes of the Public Library State Board of Library Commis- Commission, March 26, 1901, 3 sioners. 2 This recommendation, like Archives Division, Indiana Commis­ Hoagland 's school, failed to generate sion on Public Records, Indianapolis. enough support and Indiana was with­ 7 Report of the Public Library out a library school until 1949. The Commission of Indiana from Nov­ efforts of Indiana's first library ed­ ember 1, 1901, to October 31, 1904, ucator, however, had not been in vain. (Indianapolis: William B. Burford, Hundreds of Indiana librarians ben­ 1905), 18. efited from her educational legacy, 8 Minutes of the Public Library which included personal visits to li­ Commission, November 7, 1901, Feb­ brarians, library institutes, the sum­ ruary 1, 1902, June 9, 1902, and May mer library school, the year-long 9, 1903. library school, and the "library 9 spirit." Hoagland did not live to see Indiana Library Association her dream of a library school come to minutes, Oct. 26-27, 1900, Indiana fruition. She died in 1933 after Division, Indiana State Library, In­ spending the last years of her life em­ dianapolis. ployed by the Diamond Chain and 1 0 Indiana Library Association Manufacturing Company, Indiana­ minutes, December 27-28, 1904. polis, as Director of Girl Employees, 11 Minutes of the Public Library Director of Welfare, and Director of Commission, November 7, 1905. Mutual Service. 12 "Librarians Trained for Small Libraries," Indianapolis News, Nov­ ember 15, 1905, p. 18. NOTES 13 Winona Library School Annual, (Indianapolis: Winona Technical In­ 1 Mary Wright Plummer, "Training stitute, 1906), 11. for Librarianship," Library Journal 26 (June 1901), 317. 1 4 "Will Instruct in Newspaper Duties," Indianapolis Star, October 2 The eleven schools were: Drexel, 29,1905,p.3. Pratt, and Winona, located at tech­ nical institutes; University of Illinois, l 5 "Winona Institute Fire Loss Simmons College, Syracuse Univer­ Heavy," Indianapolis Star, April 12, sity, and Western Reserve University, 1906,p.20. in academic settings; the New York 1 6 "Miss Hoagland Resigns," In­ State Library School and the Wis­ dianapolis News, March 6, 1906, consin Library School, supported by state monies; and the Carnegie Library 10/Bailey Indiana Libraries

1 7 "Women Force Door," Indiana­ polis Star, February 26, 1908, p.14. l 8 "Library Bills Opposed," Ind­ ianapolis Star, February 11, 1911, p. 7. 1 9 "Opposes State Aid for Indiana Library School," Indianapolis Star, June 8, 1912, p. 15. 2 0 Mercia Hoagland Papers, Man­ uscripts Department, Indiana Divi­ sion, Indiana State Library, Indiana­ polis. 21 Winona Library School Annual, p.25. 2 2 Roxana G. Johnson to Frances Simpson, 22 February 1909, Library School Alumni File, University of Illinois Archives, Urbana. 23 "LL.A. Meeting, October 28, 1921," Library Occurrent 6 (January 1922), 193. Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Baker/ 11

Two Publics: The Willard Library and the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Library

Donald E. Baker Director of the Willard Library Evansville

Evansville, Indiana, is one of the Long before he was truly old, Car­ very few cities in the United States to penter had been generally called "Old enjoy the services of two public li­ Willard" in tribute to his sharpness in braries separately administered and business dealings. His library, too, he funded. The older Willard Library decreed, should be called "Willard" and the larger Evansville-Vanderburgh rather than "Carpenter." To oversee County Public Library were founded the new institution, he designated six under different auspices, by different substantial Evansville citizens to par­ generations, for somewhat different ticipate with him on its Board of Trus­ purposes. The relationship between tees. They were privileged, or sen­ them today is cordial, collegial, and tenced, to serve life terms on the cooperative, with just the slight dash Board. Whenever a vacancy should of healthy competitiveness. It was occur, hopefully very infrequently, not always so. the remaining trustees were empower­ The Willard Library of Evansville, ed to choose someone to fill it. Indiana, properly so called, came into On August 23, 1876, Carpenter being in 187 6 because wealthy Evans­ sent the other six trustees a letter out­ ville resident Willard Carpenter want­ lining his purposes. As he ed (a) "to devote to some public use, acknowledged, he availed himself "of a portion of the property and means the ideas and language of the late which I have acquired by a long life of George Peabody, on a similar occa­ labor ... to benefit the community in sion," the founding of Baltimore's which my life has been mostly spent" Peabody Institute in 185 7. Carpenter and (b) to justify his life of merchan­ liberalized Peabody's plan, however, dizing, railroad building, and land by calling not only for a reference li­ speculating by leaving a memorial to brary but also for a circulating collec­ himself. Neither impulse was atypical tion: "Desiring that this scheme of the motives of other nineteenth may redound to the greatest benefit century-or indeed twentieth cen­ of the greatest number, and believing tury-philanthropists.1 that, in so small a city, the privilege of 12 /Baker Indiana Libraries

The Willard Library of Evansville, within a decade or two after it opened in 1885. Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Baker/ 13 withdrawing books can be efficiently The building may have been brand guarded from abuse, I direct that such new, but there were some old familiar portion of the books as the Trustees books on the shelves and some old may designate may be withdrawn for familiar faces behind the charge desk. perusal at home by any person, under The city was apparently more than proper rules and restriction."2 happy to get out of the library bus­ It was not as though Evansville did iness when a non-tax supported li­ not already have library service. In brary was in view. The public library 1855 a subscription library association closed up shop and its bookstock-the had been formed, and although it was nucleus of original subscription library constantly beset with managerial and collection had by now grown to about financial problems, it endured for al­ 9 ,600 volumes-was hauled over to most two decades. In 187 4 the Willard. association gave its collection of 4,400 In a kind of bibliothecal serfdom, the books to the city, which then began two library assistants from the public operating a tax-supported "Public Li­ library went along with their books. brary of Evansville" under school It was, in fact, the second change of board control. institution and address for one of But Carpenter apparently felt that them, Miss Otilda Goslee, because she Evansville, and he himself, deserved had also been the last librarian of the more than a small library operating old subscription library. That organ­ out of a converted church building. ization, unable to pay any sort of To set his more grandiose plan in mo­ reasonable stipend, had suffered tion he and, after some persuasion, his through a succession of unsatisfied wife executed a deed transferring to and unsatisfactory male librarians be­ the seven trustees twenty-one parcels fore, in its last year, resorting to hir- of real estate valued at almost $267, ing a female. Even so, she had de­ 000. The property was to be sold and manded some concessions, in both from the proceeds the trustees were to senses of the word, to supplement her establish a permanent endowment $25 a month salary. She was allowed fund and "to erect a suitable building, to act as an agent for a coal company, to improve, ornament and adorn [its] taking orders for it in the library. She Park, and to purchase books, maps, also brought her sewing machine to and works of art for the use of the work and picked up some extra people of all classes, races and sexes, money as a part-time seamstress. free of charge forever. " 3 Accompanying her books to the Construction of the library was de­ public library, Miss Goslee found her­ layed by a national financial panic, self with a male boss and an associate, which slowed land sales, and by a Miss Lou Scantlin. The male librarian change of architects. Finally, on did not accompany the ladies to Wil­ March 28, 1885, Willard Library open­ lard, however, and there the two ed with considerable ceremony in women were granted co-equal status what is now the oldest public library while the Willard board discussed off building in Indiana. Costing $64,000 and on for several years taking "steps to build and $16,000 to furnish, Wil­ to secure the services of a competent 5 lard is a brick and stone masterpiece man, for the position of Librarian." of the Italianate Gothic style, its in­ Their salaries were initially set at $45 terior extravagantly embellished with a month, soon raised to $50 but quarter-sawn golden oak.4 dropped to $35 during a period of hard times in 1888. }-1. ~ -tJj ~ (t) "i

~ s·~ ~ ~ t"--i ~z "! "Little Brother," the Evansville Public Library's first bookmobile. (\:;• The two-seater Ford went into service in 1923, replacing a borrowed laundry truck. ~ Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Baker/ 15 16/Baker Indiana Libraries On March 24, 1894, the Willard edge. The patrons were physically board unanimously voted "that the separated from the books by a charge services of Miss Lou Scantlin as one of desk remini~cent of a Victorian teller's the librarians be dispensed with." No cage, and they were further hedged reason for Miss Scantlin 's firing is about by a complex web of regula­ given in the board minutes. The pre­ tions. The librarians' duty to protect vious year she had been "granted a the books from the patrons, and their vacation of one month ... , she to strict accountability to the board, provide a substitute when needed."6 were spelled out in rules promulgated Never before had a librarian asked for, by the trustees in the 1890s: let alone received; time off, and the 1. The Librarians ... shall see that trustees may have felt that a woman the building and books are kept with the effrontery to request a vaca­ in good condition, neat and clean, and tion had the potential for making even shall enforce the Rules and Regula­ more trouble in the future. It seems tions made by the Trustees, and shall more likely that the board was finally report all violations of same to the ready to concede that no suitable man Trustees at their monthly meet- was likely to be found to run the li­ ing .... brary and to terminate the nine-year­ 5. The Librarians will carefully ex­ old two-headed, or two non-headed, amine each book when returned, and librarian anangement. note any injury to same, and will After Miss Scantlin left, Miss Goslee charge the same to the taker, in a was clearly in charge. She retained book to be kept for that purpose .... the title of librarian, and a specifically 6. No book shall be reserved for or designated "assistant" librarian was promised by the Librarians to any per­ hired at a lower salary. Affectionate­ son in any case. When returned the ly known as "Aunt Tillie," Miss Gos­ books will be placed on the shelves lee was a petite woman who dressed and will be delivered to the first per­ habitually in black. When she died in son applying, other than the person or harness as Willard's head librarian in family by whom they have been re­ 1919, at age 76, her obituary in the turned. No book will be exchanged Evansville Courier, headlined "Life's on the day when issued .... Volume Closed," mourned the loss of 9. No person shall be allowed by the "intimate touch" which had char­ the Librarians behind the counter, ex­ acterized her work at Willard. She cept upon the written order of one of embodied, the reporter wrote, all "the the Trustees, and the doors admitting finer qualities of womanhood," and to the shelves shall at all times be kept the library patrons would greatly miss locked. "her kindly greeting to visitors and 12. The Librarians will keep a record her intuitive knowledge of the books of all books given out in such a man­ that had been her life-long compan­ ner as to enable the Examining Com­ ions. " 7 mittee of the Trustees, to trace every book in the Library in the shortest The librarians' intimate knowledge possible time. " 8 of their collection was essential at Willard. Not only was the catalog­ Despite Willard Carpenter's liberal ing somewhat amateurish but the li­ intentions, the board also insured that brarians performed a sort of priestly books would not be given to "just intermediary function between the anyone." The month after the library humble petitioning public and the opened, they provided that "every gods of printed wisdom and knowl- person desiring to take books from Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Baker/ 17 the Library be requested to file with concentrated on enlarging his mon­ the Librarian a certificate signed by ument, not adulterated by spreading it some responsible man or unmarried all over town. The library building, he woman over 21 years of age, certify­ wrote in his letter to the first trustees, ing that the person named ... is a fit "should be so constructed as to admit person to enjoy the privilege of the of harmonious additions" so that it Library and agreeing to make good could "be developed into a magnif­ any loss occasioned by the person re­ icent edifice as the city grows and commended and becoming responsible prospers. " 10 In the Deed of Trust he for the observation of the rules of the went further, requiring that "all such Library by such person."9 In other buildings as shall be necessary for the words, one required a co-signer to es­ use of the Library" must be built on tablish "credit" for the loan of a book Willard Park.11 just as he might for the loan of money In 1909 a committee of business­ from one of the Evansville banks. men from the city's west side met Throughout the quarter of a cen­ with the Willard Board and among tury that Willard was Evansville's only them they devised a scheme to get a­ public library, sales of its endowment round Carpenter's restrictions. The property never proceeded fast enough West Side Business Men's Association to build up a fund that would ad­ would furnish a storefront room and equately support the institution, let salary for an attendant, Willard would alone expand services to meet the provide the books. The board au­ needs of a rapidly growning city. thorized the westsiders to spend up to Finally the board decided that anoth­ $300 for new books and promised to er source of income was essential. send over such volumes as Willard They prepared a bill to be introduced could spare, all provided that the in the General Assembly-one of those books would be returned in as good a acts written in general terms that condition as they were lent. The West applies only to one case-and in early Side book station opened on Dec­ 1905 it passed. The new law permit­ ember 6, 19091.. with a collection of ted the City of Evansville to levy, on 500 volumes.1 ~ Willard's behalf, a property tax of not This arrangement was meant to be less than 5 mills nor more than 10 temporary, because the westsiders mills per $100 assessed evaluation. were also writing to Andrew Carnegie The small income realized was to be to see if Evansville could get on the spent only for the purchase of books. long list of communities to which he The city fathers, naturally, were in­ had given libraries. Since Willard was clined to set Willard's tax rate at the serving the near downtown area, and minimum rather than the maximum since it was the neighborhoods that figure, and the library's revenues re­ wished new libraries, the Evansvillians mained woefully insufficient. But did not ask Carnegie to provide a cen­ even had Willard been wealthier it tral library building but they did ask could not have satisfied the desire of for four branches. Carnegie was not the residents of Evansville's new far­ willing to be quite so generous, but on flung neighborhoods for libraries February 20, 1911, the Evansville closer to home. Willard Carpenter had City Council formally accepted his assumed that if the community of the offer of $50 ,000 for two branches and future demanded increased services his condition that the city provide the they would also provide increased sup­ land and annual support of at least port, and he wished that support to be $5,000 a year. On October 31, 1911, f-l 00 -t::d ~ (t) '"'l

~ R.e· ~ t"--i 0.:a .....""1 . Central Libray of the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Public Library System, shortly after it opened in 1932. ('\) l'.n Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Baker/ 19

Gray Davis Williams, Willard Library's first academically trained librarian, who served as Head Librarian from 1941to1956.

the new Public Library Board of Trus­ State Library School, had been librar­ tees, a group totally unrelated to and ian at Elwood, Indiana, and Superior, separate from the Willard Board met Wisconsin, and had taught at the Uni­ for the first time.13 ' versity of Wisconsin Library School. In physical stature she was apparently The public library board set about even tinier than Willard's Miss Goslee. constructing the new East and West Standing, Miss McCollough could branches and hiring a librarian. There speak eye-to-eye with seated staff was no dithering search for a "suitable members. In a picture of the 1922 li­ man." Instead, they followed the ad­ brary staff on the steps of the Evans­ vice of the secretary of the state pub­ ville Coliseum, where the library of­ lic library commission, which was, as fices then were, Miss McCollough is between "an excellent woman or a strategically placed one step higher fairly good man, by all means take than the other four ladies on the front the excellent woman." The excellent row. But such was the towering force woman they found was of her personality that, in the words Ethel Farquhar McCollough, who was of one who worked for her, "nobody destined to remain at Evansville Pub­ ever felt taller than she was." lic Library for 35 years, to become, in the words of one of her successors Throughout her long tenure, the ' "the single most important person Evansville Public Library marched, iii ever connected with it," and to be re­ lockstep, to the compelling beat of membered as one of the great "char­ Miss McCollough 's drum. The board acters" of Indiana librarianship.1 4 was in awe of her intellect and the staff was in tenor of her sharp tongue Miss McCollough was 36 years old and her unannounced agency inspec­ when she arrived in Evansville. She had been born in Franklin Indiana tion visits. Her prejudices were issued had graduated from the New' York ' as policy. No cola drinks or coffee 20 /Baker Indiana Libraries were allowed in the library; tea was Tell Miss Espenlaub that if she the acceptable staffroom drink. Staff is to remain a member of this members were not allowed to wear staff it will be necessary that she such frivolous garments as nylon give her undivided loyalty and stockings or silk underwear. She ad­ support to the library, not as she vised her "dollinks" to wear their would have it but as it is ... "snuggies" in winter lest they catch Now as for your part in this cold, and warned that if they did not episode .... Assistants should be follow her advice, and if they did given a certain amount of liberty catch cold as a result, they could not in action and expression but there take the time off as paid sick leave. comes a point where the first be­ Small wonder that one staff member comes bad administration and the referred to her as "hell on wheels." second impudence .... Pull your­ Miss McCollough is said to have self up on this, and let us have no "mellowed" by the 1940s, but a letter more pussy-footing with those of hers to a branch librarian shows the whose work you are employed to direct. importance that the Chief Librarian still placed on small infractions, and I am sorry it has been necessary also demonstrates the quality of her to write so plainly, but I have scathing criticism. The concept of always considered a surgical opera­ participatory management was totally tion preferable to permitting any alien to her: one who works under me to fall over the precipice. May 11,1944

Dear Miss Lockhart: Yours, 1 This is to say that I was much Ethel F. McCollough 6 surprised by your including [your assistant] Miss Espenlaub's "Adult If Miss McCollough 's maternal auto­ Report" in your April report to me. cracy inspired fear, it also promoted This is the first time in long years the unswerving loyalty she sought and of experience that an assistant ... molded her workers into a single-pur­ has presumed to write an "Adult posed force that could accomplish Report." Why you should have substantial achievements. When she sent it to me is beyond my com­ came to Evansville, the public library prehension. consisted of two small Carnegie build­ ings still under construction. There It seems curious that one who were no books, no staff, not even a has managed her own "Certifica­ place for her to work. Only nine tion" business so badly should con­ years later, in 1921, the library could sider herself qualified to attempt to boast of its seven branches and, as the interfere in the Management of the 1920s went on, of its 26 book stations library. in schools, 90 classroom collections, Tell Miss Espenlaub our Sunday and Holiday procedure was estab­ and six stations in factories. (One of lished along before we ever heard of those seven branches, erected on Miss McCollough's recommendation and her .... with a supplementary gift from Car­ As for criticism of our bookselec­ negie, was Cherry Branch, the only tion, that ... is not open to dis­ branch public library exclusively for cussion with any assistants of Miss Blacks, north of the Ohio River. The Espenlaub's experience. Certain Willard librarians went out of their titles are not acc.eptable in his li­ way on state library report forms to brary .... Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Baker/ 21 note that Willard was open to all Because Willard's organization and races.) governance are specifically and min­ Early in Miss McCollough 's tenure utely spelled out in the Carpenter the public library also extended book Deed of Trust, the Willard Trustees no service to five hospitals and to nursing doubt felt quite literally that they homes. For four years immediately would not consider arrangements that after Evansville College (now the Uni­ might violate that trust. There is also, versity of Evansville) was established however, an unmistakeable sense of in 1919, the public library operated betrayal in their response to the pub­ the college library under contract, as lic library's overtures. The city's they also did the county law library setting up a second public library for several years. Bookmobile service was certainly not what Willard Car­ to residents in the outlying townships penter or the succeeding generation began in 1923. of trustees had ever contemplated. Possibly in an effort to rally public In 1925 a central library was finally opionion against any move to force a established in a converted business merger, the trustees had a pamphlet block just off Main Street. Seven printed to familiarize the community years later service began in the present with Williard's history of service. Central Library, a cooly elegant new They may also have contemplated building designed by the architectural changing the library's emphasis. Miss firm of Walker and Weeks, who had Goslee, in a historical blurb written in planned the Cleveland Public Library's 1918, admitted that "now when we main building. To build the new have in our City these splendid new building the library razed a lecture Libraries that will carry your books to hall originally dedicated to the cause your very door, while we expect of temperance. One of the many pro­ people to come and get them and be visos of the long-term lease of the perfectly delighted for the opportu­ ground is that the Evansville Chapter nity, it does look like we are behind of the Women's Christian Temperance the times but it is worth it all. We are Union be allowed access to an area in building for the future a graf1:d refe - the library in which to hold their 1 7 ence library and by the time we are meeting. ready, Miss McCollough, with her rare In all this swirl of library activity, pluck and executive ability will be at Willard Library was left quite alone in the front with books, prints and pic­ the middle of its park until the inev­ tures to satisfy the town. " 19 itable happened. The Trustees' min­ This idea of "a grand reference li­ ute book notes that "on this 17th day brary" seems to have died with Miss of December 1915, it is hereby or­ Goslee the next year. Ultimately dered ... that the secretary be and Willard's response to the establish­ he is hereby directed to write a letter ment of the public library was to go to Edmund L. Craig, President of the on doing what it had been doing, Public Library Board of Evansville, in pretty much as it had been doing it. the matter of the resolutions adapted Miss Goslee's successor as head librar­ by the Public Library Board sugges­ ian, Miss Katherine Imbusch, con­ ting that all the Libraries of the City tiimed Willard's tradition of provid­ be brought under one supervision, and ing caring, personal service to young to suggest in such letter that the pro­ and old. Her biographical sketch in posals made by the Public Library the 1923 history of Vanderburgh Board in that connection cannot be County commends her "courteous considered by this Board."18 and gracious treatment" of the li- 22 /Baker Indiana Libraries brary's patrons, and she is included, cases to be in bad condition and in with Miss Goslee and one of the long­ need of binding. The newspapers and time assistant librarians, Mary Olive magazines had been neglected and Flower, in a tribute that a book donor should at once be put into good con­ of the 1950s asked be placed in each dition, bound and saved for the fu­ of his volumes' "Presented in mem­ ture. The catalog had no subject ory of: Three Grand Ladies: Librar­ headings-a thing unheard of in any ians: Olive Flower, Otilda Goslee, City Library. In short the Library was Kathryn Imbush [sic]. Whose untir­ twenty years behind the times. He ing and devoted service, to the eager said that no patching or readjustment inquiring minds of the childhood of would do. A complete overhaul was the early 1900 's was always of the needed. Miss Imbusch, fine though most loving character.' '2 O she might be, he found had neither Miss Imbusch also continued the tra­ the knowledge or experience to bring dition of having learned librarianship order out of the chaos. He recom­ "on the job," rather than at a library mended a capable, experienced Librar­ school. She had, in fact, been "dis­ ian with skill and vision be employed. covered" in 1896 working in a candy Only so could the crying need of Wil­ 2 2 story. One of the Willard trustees lard Library be answered." noticed that she could heft the large, The trustees' response was to raise heavy jars of candy with the greatest Miss Imbusch's salary $10 a month. of ease and decided that such talent This action may have represented a was greatly needed at Willard, where show of Willard's independence from the books were also large and heavy state supervision. It may also indicate but where the staff was stronger men­ that a librarian's lack of proficiency in tally than physically. She was hired on the fine point of technical librarian­ the spot as an .assistant librarian. When ship was less important to them than she became head librarian, twenty­ her skill in providing the ''personal three years later, she retired from touch." And the tradition of non­ what one of her successors called "the librarian librarians continued. In strong arm stuff" and let her younger 1926 one of the trustees, Sara Chick assistants, frail though they might be, Denton, the wife of a former congress­ do it.21 man and recently widowed, was ap­ From a technical standpoint, Wil­ pointed assistant librarian. Miss Im­ lard undoubtedly suffered from in­ busch must have found it awkward, adequate monetary support and the supervising a person who was also one librarians' lack of formal training. of her employers, but the arrangement Professional librarians found the continued until her death in 1930. At situation there appalling. In 1922 the that time Mrs. Denton, still.remaining president of the board invited William a trustee, became head librarfan. J·. Hamilton, secretary of the state Finally, upon Mrs. Denton's retire­ public library commission, to visit ment as librarian (but not as trustee) Willard and offer suggestions. Mr. in 1941, the Willard board followed Hamilton's follow-up letter, in a sum­ Mr. Hamilton's nineteen-year-old re­ mary in the Willard files, "finds all to commendation and hired "a capable, condemn and nothing to praise. experienced Librarian with skill and There was a haphazard system of vision." She was Gray Davis Williams, ordering books-no use made of book a native of Noblesville, Indiana. She reviews and book lists .... The books had graduated from Indiana Univer­ on the shelves were found in many sity in 1907, and, upon being wid- Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Baker/ 23 'owed, returned to school and received would be attended by their colleagues her library science degree from West­ from area institutions, including the 2 ern Reserve University in 1924. 3 Evansville Public Library. On the Mrs. Williams turned energetically way Mrs. Williams had them stop at a to the task of answering Willard's travern, where she bought them each crying needs. She held regular train­ a drink. Later, outside the banquet ing sessions to improve the skills of room, she distributed cigarettes to her her paraprofessional staff. She de­ ladies, even to those who did not manded from the board and got a smoke. The Willard staff then parad­ thing theretofore unheard of, a formal ed into the room, ostentatiously ex­ book budget. A new children's room haling smoke and the obvious smell of was built. Books, periodicals, and booze, all for the purpose of tweaking their noses at the public library's newspapers were bound. The entire 2 4 collection was converted from Poole "iron maiden. " Classification to the Dewey Decimal Over the years the Public Library System. Books of research value were and Willard had come to exemplify culled from the circulating collection both sides of the ongoing debate and the foundations for the present among librarians about the basis upon Special Collections department were which books should be selected. Miss laid. And withal, Mrs. Williams su­ McCollough put Evansville Public pervised, and participated in up to her solidly on the side which maintained elbows, a total program of cleaning, that the taxpayer's money should be painting, straightening, rearranging, spent only on items of recognizable and reorganizing. She shoveled out quality. As she wrote in the letter the clutter, banished the dust of the quoted above, "certain titles are not decades, and imposed system on acceptable in this library." Those in­ casual practice. It was as though Mary cluded books that exhibited, to her, Poppins had come to stay, and she en­ little literary merit. The works of deared herself to patrons, staff, and best-selling author Gene Stratton board. Porter, for example, were barred from the public library's shelves as were Mrs. Williams was only nine years children's series book (Nancy Drew, younger than Miss McCollough, and the Hardy Boys, the Oz books) and both were raised in central Indiana ' the whole vast realm of light. romance. but temperamentally the two women While her successors proved less dog­ were from different worlds. Mrs. Wil­ matic than Miss McCollough, they liams was tall and fashionable. She were certainly sympathetic with her had high standards for herself-she philosophy. would never cross the street to the market without hat and gloves, for Far from "give the public what example-but she would never have they ought to read," the Willard dreamed of imposing her standards on philosophy was always "give the pub­ others. Like many sophisticated lic what they want to read." That women of her day, she smoked cig­ meant welcoming into the collection arettes and did not turn up her nose at Mrs. Stratton Porter, Nancy Drew, a cocktail. It was no secret that she and denizens of the Emerald City, and thought Miss McCollough's code of the light romances that one former behavior for the public librarian was Willard employee affectionately re­ silly. ferred to as "bosom heavers." By Miss McCollough 's standards, there­ One evening, the Willard Librarians fore, Willard had no standards at all ' were on their way to a dinner that and the saying became, "for sex and history send them to Willard." 24 /Baker Indiana Libraries Mrs. Williams was an enthusiastic would only have to buy more books partisan of the Willard tradition. In and fewer gadgets. " 2 7 1949·she delighted in reporting to the That last remark may have been Willard Board a story relayed by the Mrs. Wiiliams's way of getting in a volunteer in charge of book distribu­ "dig" at Dr. Herbert Goldhor, who by tion at Welborn Hospital: "It was a then was the public library's chief happy day for us when we found that librarian. The McCollough era had one of our books had saved a patient's ended after the public library joined life. The book was Where Two Ways the state Public Employees Retire­ Met by Grace Livingston Hill. It ment Fund in 1946. Miss Mc­ came into the hands of the patient Collough, along with four other staff when she was at low ebb and deter­ members over 70 years of age, had mined that life was not worth fight­ had to retire the next year. She was ing for. She ... was quite emphatic replaced by Arnold Rosaaen, former in saying, 'That book saved my life.' head of the Scranton, Pennsylvania, Only a librarian who buys Mrs. Hill's public library. 2 8 books in the face of the grave dis­ If Miss McCollough treated her staff approval of most librarians can as a stern mother would, Mr. Rosaaen appreciate this story. " 2 5 is fondly remembered as a kind father Willard was also more tolerant of figure.2 9 Much of what he accom­ books that in their day were consid­ plished during his four years was by ered racy. ''We are proud to serve the way of improving his employees' lot. public," Mrs. Williams wrote in her He won for them a major salary in­ annual report for 1951, "and are like­ crease and introduced a formal salary wise amazed to learn of the many schedule. Previously staff members books kept out of the Central Library were paid according to what Miss Mc­ collection. The books by William Collough thought them worth, and her Faulkner, Nobel Prize winner, are not "pets" enjoyed the fatter paychecks. on their shelves. Neither is Jones' Mr. Rosaaen also got board approval From Here to Eternity, and they say for a 40-hour week and remodeled the it never will be. . . . We have had a staff room. He also embarked on a dozen and have furnished the reading vigorous weeding program, which was of it for the town. It has been highly greatly needed since one of Miss Mc­ praised by some and criticized by Collough 's beliefs was that no book others. That is the way of all books. should be discarded if it had any pos­ If we disposed of everything that sible use. someone did not like I do not believe Dr. Goldhor became chief librarian that even the Bible would be left .... in 1952, after Mr. Rosaaen's death 'To everyone his choice,' is our motto from a heart attack. He was a once and experience has shown us that and future professor at the University there is no GOOD BOOK. Every of Illinois, who came to Evansville book is good for someone. Many very intending to get ten years' practical queer books have done wonderful experience in directing a public li­ things for various people."2 6 brary. That he did exactly. During The next year, Mrs. Williams again his tenure, services for city and coun­ claimed, "Temporarily we are first in ty residents were consolidated, service the hearts of Evansville. 'Willard has to and in schools was revamped, and the Books' is the phrase most fre­ Cherry Branch was at last disposed of. quently heard. Of course, this fame He did install a few gadgets, most no­ could easily be taken from us. Central tably a state-of-the-art transaction Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Baker/ 25 card charging system, and he con­ lard staff plunged in. The cataloger, ducted time-and-motion studies that Anna Louise Thrall, former Evansville streamlined many staff procedures. College librarian, was assigned to Dr. Goldhor's forceful personality spend two days a week on Willard's and intellectual approach to librarian­ previously closed second floor arrang­ ship did not impress Mrs. Williams ing and inventorying the Iglehart col­ lection. She also acted as "hostess" to at Willard. At the end of 1955 she 3 2 wrote, "The quarterly conferences researchers and sightseers. which Mr. Goldhor of E.P .L. and In 1962 Dr. Goldhor returned to Mrs. [Thomas] Harding of the College the University and his book, Practical have together are helpful only for the Administration of Public Libraries, contact it gives me with these impo - which he wrote with Joseph L. tant executives. They want to make a Wheeler, was published the same year. unit of the three libraries-though He was replaced by Edward A. How­ they do not come right out and say ard, formerly head librarian at Law­ -and I do not conform. Mr. Goldhor rence, Kansas. Meanwhile, at Willard, wants to be the big boss but up to this Mrs. Williams had retired in 1956. time has found me resistent. In only Her successor was Miss Marcia one way do I cooperate. We give him Wheeler, who had been hired by the use of the Bayard [Board] Room Willard in 1948 to reclassify the one morning a week. There he is collection and had stayed on as quiet and undisturbed and can work assistant librarian. Miss Wheeler, in on his big ideas. He says that he can turn, retired in 1972 and was replaced find no quiet spot at Central."30 by Miss Bettye Miller, "stolen" by the Willard board from the public It was Dr. Goldhor, however, who library staff. gave Willard the decisive shove in the direction of fulfilling Miss Goslee's, Despite the best efforts of Mrs. and apparently Mrs. Williams's, dream Williams and her successors, the 1950s of Willard as a "grand research li­ and 1960s were perceived by the com­ brary." In 1953 the son of John E. munity, when it took notice at all, as Iglehart, author of the 1923 history of a period of genteel decline for Willard Vanderburgh County and the leading Library. A quiescent board was con­ spirit of the Southwestern Indiana tent to accept what little tax support Historical Society, gave nine boxes the city was content to give, and was of his father's historical papers and not inclined to ask too much of the manuscripts to the public library. As five ladies "of a certain age" who Mrs. Williams later wrote, "They made up the staff. After all, they were looked them over, sorted and pond­ not being paid very much. The staff ered, and decided that they would like themselves joked that one had to be to pass them on to us. One reason able to afford to work at Willard Li­ given me-that it would take too brary. much time and money to put them in In the seventies, Willard awoke. order .... It has interested us to Several factors contributed to what know that our staff of five can and can be seen now as a renaissance. will do what a staff of 75 seemed too 31 First, in 1968 the board acquired an busy to undertake." activist trustee, Diane Foster Igle­ No doubt Dr. Goldhor had a bit heart. She was determined that the more realistic idea of what developing library should assume its rightful place a manuscript department actually in the forefront of Evansville's cul­ would involve. Nevertheless, the Wil- tural institutions, and she was able to 26/Baker Indiana Libraries convince her fellow trustees to follow board chose to hire David Ducove, her lead. In 1972 she called into be­ director of the Anderson, Indiana, ing a Friends of Willard Library or­ Public Lil?rary. The question they ganization to raise community aware­ ultimately asked him to address, al­ ness and increase support. She also though their minutes do not say so, saw that the library and park were was the question of what unique or placed on the National Register of special services Willard could provide Historic Places. She worked with to the community, given the existence sympathetic city councilmen to have of the public library system and the, Willard's historic runs of English and by now, two university libraries. German-language local newspapers After due deliberation and assess­ microfilmed and to obtain the grants ment, Mr. Bucove's answer was that, of federal revenue sharing funds that while Willard could continue to pro­ made possible needed renovations to vide general adult and children's li­ the building's antiquated lighting, brary services for the community at heating, and air conditioning systems. large and especially to Willard's imme­ Another factor of Willard's re­ diate neighborhood, it should put awakening was an awareness that greater emphasis on the areas. in which there were those who saw the library it had already carved out a niche for as an anachronism which ought to be itself. One of these was the arts. · Wil­ dismantled. In 1970 the University of lard had received significant gifts from Evansville suggested to the Willard a generous supporter over a period of trustees that Willard's valuable re­ years which built up a separate en - search materials-4,000 books and all dowment specifically for the purchase runs of historic newspapers-be of books in that field. The other area transfened to the university library. was history, particularly local history, This idea the trustees spurned, albeit which Willard had been collecting with protestations of willingness to more or less passively for almost a cooperate with the university in any hundred years. He also advocated way short of such a transfer. Then Willard's developing a genealogy col­ in 1971, while some community lection, to complement the local his­ leaders were calling for government tory interest. consolidation in Vanderburgh As often happens, the consultant's County similar to that in Marion report told the trustees little they did County, the president of the public not already suspect. The proposal was public library board issued a state­ basically "build on strength," but hav­ ment calling for incorporation of Wil­ ing heard it from an outsider the lard into the public library system. board was willing to take the nec­ Nothing came of this, just as nothing essary steps. In October, 197 4, trus­ would come of other "Vand-Gov" tee Richard E. Meier proposed, and proposals at the time, but it gave the the board accepted, a resolution es­ Willard trustees much food for 33 tablishing within Willard an Archives thought. and Research Center "as the repos­ Finally in June, 197 4, Mrs. Igle­ itory for the receipt, care and pre­ heart, now president of the Willard scribed access and use of books; pub­ trustees, "brought up the idea of lications; documents; official and bringing a library consultant here to private letters and conespondence; help us organize our daily work and artwork; artfacts; etc. of permanent long range plans in preparation for the value and significance to the cultural, increased use of the [research collec­ economic, social and political history tions on] the second floor." The and traditions of the Tri-State area, Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Baker/ 27 of which the City of Evansville is ceived major additions of historic the center. As such repository, manuscripts, photographs, and docu­ Willard Library shall solicit, accept ments. Special Collections is rec­ and undertake the proper care of ognized as a co-equal part, along with contributions of qualified materials Children's and Adult Services, of . . . . These unique and distinctive Willard's mission to the commu- purposes are established for the nity. 35 special benefit and use of scholars, With the long-promised research authors, artists, genealogists, histo­ area established, the trustees and Mr. rians, archivists, scientists, students Baker turned their attention to need­ and all citizens who delight in inquiry 34 ed capital improvements in Willard's of the past." century-old building. Calling on the What had been done passively community repeatedly for private would now be done actively, and the donations, which were combined with resolution implied that the necessary monies from a variety of government resources would be found and allocat­ and foundation sources, Willard has ed. This was a pivotal document in spent approximately $750,000 over Willard's history, the most important, the last ten years to enlarge and re­ perhaps, since Willard Carpenter's model the children's room; modernize Deed of Trust. The first step forward, ancient restrooms that gave a whole however, was a step backward. In new meaning to the phrase "gothic December, 197 4, the staff was re­ architecture"; replace the roof, the organized. Head Librarian Bettye windows, the furnace; install an eleva­ Miller was named Director of Regional tor and a handicap access ramp; install History and Genealogy, to spend full a fire alarm system and upgrade the time setting up the "Archives and Re­ burglar alarms; build a staff room; re­ search Center.'' Assistant Librarian activate abandoned light fixtures in Martha Rogers was elevated to Direc­ the park; rebuild the limestone steps; tor of Public Services. Since both re­ and do a host of other things to pre­ ported to the board, Willard was back pare the building for its second hun­ to a two-headed librarian arrangement dred yearn without violating the in­ reminiscent of 1885. · tegrity it had known throughout its This misstep was remedied after the first hundred. resignation of Miss Miller at the end of Most of this work was completed 1975. Donald E. Baker, fresh out of by March 28, 1985, when Willard and the Indiana University library school its friends reenacted the opening cer­ but with a second master's degree in emonies of a century before. Now the history and experience as assistant administration is doing the spadework editor of the Indiana Magazine of -figuratively-preparatory to renovat­ History, was subsequently hired as ing Willard Parle They have also in­ overall director of the library. Build­ augurated an ongoing endowment ing on the groundwork already laid development process that, along with by Miss Miller, Mr. Baker spent most ever increasing interest and support on of his first year getting the Archives the part of the city government, and Research Center (renamed the should keep Willard on a sound finan­ Regional and Family History Center) cial footing. 3 6 organized, furnished, and staffed. The Meanwhile, at the public library Mr. facility was opened to public in Dec­ Howard has continued to build a ember, 1976. In the decade since, it system which has an enviable record has developed the third largest geneal­ of community service, breadth of col- ogy collection in the state and has re- 28 /Baker Indiana Libraries lection, and depth of staff expertise. law reference where the public library In 1985 Evansville-V and erburgh Pub­ has the budget and the staff to beef­ lic Library operated its central library fective. _On the other hand, the pub­ and seven branches (one more is lic library leaves genealogy complete­ planned) on a budget of $3,342,457. ly to Willard and soft-pedals purchas­ They circulated a total of 1,355 ,350 ing in regional history and the arts, items.37 Willard, by contrast, may be where Willard also has demonstrated senior in age but is very much junior strengths. There is much referral of in size, smaller, in fact, than two of patrons from one library to the other. the public library's branches in terms There is still, of course, that of circulation. It had 1985 expendi­ "dash of healthy competitiveness." tures of $246,549 and circulated 179, 38 Neither library is as ideological as it 7 44 items. once seemed concerning selection The impulse to cooperate is very policy. Willard can no longer, if it strong. Both libraries are part of the ever could, buy every book a patron OCLC network and are members of asks for, and in the public library can the F'our Rivers Library Services be found, pace Miss McCollough, Authority. Willard's Tuesday through Harlequin romances. Willard does Sunday operating schedule comple­ still enjoy a reputation for making ments the public library's Monday best sellers available more quickly, but through Saturday schedule so as to this is merely a matter of size. Wil­ give Evansville public library ser- lard's one professional adult librarian vice seven days a week. The public has the authority to purchase on the library courier system is made avail­ basis of advertisements. The public able to Willard so that patrons can library, to impose order on the acquis­ leave either institution's books at the ition process, uses a book selection other. In Miss McCollough 's time the committee, which must wait for public library began publishing a favorable reviews; and then coordi­ union list of periodical holdings that nates purchases from all agencies to included Willard as well as the uni­ effect savings and achieve efficiencies. versities. Under Dr. Goldhor central Under those circumstances it is no library began to include Willard's and trick for David to get a book on the the University of Evansville's non­ shelf before Goliath's committee can fiction main entry cards in its catalog, read the reviews. so that there would be a point of The people of Evansville use both access to all three collections. The Willard Library and the Evansyille union list and the cooperative catalog Public Library interchangeably, will be superceded, and such resource according to their needs and, often, sharing raised to a higher level, when according to their mood. The two both public libraries, along with libraries have been likened to a large others, put their catalogs online and a small bank, one of them ef­ through the machinery of the South­ ficiently offering a full line of up-to­ west Indiana Automated Circulation date services, the other specializing in Cluster. slower-paced personalized interaction In collection qevelopment, too, in a quaint, old fashioned atmosphere. there is cooperation, in the form of an There is a public for both kinds of informal gentlemen's agreement to library. And in Evansville there is a respect one another's turf. Willard, library for both kinds of public. even if it could afford to, would not attempt to follow the public library into areas such as business, tax, and Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Baker/ 29

Notes 1 2 Where There's a Willard, p. 178; lThe most comprehensive history Willru:d Library Board of Trustees of Willard Library is Friends of Wil­ Minutes, October 8, 22, December lard Library, Inc., Where There's a 8, 1909. Willard: The First 100 Years of Evans­ 13 Herbert Goldhor, The First Fifty ville, Indiana (Evansville: Friends of Years: The Evansville Public Library Willard Library Press, 1986), pub­ and the Vanderburgh County Public lished in honor of the library's 1985 Library ([Evansville: Evansville Pub­ centennial. Willard Carpenter's lic Library, 1962] ), pp.1-2. Unless letter to the library's first board otherwise noted, historical facts con­ of trustees, August 23, 1876, is cerning the Evansville Public Library printed on pages 155-57 of Where and biographical facts concerning its There's a Willard; the quote reprinted directors are takei1 from this source. in this paragraph may be found on Dr. Herbert Goldhor was Chief Lib­ page 155. For an account of Car­ rarian of the Evansville Public Library penter's life, see Donald E. Baker, from 1952 to 1962. "Willard Carpenter, Eccentric Phi­ lanthropist," in Where There's a 14Goldhor, First Fifty Years, pp. Willard, pp. 1-145. 1-3. 2 Where There's a Willard, p. 156- 15 Interview with Evangeline Herr, 157 . October 20, 1986. Miss Herr began 3 Where There's a Willard, p. 156. working for the Evansville Public 4 Library in March, 1945, and is now Much of the rest of this article, as Administrative Assistant to Director it pertains to Willard Library, is a Edward A. Howard. The author is condensation of material presented in indebted to Miss Herr and Mr. Howard Kenneth P. Mccutchan, "I Leave Very for the McCollough anecdotes in this Much to Your Wisdom and Judge­ and the following paragraph. The ment: A Chronicle of Willard Library picture mentioned is reproduced in and Its Board of Trustees," Where Goldhor, First Fifty Years, p. 5. There's a Willard, pp.161-216. l 6 Ethel F. McCollough Files, 5 See, for example, Willard Library Business Office, Evansville-Vander­ Board of Trustees Minutes, July 5, burgh County Public Library. 1887, and February, 1888, Willard 1 7 Library Archives. Goldhor, First Fifty Years, pp. 6 3-7; Annual Reports, Willard Library Willard Library Board of Trustees Archives. Minutes, June, 20, 1893; March 24, 1894. 18Willard Library Board of Trus­ tees Minutes, December 17, 1915. 7 Quoted in Where There's a Wil­ 9 lard, p. 181. 1 Otilda Goslee File, Willard Li­ brary Archives. 8 "Rules of Willard Library," Wil­ lard Library Archives. 20 John E. Iglehart, ed., An Ac­ 9Willard Library Board of Trustees count of Vanderburgh County from Minutes, April 10, 1885. Its Organization, v. III of Logan Esarey, History of Indiana from Its lOWhere There's a Willard, p. 156. Exploration to 1922 (Dayton: Dayton l 1 Deed of Trust, typescript copy, Historical Publishing Company), Willard Library Archives. p. 357 -58; Where There's a Willard, p. 300. 30/Baker Indiana Libraries

21 Recounted in Gray D. Williams, 35 Where There's a Willard, p. Annual Report for 1951, Willard 204. Library Archives. 3 6 Where There's a Willard, pp. 22 [Gray D. Williams], Brief Notes 204-15' 345-49. from the Old Minute Book, parenthet­ 3 7 Evansville-Vanderburgh County ical note under February 13, 1922. Annual Report 1985, in The River 2 3 Biographical note by Mrs. Wil­ City Library Times, the newsletter of liams's daughter, Jane Gray Williams the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Cameron, in "The Life and Willard Public Library, May 1986. Times of Gray Davis Williams", Gray 38 willard Library Annual Report D. Williams File, Willard Library Ar­ for 1985. chives. This typescript item is a com­ pilation of Mrs. Williams's witty and informative reports to the Viillard Library Board of Trustees and is the best source of information on her accomplishments and activities as Willard's head librarian, 1941-56. 24 Anecdote by long-time Willard Children's Librarian Margaret Maier, recounted in Where There's a Willard, p.190. 25 Williams, Annual Report for 1949. 2 6Williams, Annual Report for 1951. 2 7 Williams, Annual Report for 1952. 28The history of Miss McCollough's retirement and that of the Rosaaen and Goldhor administrations of the Evansville Public Library may be found in Goldhor, First Fifty Years, pp. 19-23. 2 9 Characterizations of Miss McCol­ lough and Mr. Rosaaen by Evangeline Herr, Interview, October 20, 1986. 3 0Williams, Annual Report for 1955. 3 l Williams, Annual Report for 1953. 3 2 Williams, Report for December 22, 1954. 33Where There's a Willard, pp. 198-200. 34 Where There's a Willard, pp. 203-2-4. Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Brown/ 31

The Dreant of a Sntall Town

Connie J. Brown Markle Public Library

Along the banks of the Wabash Markle Public Library. Since there River, just off 1-69, lies a small town was little or no money for the pur­ proclaiming to be the "home of 971 chase of books, they each donated happy people and 4 grouches". And what books they could from their the residents of Markle, Indiana ap­ own collections. Each of the mem­ pear to be just as their town sign bers then volunteered time each week boasts, including the 4 grouches who to preside as 'librarian'. In 1937, the are elected each year during Wildcat library was registered with the State Days, the local festival. Nestled in the of Indiana, and was then eligible to midst of this charming community is receive books on two week loan from the Markle Public Library, one of the Indianapolis. These books were de­ 101 Indiana libraries serving a popula­ livered by truck every two weeks, tion of 5000 or less. Founded in the then picked up two weeks later with 1930's by the local chapter of Psi a new truckload delivered in turn. Iota Xi with only the books donated Obviously this increased their lending by themselves, the library has weath­ ability greatly. The sorority also pur­ ered numerous moves and a fire to chased recent books as often as they continue to serve the Markle commu­ could afford them. These "best­ nity. While much of the credit for sellers" were rented out at 2 cents per its longevity in the face of numerous day to encourage prompt retmn and obstacles lies in the dedication of the therefore enable more people to enjoy original founders, one in particular them. The overdue fine on books was stands as probably the most influen­ set at 2 cents per day per book, where tial in its maintenance. Her name is it still stands today. In 1937 Grayce Grayce Y oos, and much of this ar­ Y oos became the official paid librar­ ticle is based upon her recollections ian, a position she continued to fill of her 50 years of service as librarian until her retirement in June, 1985. of the Markle Public Library. Since its establishment the Markle In the beginning, the members of Public Library has moved eight times. Psi Iota Xi, seeing the need for a It began in the home of Lillian library in their community, took upon McGuffy, the sorority chairwoman themselves the task of establishing the at that time. According to Miss 32 /Brown Indiana Libraries Y oos, Mrs. McGuffy was a teacher Now occupying two rooms in the and a driving force behind the upper level of the Markle Town Build­ sorority's decision to establish a ing, the library has grown to such an library. From there the library was extent that the attainment of a third moved downtown above Dr. Wood's room seems inevitable. The smaller office, and from there to the present room houses children's books for all location of Randall's Barber Shop. ages, books with cassettes/records, Dr. Wood moved to an office down puzzles, and games. Contained in the the street after the war (WW II), larger room are all adult books, per­ whereupon the library was moved iodicals (for all ages), cassette tapes, back into the downstairs portion of video tapes, record albums, and 16mm the building it had previously oc­ films. A variety of media equipment cupied. The next move was across can be borrowed from the Markle the street into the building which Library, such as video machines, a previously housed the Y oos Harness television, a 16mm projector, Pola­ Shop. Library ledgers from this roid cameras, and a cassette tape play­ period list as purchases such things er. Listed as the smallest library in as coal oil and corn cobs. When Indiana in 1983 with a total of 4,455 questioned concerning their use, volumes (books alone), it had increas­ Miss Y oos explained that, in order to ed the number of volumes to 6 ,828 by heat the library, a corn cob was 1985, showing a growth rate of 2,37 3 soaked in coal oil and then placed a­ volumes or 53 % in two years. By top the wood in a pot-bellied stove to 1985, the number of cardholders facilitate starting a fire. Sometime a­ stood at 597, but has since increased round 1949 or 1950, while the library to 738-many of which are actually was housed here, a fire broke out in "family cards" acquired by county the building directly behind it. Since residents for $5 .00 each. To date, Markle had suffered a devastating fire the number of volumes stands at in earlier years which nearly destroyed 7 ,680, with 314 v·ideo tapes, 19 films the entire downtown area, there was . (16mm), 359 children's books with great fear that a similar tragedy would cassettes/records, and numerous be repeated. As a result Miss Yoos periodic.als. While the library has and many nearby residents physically funds for the purchase of books, the carried every book from the library to vast majority of the books acquired the doctor's office. According to Miss are donated and come in at such a Y oos, everyone pitched in with boxes, rate that many are boxed awaiting the baskets, or whatever they could find construction of new shelves. to carry the books in, and simply piled them on the floor of the doc­ From its registration as a library in tor's office in their haste to remove 1937 until early 1982, the library them from any danger from the fire. was open for business Tuesdays and While they were successful in that Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. until no books were lost or damaged, it 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 was "a real mess" getting the books a.m. until 12:00 noon. At that time back into the library in order! (In­ the hours were increased to include cidentally, the library building suffer­ Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and ed little or no damage from the f!re. 12:00 until 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The building behind it was complete­ A second person was hired to act as ly destroyed.) After this, the library librarian at those times, while Miss was moved three more times before it Y oos continued to work as she always was installed at its present location, had. In 1985, upon Miss Yoos' re­ the Markle Town Building. tirement, Donna Brown became act- Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Brown/ 33 ing full-time librarian. In spite of the existence and the community's vision longevity enjoyed by the library at as to its potential. The video tapes that point, its existence was still re­ have also brought many patrons (and latively unknown to many of the in many cases whole families) into the town residents and those of the sur­ librai-y who might possibly never have rounding townships. To help re­ ventured to come and have therefore medy this Mrs. Brown decided to greatly increased the library's need for begin a publicity campaign inviting more books. several local church groups and The story behind the Mai·kle Public organizations for open houses, even Librai-y and its growth is both fascina­ providing refreshments from her own ting and heartwai·ming. It is the story funds. At about the same time, the of a dream fulfilled by ordinai·y library began acquiring video tapes for people through persistence, dedica­ check-out (along with VCR ma­ tion, and vision. It tells much about chines). Mrs. Brown credits much of such ordinai·y people and what can be the library's recent growth to a greatly accomplished from one ordinary per­ increased awareness of the library's son's dream. 34 /Stussy Indiana Libraries

Profile of an Indiana Career in Libraries:

Florabelle Wilson

Susan A Stussy Head Librarian Marian College

Mrs. Florabelle Wilson played an Q. What was your undergraduate important part in Indiana librarian­ major? ship during her twenty eight years of A. Education. A B. S. in Education. active practice. On July 6, 1986, Dr. Q. From where? Susan A. Stussy, Head Librarian of A. Indiana Central University. That Marian College, interviewed her at was an effort to combine books, I the Marian College Library in order to guess, with children. Actually li­ preserve the wisdom Mrs. Wilson brary work was my first love, but it acquired as a librarian. was more practical economically to Born in 1927, Mrs. Wilson gained a become a teacher. One of the B.S. in Education from Indiana things my mother seemed to want Central University in 1949. She more than anything else was for me earned an M.A. in Library Science to become a teacher. ''I want Flora from Indiana University in 1961. to be a school teacher," she would say. And I could understand that, Mrs. Wilson was an elementary because in the Black community at teacher for the Indianapolis Public that time when I was growing up Schools from 1949 to 1957. She was and prior to that time, one of few Assistant Librarian at Indiana Central jobs that women could aspire to University from 1957 to 1971 and was that of being a teacher. A Director of the Library from 1971 to teacher was looked up to as a role 1985. model and as a leader, and I think Mrs. Wilson is a longtime member in my mother's eyes that was the of both the American Library Ass­ kind of position she wanted for me. ociation and the Indiana Library Ass­ So as a result, I completed my work ociation as well as of Beta Phi Mu. She in education at Indiana Central. I is listed in Who's Who in the Middle opted for teaching and did for West. Her community activities in­ some time in the elementary clude life membership in the schools. But I was teacher for my N.A.A.C.P. and membership in the mother for some time. Then I Zonta Club. decided it was time to be a librar- ian for me. Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Stussy/ 35 Q. Were you a library student assist­ because I'm afraid I don't fit that ant in college? image very well. Quiet, I'm not. I A. Yes I was. I worked at Indiana became progressively aggressive Central. Just through casual con­ when I discovered that, because of versation when I was charging out my sex, I was expected to do certain some books one day there, I said things, like be secretary of the to the librarian, Miss Edna Miller, committee each time, have some "I used to work in the elementary cookies and coffee ready, be quiet library." She said, "You did?" I in meetings, and ;not have too many forgot about it, but not long after opinions about what was going on she said, "Would you be interested and to agree, and that just isn't my in working here?" I was very pleas­ nature, not to question. And be­ ed to get a chance to work in the cause those were the things that, as library, both because I loved books I say, [I] progressively learned to . and because I needed the money. do, I guess just because of being fe­ Q. When you decided to become a male. I guess I created the problem, librarian, where did you go to li­ and it kind of invigorated-me and brary school? kept things lively. A. I went to Indiana University, and Q. What problems arose in your li­ that was because of circumstances, brary career because of yam race? I think. While I was teaching A. There were some that occurred elementary school, the Indianapolis unwittingly maybe. For example, Public Schools, I guess, created a since I had been a student at system in which they aspired to Indiana Central, when I returned to putting libraries in all of the work there and became a member elementary schools. Of course, of the faculty, some of the pe1;sons when I heard about it, I thought, who had been my teachers were "Well, if they are going to put it in still teaching, because less than ten my school, I am going to be a li­ years had passed since I had grad­ brarian." From Bloomington they uated. Of course, when I was in sent teachers h~re to Indianapolis, school there they addressed me, as and they taught classes at Central they did all of the students, by Library. So when they began to their first names, and it was Mary­ send the teachers, I enrolled in the bell, or Florabelle in my case, very first classes, and I took all the which was all well and good. But classes they offered here (Indiana­ when I returned as a faculty mem­ polis) in the evenings after school. member, at the same [profef'sional] Then I decided to go to campus level as my former teachers, there (Bloomington) in the summer to were still some who, I'd like to say go all out for the degree, since I unwittingly, referred me to their had already begun. classes as ''Florabelle in the U­ Q. Where have you worked as a brary." This was misleading, be­ librarian or library director? cause it meant that students in the A. Only at Indiana Central Uni­ classes would come to the library versity. and instead of addressing me as Q. What problems arose in your Miss Williams, which I was at that library career because of your sex? time, they wanted to address me as A. I suppose one of the major "Florabelle in the library," and this problems was that librarians are simply could not be. So that very considered quiet females of gentle first year I had to go to battle to spirit and soft voice, and less than help them realize that number one, aggressive, and the problems arose I was Miss Williams, and number 36 /Stussy Indiana Libraries two, persons who adressed me by "What do you think?" I would say, my first name, were persons who "Well, I can only give you my opin­ were my friends. And another pro­ ion or what I think as a Black blem I often had was that people person." came to the library and asked for During the Civil Rights Era, the librarian, and I came to the often the ones with the courage desk, and they looked past me to would ask me questions. I remem­ see if the librarian was coming, be­ ber when Martin Luther King was cause they simply did not expect killed and a woman working in the to see a Black woman. All of the library asked in all seriousness, "Do staff for most of the years I was a you equate Martin Luther King with librarian and for all the years I was Jesus Christ?" And she was serious, an assistant, were all White. I was and she wanted to know my answer, the only Black person on the staff, and I gave it to her, which was," I and only for a few years after I don't equate any human being with became a librarian was there anoth­ Jesus Christ, but Martin Luther er Black person on the staff. King was a great man." But she [When I became librarian] I was perfectly serious, and yet I made a special effort to have a don't think that I would ever have multiracial staff. One summer we asked any White person if some had Africans, Afro-Americans, White person had been killed if Chinese, Taiwanese, and a fellow they would equate that person with from India [as well as White stu­ Jesus Christ. It would never have dents] . Finally that job became occurred to me, and I have no idea kind of a mission, because I was the what brought that on, but she only contact most of those students wanted to know. were going to have with a Black Q. It helps to know how your ex­ person in authority. Some of them periences have affected your life. had come from areas where they A. Well, let me tell you about my had not encountered Black people experience in conventions, because except on television or in a maga­ we haven't touched on that. I was zine. It was obvious in their reac­ lucky in that Miss Edna Miller, who tion, in their response to your ques­ was the librarian who hired me, and tions, in the way they looked at the person whose job I later as­ you, in the way they were surprised sumed when she retired, was a real that if you cut yourself, you bled. professional. She knew her job, she I guess that's just true of Amer­ knew her collections, she knew her icans. books, and she was a professional in rthink that you could find that that she belonged to professional on any campus anywhere if you _ organizations, and she attended met enough people. But here I was meetings so that she took me to the kind of on the bubble. I represent­ local meetings, to the ILA. We ed a whole race of people, and went to the conventions, and then sometimes I had to remind people she gave me the opportunity of who came to ask me questions every other year going to the about Black people that I could national [conventions] . She'd go only speak for myself. I couldn't one year, and I'd go one year. I be­ speak for how many million Black longed to the state-library associa­ people in this country. But some­ tion [ILA] and the national library times they would come and say, association [ALA] the entire twenty-eight yea.rs without a break. Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Stussy/ 37 That's what you are supposed to do. Q. Do you think a minority [per­ That's the way I was trained, you son] should manage differently, see, and that was valuable to me. It and if so, how? armed me in one respect to be a A. I don't think you should have to, professional, but it disarmed me in but I think you have to, especially another in that I assumed because if you are in the situation where of her attitude that I would meet you are the chief administrator and the same attitude in meetings, but everybody answers to you. [As] I didn't. So I had to learn to adjust Americans [we] are victims of our to that. Because you see you are culture and of our ways of think­ talking about "The Heart is a ing. Somehow you can't just block Lonely Hunter," and I was the only that out when this is an unusual Black one in the meetings, espe­ situation. And there are a lot of cially at the local level. differences in feeling there. Many The other Black persons who of the times when I felt it most were in the Indianapolis area at strongly or most acutely were when that time were simply not in ev­ I was interviewing persons for a idence. I don't know why. One position. In most instances, these factor was that their position were clerical, not professional, wasn't anywhere like this, because I positions. The business manager was an assistant administrator; would interview the applicant therefore I was qualified to go. first and then bring the applicant to Many of the Black people that I my office. I have seen applicants knew were over in the [public physically step back two steps, be­ library] branches, but none that I cause he hadn't bothered to explain know of were in the college librar­ to them in the office that they were ies. going to talk to a Black woman. I I was the only Black academic li­ don't think that they were aware brarian in the state of Indiana and that they physically stepped back may be in the Middle West. The two steps, they just did it. national conventions, and oh, I Q. What do you see as the future for looked forward to it, and most of female and minority managers? them were from the South. But A. I see a future as bright as they through the years there were ones are willing to help malrn it. It's from Chicago and from Detroit, like anything else: nobody's going and from other cities. to give you anything. Nobody is Q. How should a woman manage going out and pull you into a job of differently from a man? Should administrative level, because you they? are a woman and because you are a A. I don't think we should, but I Black or either or both. Now dur­ think because of the ways our lives ing the sixties there was a time are structured as females and as when it was a plus on your listing males, we have to. A woman and a of employees to have a Black and/ man could have the same goals and or a woman, but let's face it, that head for them in the same manner, is past. We're in the eighties and but persons who must help them almost in the nineties. If you are attain these goals will react in one a qualified person who wants that way to a man and another way to a position you are going to have to go woman. So that a man is taken to and fight for it. I'm not saying be "getting the job done," and a you'll get it, but once you get your woman is too often taken to be toes in the door, you not only have "pushy." 38/Stussy Indiana Libraries to fight to get it, but you have to ordered by a professor. Each pro­ fight to keep it, because you have fessor of our school had funds and to stand up for what you know is he or she decided what it would be the right thing to do and with your spent for. Well, it so happened that credentials behind you, you do it. the photographs had been taken by It won't be an easy job, and I guess a person who worked for Playboy. it never has been really, but I think I did not censor what the people it is as bright as you intend to make ordered and had no right to, and it. There are some smart women, felt no need to. But one of the Black and White out there, who are women on the clerical level who extremely capable. I venture to say was supposed to mark the outside some [are] as capable, and some of of the book, saw some photographs them more capable than some of that she felt were offensive to her. the men who have these jobs, and I had to explain to her that it they should go get them. was not her choice nor mine as to Q. What can the library profession what books the professor ordered. do to encourage [the development That was their choice. Then I had of more] women managers? to call to her attention the Library A. I think women's library groups Bill of Rights. But what I also are helpful, where the women ad­ pulled from my memory was this ministrators and women staff idea of not pulling that book and people get together and share their hiding it. I did talk to the professor problems. Networking, as much as who ordered it, and asked him if he some people negate it, I think is im­ wanted it in his department and he portant. didn't. He said, ''No, put it on the One of the things I gained from shelf." So I did, but I put it on the attending conventions was talking reserve shelf. All the cards were in to somebody else who had the same place, all the information was there, problems. That made me feel that I and the book was available. was not alone with whatever my But that was something that I problems were. It gave me a had tucked away many years ago strength that I needed, and I came and it came back and stood me in back kind of refreshed and re­ good stead. So that book as far as I newed, because I knew somebody know, is still there. It is available else was having the problems. We for any person who wants it. I'm had a governor's conference on li­ not sure everybody would agree braries here, and we had the little with it, but that was the way I dealt group sessions, and one of the with it, and it was the result of a questions that came up was, "What meeting many years earlier. That do you do when your library has a was one of the tactics. That was a book that someone says shouldn't survival tactic for librarians. be there, and yet it is a part of the Q. What can the library profession collection?" I remember one per­ do to encourage the [development son said, "Well, what I did was to of more] Black managers? put the book on my library shelf A. I suppose scholarships would and indicated in the card catalogue be helpful. And there are some that that is where it was." I good ones for people to go onto tucked that away and forgot all library school for advanced degrees. about it. But many years later a I think the profession can make in­ similar problem arose for me. A formation about jobs available in book on photography had been the usual media and also be sure Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Stussy/ 39 that the information reaches groups efforts to be of service. Our motto like the [Black] Librarian's Caucus was, "Education for Service." or publications that are Black Another thing that I am proud of oriented. By the same token, Black in my association with Indiana librarians who are seeking manageri­ Central is the development of an al positions have a responsibility to annual Black History Program seek employment in libraries where­ to which national figures are ever their credentials are suitable. invited. Gwendolyn Brooks, Many times to seek a position in a the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, was library at a great distance from our speaker one year. It was the where you are used to living or in a same year that she spoke at Marian culture that is entirely different, it College, and she came to our school is kind of intimidating. Most of us and spoke, and was there for an are more comfortable in familiar evening seminar, and so she kind of surroundings, but if you are just made a circuit in this area. Another going to stay in familiar surround­ [year] Mayor Richard Hatcher came, ings you are going to miss a lot of and that was good because of the opportunities, and this is coming kids from Gary, and we had quite a from a stick-in-the-mud staying in few, and it really did something for the same place lo these twenty­ them. eight years. By the same token, I would encourage those who wish to become administrators to actively compete, if they have the qualifica­ tions and they are capable, to go for it. Q. How do you feel that you had special interests as a Black woman that you might not have had otherwise? A. One particular one was in terms of being sure that included in the li­ brary holdings were books by and about Black people that gave a true picture. We made an effort, not only using Title II funds, but using book funds from the Indiana Central Library book budget to build up a good collection. The thing that validates my opinion is that in using the OCLC system and calling for books by different authors and by different titles, ours would be one of the libraries that usually would have the book. Another area, too, of special interest to me was Black books for Black children written by Black authors. [I developed] a list of Black books for Black children. This was one of Indiana Central's 40/Logsdon Indiana Libraries

Profile of an Indiana Career in Libraries:

Harold J. Sander

Robert L. Logsdon Associate Director for Public Services Indiana State Library

One of the sad commentaries that rected the Indianapolis-Marion can be made about the library pro­ County Public Library System from fession is that we are too neglectful 1956-1971. (an interview of of our history. We tend to be so Harold J. Sander by the author, caught up in the activities of the pre­ was conducted in Indianapolis on sent and planning so hru·d for the August 16, 1986. All direct quota­ needs of the future that we frequently tions from Mr. Sander in this article have.no time to reflect on the accom­ are from that interview.) plishments of the past. This can be said not only concerning our profes­ Sander was born July 8, 1913 in sion as a whole, but in regard to our Evansville, Indiana and grew up in and individual institutions and past leaders around that community. He attended as well. Yet it can truthfully be said local schools and was graduated from that without the effort and work of Reitz High School in 1931. This was our predecessors we wouldn't be during the Depression, and he dis­ where we are today, for better or covered that jobs were difficult to worse. Without proper recognition of obtain. Eventually he found a job their efforts we cannot fully appreci­ with a flour mill for the meager salary ate what we have and anticipate where of one dollar a day! Although he we are going. Therefore, it behooves ultimately was able to earn ten dollars us to take the time to look at the per week he continued looking for work of those hearty individuals who other employment opportunities. He paved the way for us and to pay them recalls, "they were building a new li­ the tribute they justly deserve. brary in Evansville. I thought, well, with a new building, there may be a The following is a brief biographical job. So I applied there and sure sketch of one of our recent colleagues enough I was appointed as, I guess and, while space limitations prohibit they called it, a page for the county giving more than a cursory glance at system. Later I was a truck driver and his life and career, the sketch will book shelver. I started to work there provide the reader with an apprecia­ on April Fools Day in 1932." tion for the work and accomplish­ From the beginning Sander knew ments of Harold J. Sander, who di- that this work had no future, so he Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Logsdon/ 41

On December 31, 1981, Harold J. Sander received a "Key lo lhe Cily" from lhe Mayor of Indianapolis, Richard Lugar. Pholo by Ivan Christensen. 42 /Logsdon Indiana Libraries enrolled at Evansville College on a Worthington of Plainville, Massachu­ part-time basis. Eventually he was setts, and they subsequently able to attend classes in the mornings married on August 9, 1941. and work at the library in the after­ Prior to his marriage, Sander de­ noons and evenings. He continued cided to return to his native state and this arrangement for several years and he obtained a position in the Refer­ was graduated in 1938 with an A.B. ence Division of the Indiana State degree in social sciences and history. Library in Indianapolis. In July It was during this period that he de­ 1941 he was appointed head of that veloped what was to become a life­ section. long pattern of combining extracurric­ ular activities with a busy work sched­ With the advent of World War II ule. In the yearbook for his last year he joined the Army and served in the in college, Sander was listed as partic­ photo interpretation section of the ipating in the choir, the college XVIII Airborne Corp in Europe. While quartet, the debate team and Phi Zeta away he didn't forget the State Li­ Fraternity, as well as numerous other brary and according to the 1945 activities. In addition he was chosen a April/June issue of Library Occurrent Campus Notable his senior year. "M/Sgt. Harold J. Sander, Chief of ' the Reference Division on leave, sent By this time he was interested in to the Library from Germany an a library career and consulted col­ interesting collection of Nazi prop­ leagues at the Evansville Public Li­ aganda which were on exhibit in brary on how to proceed. They en­ May." couraged him to attend Columbia Uni­ versity in New York City because Following his dischru·ge from mil­ "they figured that getting a job there itary service he returned to Indiana­ and working would be simpler in a polis and resumed his duties at the larger city than in a small college State Library. He also renewed his town." involvement with the Indiana Library Association [ILA] in which he had He followed their advice and began become active prior to the war. the fall semester of 1938 attending library school and working part-time Almost immediately he was swept in Columbia's School of Business Li­ up in organization activities and was brary. In 19 39 Sander received his appointed chairman for the subcom­ B.S. degree in library science and was mittee on Business Services of the offered a full-time job in the business Public Relations Committee. In this library. He accepted this offer and capacity he announced in Library states that "having lived there in New Occurrent the formation of a monthly York City a year as a student and see­ informative newsletter "to promote ing nothing and doing nothing because and increase library service to business I was so darned busy .... it would be and industry." This newsletter was nice to spend a little time there and so entitled Focus On Business and In­ I took the job." He remembers, "I dustry and made its appearance in guess I was the lonesomest guy in the April, 1946. It was published as a place because the people I knew when joint publication of the Indiana State I was in school were gone. The school Library and ILA with Sander serving crop, they were busy up to their necks as editor. in work. I did finally meet a young Shortly afterward he recalls that woman, a library school student, near some of the members of ILA "la­ the end of the school term and that mented that we [the Association] was it." The young woman was Edna need better communication, we need Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Logsdon/ 43 a publication. I opened up my he assumed this position a brief notice big mouth and with Bri~ha~ 's per~ appeared in the December 11, 1948 mission I said I would give it a whirl. issue of the Indianapolis News which I was the editor, the business manager, said: " Convinced that many business I helped with stamping and mailing executives and others do not know them. Part of it was done at my home about the many services of the and part of it at the State Library." business branch of the Indianapolis (Harold Brigham was Director of the Public Library, Harold J. Sander, new Indiana State Library, 1942-1962 .) librarian, is doing something to correct this situation. Mr. Sander, who has In the first issue of the newsletter talent as a salesman and a writer as which came out in July 194 7, Richard well as being a librarian, plans to sell Sealock, then president of ILA, the public on greater use of the Li­ wrote, "The idea of a bulletin is not brary's extensive facilities through new with the Association. For some means of a new weekly publication, time members have felt the need for Your Cue To Business." this. Only the perseverance of our new editor .... [Harold J. Sander] ... During this period he also taught a proved that it can be done ..... " reference course at Butler University "His convictions that a bulletin as well as continuing his involvement could be nearly self-supporting plus in professional activities. H~ was the ability he had displayed as the ed­ chosen president of the Indiana itor of Focus on Business and In­ Chapter of the Special Libraries Association in 1950 and served in dustry led to his appointment to edit the same capacity for the Indiana the new bulletin. In fact there would Library Association in 1951. Another not have been an ILA Newsletter if organization in which he became in­ it had not been for Mr. Sander. With volved was the Industrial Editors a quiet display of good taste and a Association. He recalls, "I was part modest pride Mr. Sander suggests that of it and I was accepted, and I was we use the name Focus On Indiana always pleased about that because it Libraries for our Newsletter." Sander gave me a little know ledge and back­ edited this publication until 1950. ground in public relations and work­ During the months of July and ing with business people." August, 1948 he served as Acti~g Looking to increase his income and Director of the Indiana State Library expand his administrative experience, while Harold Brigham, the Director, Sander began seeking the directorship was on leave of absence serving as the of a public library and in August of interim Executive Secretary of the 1951 was appointed to the head posi­ American Library Association. Re­ tion of the Roanoke [Virginia] Public membering this time he says, "This Library. A new library building was was for a relatively short time. It was under construction and he remembers an honor. It was an ego inflating it as an "ideal place to begin." Ro­ thing. I didn't do much. You could­ anoke was under a city manager form n't in that limited time. The main of government and the library board point was to keep things going and was advisory, the routines of the li­ hold the place together until bigger brary were well established and "un­ decisions were made by others." less you fell on your face and were a Shortly afterward, however, he left complete dud you couldn't fail." the State Library to become head of the Business Branch of the Indiana­ As usual he became involved in a. polis Public Library. Not long after number of outside activities upon his arrival in Roanoke. He joined and 44 /Logsdon Indiana Libraries participated in the Virginia Library board was primarily involved in the Association; initiated and wrote a formal educational system (the pub­ weekly newspaper column entitled lic schools), and the library was stuck "Scanning In The Public Library." on as.an adjunct. You had to learn to In 1956 he learned that the direc­ live with that. You had to learn to torship of the Indianapolis Public roll with the punch. You had to learn Library was open and he applied for when to speak up and when to shut that position. According to the July up. You also had to get along. And 11, 1956 issue of the Indianapolis Star sometimes you had to grit your teeth. he was selected from among thirty As I look back on it, there were ups applicants to become the ninth City and downs." Librarian. He assumed his new duties From the beginning he saw this on September 1st of the same year relationship as a limiting factor to and on October 14th wrote his per­ the growth of the library system. ception of the role of the public li­ Also the library served only residents brary for the Indianapolis Star m~g­ within the city boundaries and county azine. residents used the library heavily, "I believe that the Indianapolis although some did pay a fee to pur­ Public Library is potentially an im­ chase non-resident cards, since there portant agency to help achieve a was no major library service in the better future ....No other public tax­ county. Thus a major concern of his supported institution has so much to was that a separate county system, si­ offer to so many people as does a milar to others around the country, public library. Here, for the effort of might develop and thus dilute the tax reading, information ·comes to those base and fracture library services if a who seek it, education comes to those number of systems were to operate who work for it, understanding comes within the county. to those who allow it, inspiration Although he worried about these areas, comes to those wh9 want it, and wis­ the library system nevertheless under­ dom comes to those who look for it. went considerable change and ex­ The public library is a storehouse of pansion during the first ten years of printed knowledge where the accumu­ his administration. Among the lated knowledge of the past is organiz­ changes and/or improvements were ed and systematized for the ·con- · the opening of a new Broadway venient use of the citizen. In the pub­ Branch in October, 1958; remodeling lic library the decisions for the future the Central Library in 1960; opening may be planned after interpreting the the Eagle Branch in rented quarters in experiences of the past." December, 1960; opening Emerson Branch in March, 1962; building an At the time of his arrival the public Annex to the Central Library in 1963; library was under the control of the and the opening a new Shelby Branch Indianapolis Board of School Com­ in November, 1965. missioners. In recalling the transition from Roanoke to Indianapolis he re­ Organizational changes were also members "it was a little confusing to occurring during this time at the say the least, to go from a city man­ Central Library. Three primary sub­ ager form of government where your ject divisions were created, the Art board has only advisory authority, to Division, the Science and Technology under the school board where they Division, and the Social Science Di­ have all the authority [and] you are vision. The Films Division was es­ a little fish in a big pond. The school tablished in 1967. Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Logsdon/ 45 Development of county wide li­ merge the city and county (except brary service continued to be a pri­ for Beech Grove and Speedway) mary focus of Sander's administra­ into one public library system, under tion. Although there were years of in­ one seven-member Library Board." vestigation, frustration and hard work, Thus was created the Indianapolis­ the efforts paid off in 1966 when the Marion County Public Library (I­ Marion County Public Library Dis­ MCPL) system. trict was created with its own separate Services had been expanding to the bo?Id, contracting with the Indiana­ county residences, and rental branches polis Board of School Commissioners in shopping areas soon followed. for library services. The library's Wanamaker Branch was opened in annual report described it this way, April, 1969, and the Wayne Branch "On March 14, 1966, the Marion began operation in December of the County Public Library District was same year. In addition, the North­ created. The Marion County Pub- east and Westlane Branches were re­ lic Library Board and the Indiana­ modeled and enlarged. polis Board of School Commissioners both passed resolutions stating their With the development of the intent to work toward a single, com­ county-wide system and the separa­ bined library district as soon as tion from the school system, other possible. A service contract has been goals could now be addressed. On entered into whereby the Indiana­ February 26, 1969 the Indiana­ polis Public Library will provide polis-Marion County Public Library 'Open Doors' service to anyone Foundation was established. Sander living in the library districts. Also had been involved with starting a provided are administrative and library foundation in Roanoke and he processing services as new agencies recalls "that I brought over a copy of are opened to serve Marion County." the organizational statement and by­ laws and they were the basis for the A historian of the library system foundation established here." The has noted in the booklet Historical foundation thus provided a mech­ Highlights that "unquestionably the anism by which gifts to the library great achievement of Mr. Sander's could be received and appropriately administration was the expansion of administered. Library service to most of Marion County.'' His involvement with outside groups continued as well, and he Finally, after years of hard work, served as an officer in many of them. planning and waiting on the part of Among those in which he was pres­ Sander, his staff and other interested ident were: the Portfolio (1964-65 ), parties, a combined city-county li­ Greater Indianapolis Information, brary board was created and the Inc., (1964), the Indianapolis Literary school board divested itself of the Club (1969) and again for the Indiana public library responsibility. Sander Library Association (1969). He also wrote in the library's annual report served on the Council of the American that "June 4, 1968 is the red letter Library Association from 1966-1969. day of the year, the decade and the 20th Century for this library system. The library system continued to It was on June 4 that at concurrent prosper, opening new branches and sessions of the Indianapolis Board serving the communities of Marwood, of School Commissioners and the Lawrence and Southport. The Cen­ Marion County Public Library Board, tral Library was air-conditioned and the proper legal actions were taken to the collection reached a million volumes in 1971. 46/Logsdon Indiana Libraries The years of service and hard work Sander served the system for an­ were not without their toll, how­ other year and a half as head of the ever, and in 1970 on the advice of Broadway Branch and then retired in his physician Sander took a brief 1973. Looking back he recalls this as leave of absence during the summer. a difficult and frustrating period for In 1971 his cardiologist warned him him and, while necessary for his health, of impending coronary problems. On he felt frustrated to have had to October 1, he tendered his resignation terminate his administrative career as director to the Board effective at at the relatively young age of 58. In the end of that year and was assigned hindsight, however, he can state, to be head of the Broadway Branch, "I guess I made the right decision be­ thus ending over fifteen years as cause I'm still here." He has since director. withstood two coronary attacks, one in 1982 and another in 1984. As one of his last acts as chief administrator he wrote an eight page Although no longer actively assoc­ statement entitled "Sander's So­ iated with the system, Sander is liloquy" in which he gave his hopes, hardly forgotten, and in May of 1985 aspirations, and suggestions for I­ he received a plaque from the Li­ MCPL. In it he made the following brary Board which read: comment, "A Public Library's quality Harold J. Sander is measured by three things: its col­ Director of Public Libraries 1956-1971 lections; its staff; and its service points In recognition and sincere appreciation of his efforts in establishing the (buildings). This Director is proudest Indianapolis-Marion County of the staff. In fifteen years here we Public Library System. have managed, in my humble opinion, Commenting on this, he remarked to gather together and maintain a "it's a beautiful, meaningful plaque ... group of individuals who are con­ To get this sort of thing fourteen scientious and dedicated. They seek years after you've gone really touched to bring together the know ledge and me. The board doesn't really know information civilized man has ac­ me ....They're all new and that they quired, transmit it via the printed should do that in recognition of my word to the mind of man today, and work really warmed my heart." preserve it for the citizens of to­ morrow. This dealing with ideas is to This plaque, given years after his re­ most of our staff an exciting and re­ tirement, demonstrates the points warding experience. From the lead­ mentioned at the beginning of this art­ ership of our administrators through icle, that where we work and what we the ranks to the shelvers of books and do are the products of our predeces­ washers of windows, the I-MCPL staff sors. And because of this they deserve is to me the finest in the world. I our "recognition and sincere apprecia­ have never seen a more dedicated or tion." It is hoped that this biograph­ earnest group laboring in the edu­ ical sketch in its small way pro- ucational processes vineyard." vides tribute for a job well done. This respect was reciprocated at a reception honoring him on Decem­ ber 31, 1971 when staff, past and present, as well as friends, and dig­ nitaries came to show their apprecia­ tion. The highlight of the festivi­ ties was the presentation of a "key to the City" by Richard Lugar, former school board member and, at that time, Mayor of the City. Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Meyers/ 47

Frotn Distant Shores: A Library and Cotntnunity Heritage

Arthur S. Meyers Director Hammond Public Library

Walt Whitman's poetry came to of pride) can bring his words to public Muncie. Nearly every page of Leaves awareness. of Grass sings of the richness of Amer­ Seven years ago, seeking to bring for­ ica's ethnic heritage. His love and ward the history of the Black com­ praise of the rainbow of America, munity of Muncie, we asked people to even before the Statue of Liberty was "open the trunks" of family photos planned, are as powerful today as a and lend them to the Library for an century and a quarter ago. He saw the exhibit. The purpose was to show land as a "teeming Nation of nations." how the community's local heritage Bert Faulhaber, Ming-Ming Kuo, paralleled the larger national history, Lotis Slayton and Claude Williams from young Muncie men going off to also came to Muncie, as did many oth­ war in World War I to the strength of ers from distant shores or other parts families. Lotis Slayton, 89 years old, of the United States. They came to had photographed or collected the the community called "Middletown" moments of his family's history by sociologists for its supposed lack of through seventy years. Mr. Slayton diversity. Together, they brought a died in 1986, but tlu·ough his photos, richness of ethnic heritage that was viewers and, later, borrowers of our presented in a series of photo ex­ Picture Collection were able to gain a hibits and community activities a sense of a century in the life of an from 1981 to 1986. If the her- Afro-American family. itage was found in Muncie, it can In this first project, (described in surely be found in every community. Public Libraries, Summer 1982) we "I believe of all those men and women that focused upon a visible yet invisible fill 'd the unnamed lands, every one ex­ part of a community; people re­ ists this hour here or elsewhere, invisible to us. In exact proportion to what he or presenting less than 10% of the pop­ she grew from in life, and out of what he ulation and very much under-rep­ or she did, felt, became loved, sinn 'd, in resented in professional and com­ life." munity leadership positions. A grant So Whitman wrote. And a photograph from the Indiana Committee for the exhibit that conveys a community's Humanities enabled us to develop the rich mix (hidden, perhaps out of lack exhibit, "Heritage Trail: Afro-Amer- 48 /Meyers Indiana Libraries

Lotis Slayton (rear, left) and his family, Hannibal, Missouri, 1911 Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Meyers/ 49 ican History Alive!" It conveyed the ing and singing, an explanation of continuity of the past with our lives mountain instruments, demonstra­ today. We displayed separate photo tions of crafts (spinning, weaving, and panels from the exhibit throughout lacemaking), storytelling, talks on the community, creating a "trail" for folkways, and displays of toys and people to follow as they looked at the other objects brought the heritage individual panels in the mall, a bank, home to a wide audience. And like churches, schools, and other public "Heritage Trail," the new photo dis­ locations. play moved on to other public Among the panel themes were "The locations. At a high school, a teen­ Strength of Our Women," "Living and ager saw his grandmother's picture as Working in Muncie," and "We Fought the exhibit was being set up. He for America." With the exhibits, we called out to his friends to share the held a community forum for senior joy of his discovery. Tim Williams' citizens to talk about the local her­ grandmother was the only Black itage, and a reception for contributors person in the Appalachian Heritage of the photos, with the Mayor pro­ display. Her migration pattern was claiming Afro-American History caused by the family escaping from Month. An accompanying essay by a the Ku Klux Klan. Ball State University historian deep­ The second new element in this ened public understanding. project was the funding of a video­ Eventually, our local exhibit led to tape C'onveying the heritage. This was a state-wide photo display of Black accomplished through interviews with Hoosier heritage entitled "This Far four families in the area, footage of By Faith." It was a collaborative pro­ the photo exhibit, portions of the ject of the Indiana Committee for the music performances and craft de­ Humanities, the Indiana Historical monstrations, and some documentary Society, and Muncie Public Library. footage taken from an older film of Both projects won national awards. the region. In each of the projects, photos from outside Muncie provided From "Heritage Trail," we moved a link to the larger history of the to "Appalachian Heritage," as many group. The videotape also included Muncie residents have roots in Ken­ one of the contributors reading a tucky and Tennessee. Another grant poem on the destruction that resulted from ICH enabled the Library to print from strip mining. The video con­ photos loaned by local families, and veyed the meaning of the Appalachian again an accompanying essay by a Ball experience by showing the families State historian provided a sketch of at home, outdoors, at work, in the migration and settlement. For church, and at a family picnic. For this exhibit, we displayed a longer the area's State Senator, it captured essay with the photos on the panels. him in the Indiana Legislature. The (We later realized the exhibit con­ contributors spoke especially about tained too much text and thus was the difficult economic conditions in not as much appreciated.) Appalachia, their years in the Muncie This project had two new elements. area, and the importance of family Part of the grant funding was used for and church in their lives. The film five Saturday afternoon family pro­ reached a wide audience thrnugh grams in the Muncie Children's showings on public television in east Museum, comprised of music per­ central Indiana. It may be borrowed formances and craft demonstrations. through the ICH Resource Center. Clog-dancing, fiddling, bluegrass play- 50 /Meyers Indiana Libraries

The parents of Claude Williams on their wedding day in Wilder, Tennessee, 1908. Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Meyers/ 51

Ming-Ming Kuo's grandparents in ancestor portraits for family worship, Shanghai, China, 1920 52 /Meyers Indiana Libraries "Here is not merely a nation but a ciding with the beginning of National teeming Nation of Nations," Whit­ Library Week. Chinese, German, man wrote, and as he called out to Greek, Jewish, Portuguese, and Swiss other lands and heard the sounds of contributors to the exhibit shared working people, he expressed for all their pride with friends, family and times a sense of the oneness of the even strangers. country. And if we begin with FDR's One contributor wrote "Your pro­ salute to the Daughters of the Amer­ ject provided the very first docu­ ican Revolution as his "fellow im­ mented source for my children and migrants," we can easily conclude that their children to trace their roots a a microcosm of the larger society can hundred years from now." Wide cov­ also be found in "Middletown." erage by the newspapers, public tel­ The idea of seeking this American evision and two radio stations brought portrait arose as the Library was com­ the meaning of the exhibit to an even pleting a two-year renovation of the wider audience. And, as in the earlier historic landmark Main Library, fund­ photo projects, the 50 pictures were ed originally by Andrew Carnegie. It later shown in public locations in the seemed natural to convey the remain­ community, and were eventually ing heritages through another ICH­ added to the Library's Picture Collec­ funded project, a photo exhibit and tion. The ICH grants enabled the cultural presentations entitled "From Library to develop an impressive file Distant Shores: The Heritage of of local family photographs, reflect­ Muncie's Families.'' ing diverse heritages, for future The call for photographs from the borrowers. community this time brought a re­ By combining the opening of the markable response in a very short exhibit, cultural presentations and time. From Armenian to Yugoslavian, commemoration of the building's re­ thirty families representing twenty novation, April 6, 1986 became a true heritages loaned the Library more melding of community in Muncie. than a hundred photos. With another Descendants of families who had Ball State historian's essay, we began farmed in the area in the nineteenth to see the Muncie images not only in century and others who left China in terms of the community's local his­ 1949, faculty from Ball State who tory of more than a century, but also came to enjoy cultural presentations, in the larger Whitman image of a persons whose families knew per­ land that has welcomed diverse peo­ secution in Europe, individuals with ples throughout its history. an interest in historic preservation, The portraits were grouped by and senior citizens who have made themes, with Whitman's poetry in­ good use of the building's new handi­ terspersed, on free-standing display capped-accessible entrance, were panels and were shown for the first present. We sensed the pride of the time at a community open house in contributors as they shared their the renovated Main Library. The families' pictures. event drew a wide cross-section of the "Sail, sail thy best, ship of Democracy, community to the building. Cultural Of value is thy freight, 'tis not the presenters (song, dance, classical Present only, guitar) shared with the audience of The Past is also stored in thee." 250 the richness of eight heritages. The Mayor proclaimed "Muncie Pub­ lic Library Heritage Day," coin- Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Miner, Robertson, Hersberger, Eisen/ 53

Looking Back: "My First Year as Director of a Public Library"

Fern Miner Julie Hersberger Director Director Lebanon Public Library Batesville Memorial Public Library

Linda Robertson David Eisen Director Director Wabash Public Library Mishawaka-Penn Public Library

Lebanon Public Library

The first thing a new director does It should be possible in a matter is to get acquainted with the staff, of weeks or months to implement one the board members, and the day-to­ or more of one's short term goals, and day workings of the library. Read the to lay the groundwork for the long Board minutes of meetings, records of term goals. A new director may dis­ transactions, and correspondence to cover some untapped talents of staff develop the history that one needs to members, and be able to make adjust­ go forward. In the get-acquainted ments in job descriptions to utilize period, it would be normal to "see these talents. things to change," but a wise director It is vitally important to commu­ will wait for the right timing to sug­ nicate with staff, board, and com­ gest changes. First impressions may unity. The adjustments are much not be the best ones, and caution is easier when each faction knows what advised for this reason. It is good if is happening. there are procedural manuals and policy manuals, but one may find that Now that I've completed my first routines and practice do not neces­ year, I can reflect on what the year sarily follow the procedures. Hold has been lilrn. The "surprises" were frequent staff meetings to get a feel the number of demands on my time. for problems as the staff sees them. I'm amazed at the number of sales calls that a director must handle! Getting to know the community is (How many light bulb salespeople can another first responsibility. There are there be?) Quick decision making is meetings one must attend. A director essential when you are the person has the institution to represent. The in charge. degree of involvement in community organizations may be dictated by In my building, the board treasurer one's personality, family commit­ takes care of the bookkeeping and ments, or the desires of the board. tells me what forms are needed for 54 /Miner, Robertson, Hersberger, Eisen Indiana Libraries budgeting. One day I discovered the had involved the staff in the building Manual of Budgeting and Financial planning, so that part of the job was Procedures in the file cabinet. If I pretty well set in concrete. The Board had found it sooner, I could have felt had made arrangements for the ar­ better informed. I think there are too chitects·to visit me at my old job to many forms to fill out. If the same review the drawings and malrn sugges- forms are asked for next year, I may tions for change. I arrived in Wabash be better prepared. I might have in mid-October and by the end of spent more time reading what is filed November we had sold bonds. in order to have anticipated some of I followed as director a well-re- the paperwork. spected woman from the community. Attending professional meetings She had been THE librarian for some is essential to new and former direc­ 45 years. She and four full-time staf­ tors. The exchange of ideas and the fers, a couple of people working on opportunities for information are the bookmobile, and two high school invaluable. My colleagues do not pages had things under control. want failures from other directors. I The fact remained that when I still need to learn to delegate more drove to Wabash for my job interview, duties, although I am proud that I I stopped at a service station to ask am in touch with each of the staff directions to the library (an institu­ member's duties. This is easier in a tion housed in the exact same location small library setting. Being the direc­ since 1901) and was to~d by the at­ tor of a small library allows me many tendant that he didn't know where opportunities to be a librarian, and the public library was! This, in a yet there are rewards in being the town of 13,000! manager too! A poor time-manager doesn't have a chance! So, one of my first jobs as library director would be that of promotion and image. Fortunately, one of my Fern Miner Board members was a retired city editor from the local newspaper and our media relations became excellent. My own journalism minor from Ball State stood me in good stead in those early days, and continues to do so. My arrival as the "new kid" on the Wabash Public Library library block, coming in to replace a much-beloved older woman, was not As a brand new library director in an easy obstacle to overcome with the 1970, I had little choice in determin­ existing staff (one of whom had been ing my first priorities. Plans had al­ in place 38 years, two for 15 years). ready been drawn for a library addi­ Yet another staff person, a recent di­ tion and remodeling project. The vorcee, supervised her daughter, a high bookkeeper and I spent a good part school page, and all the custodial of those important fast weeks putting work was done in two hours a day by the finishing touches to a bond issue another high school student. Truly, I transcript. was like a new in-law thrust into the

I was blessed seven times, however1 midst of a wgJJ g§tE!bli§bgd and clos&= wi-tB. ~fi 6utstand1ng group of people knit family unit. on the Library Board of Trustees. They had done their homework and Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Miner, Robertson, Hersberger, Eisen/ 55 The first day on the job I'm sure I tentions out to the leaders and busi­ passed in a daze. I remember dressing ness people in the community. In in my middle-of-the-road outfit, being addition, I worked the circulation/ photographed and interviewed by the reference desk whenever I could to local press, and, surely, I tried to get let people see me. acquainted with the staff. It didn't I tried to set a good example by be­ appear that the library was overly ing friendly but firm, by being organ­ busy, so I remember reading the titles ized (I'm a great list maker), and by of the books on shelves in my office working with the Board to establish (the banned books, so to speak) and where they wanted me to go (com­ going through files and wondering munity involvement was high on their what in the world I had gotten myself priority list and, being single, was into! fairly easy for me to accomplish in I soon learned there were no writ­ a community that seemed starved for ten policies (personnel or operating); new blood). there was no materials selection state­ It would be several years before we ment; the budget was barely adequate would accomplish a completed build­ to keep the doors open; and the li­ ing, an enlarged and more professional brary was so crowded that staff and staff, written policies and job descrip­ patrons pretty much operated out of tions, a vastly increased budget, ex­ each other's pockets. panded services and collections, auto­ The collection had not been weed­ mation, and a firm and important ed for years; there was no AV place in the community (at the same equipment; one story hour a week location but with better identity). We constituted the public programming; cll"e no longer timid nor smug about and the basement filled with water at the status quo. All of this did not the first hint of rain. The need for ex­ happen the first day on the job, or the panded facilities was never in question first week, or the first year. -a fact the public evidently rec­ ognized as there was no remonstrance Today, with 16 years of experi­ to a 20-year bond issue. ence, I can see things I would have done differently, but the result of I learned in the first week, if not some of the early fumbling for priori­ the first day, that my previously shy ties allowed me to see the full range of demeanor had to be abandoned. A inherited problems very quickly and new library director finds gumption gave me better perspective on what fast! I made mistakes. I probably did had to be dealt with now and what not cultivate the Board enough (I could wait. It takes a long time to wanted them to recognize how effect change and charging into a new self-sufficient I was. situation with missionary zeal oozing from every pore could be disasterous But I did things right, too. Almost to a new director, experienced or not. immediately I joined Business and Professional Women, the local histor­ Linda Robertson ical society, and a well-established book review club. I used the local newspaper for any and all excuses for good publicity (the fact that we were under construction helped). I started a fund raising campaign to beef up the gift fund and to get my name and in- 56 /Miner, Robertson, Hersberger, Eisen Indiana Libraries Batesville Memorial Public Library one feel they know you well. It is a little harder to remember everyone The following recommendations are you meet, but make a special effort to based on personal experiences not remei:nber people's names and faces. only as a new library director, but also as having been a staff member Meeting people is the prime func­ working for a new library director as tion of a first year manager. Even if a high school page. All of my work you are the world's worst manager, has been done primarily in very small they will forgive your many faults if public libraries, serving populations they like you. If you are disliked by under 5,000. people in a small community, no matter how terrific you are at your For four years I was employed as a library job, they will not respect your high school page at the Cambridge efforts. City Public Library. For the past eight years I have been Be very careful about changes. If the director of the Batesville Memorial you feel something must be different, Public Library, which was my first especially changes in library proce­ management position. dures, ask the advice of the staff per­ son who has been working at the li­ The first year in a very small com­ brary the longest. Try to point out munity is very different from working the logic in the change and be sure to in a large institution. Having grown explain 'why' the change should be up in and worked in a small town li­ made. brary proved to be an immense help. When working in a small community, Some examples. When I was in it is important to remember that your high school, our new library director job is but a small part of small town decided there was more room for life. What you do outside the li- non-fiction books while most people brary will be just as important as what read fiction. She had us switch the you accomplish in the library. books. The caused chaos as the Probably the most important effort books had basically been in the same to attempt is to get to know as many order for over 30 years. The result people as soon as you can. Your staff was that the patrons could not find will be the first group of people you the books as they used to, and it was must impress. This should not be difficult for the staff to shelve books done by arriving to show the people as they did when they had the what "real library service is." This shelves memorized. The director did kind of attitude is not going to be well not stay long and as soon as she left, received. A low key approach to we replaced the books in their original learning about your new community shelves before the new director was will work best. Major tip: DO NOT hired. I learned an important lesson. BEGIN EVERY SENTENCE WITH In Batesville, patrons have not been 'WELL IN MY LAST LIBRARY THIS re-registered in over 35 years. Still, IS HOW WE DID THIS.' A supe­ after nearly eight years here, I will not riority complex does little to win be the "new" director that came to friends and influence people. town and took everyone's library I was rather lucky in Batesville. My number away from them. I realize first day on the job I was interviewed the goal of having an accurate number by the local paper and was the next of library users is not worth the an­ week's cover girl, my life history in tagonism of the public over such a print for all to see. This makes every- major change. If we ever go to a Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Miner, Robertson, Hersberger, Eisen/ 57 computerized circulation system, 4. Try to figure out exactly what then we could justify such a change. it is a director directs. They do not As far as other accomplishments teach this very well at library go, I strongly feel the first year should school. However, after a few be devoted to the people. Goals months, you will have more than should not be set until you know your enough to keep you busy. Enjoy library users. I personally did not get those first couple of weeks when involved with state library organiza­ you sit at your clean desk, thinking tions and committees until I knew my of things to make you look busy library was receiving my best ability and competent. to provide them with the service they 5. Have fun. Be innovative with­ wanted and needed. After that was in reason. Get a dog for your li­ established I became active in ILA and brary. We did. (Not in the first other professional obligations. year, though!) Working with chil­ dren's programming is always well As is probably evident, I am very thought of. Also, if the school per­ much "people" oriented rather than mits, make visits to the local el­ "goal" oriented, but in a small com­ ementary classrooms. Take the dog munity library they really cannot be if you have one. separated. You are providing library services for the community, not for Finally, remember you will al­ your own ego. By getting to know ways represent the library no matter the community, you will be able to how long you live in the town or how ascertain what they want and need. many other activities you engage in. In most small towns, they will be It is a label, "THE LIBRARIAN". In MORE than happy to tell you what a small town, expect rumors. I was they want from you. a pregnant, unwed mother the second Here are some specific suggestions: month I was in town. This vicious rumor came from a neighboring town. 1. Introduce yourself to the I laughed, but did inform my board, newspaper editor and the local and especially my boyfriend, that radio station manager if there is one the rumor existed, but was definitely in your town. Flood them with untrue. news releases, at least one a week. 2. Do not jump right into ac­ Small town libraries are great. You tivities and organizations. Give get to be everything from the director them the excuse that you need to to the maintenance person for toilet see how much time your job sanitation and air conditioning expert. requires. This helps avoid any time It's not for everyone, but it is for me. crush as well as helping you see how the community sets up polit­ ically. Julie Hersberger 3. Do, however, accept the chance to speak about the library at every opportunity to groups and organ­ izations. I found it extremely interesting that within the first two months I was in Batesville, I was asked to speak to almost every or­ ganization about a library I knew nothing about. The main purpose was to get to know people and for them to look over the new director. 58 /Miner, Robertson, Hersberger, Eisen Indiana Libraries Mishawaka-Penn Public Library The new director needs to spend time assessing his staff, both as in­ Although one would not real- dividuals and as professionals. Person­ istically expect any new library dir­ nel may easily prove to be the new ector to begin work by singing the ly­ director's biggest headache. Are the rics to "Getting to know you" from staff members truly an asset to the the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical library? Are they being used pro­ The King and I, the sentiment is perly, or are their skills being left un­ accurate. No matter whether this is tapped? Could some judicious trans­ the director's first job in his first fers improve morale or performance? library, or the director's first year in Since good staff members are essential his tenth library, the first year on the to a successful library program, any job is always one of assessment and director must make certain that the learning. The actions and directions staff on hand is used as wisely as the director will take in subsequent possible. years stem from what is learned about the library, the staff, the The new director must also begin collections, and the community. immediately to advertise his pre­ Typically after the selection process sence in the community. Attending is completed and a new director public functions, visiting shopping named, the Library Board begins send­ centers, and seeking out media ap­ ing information about the library to pearances all help to remind the pub­ the new director. Even before arriving lic that librarians are not only ap­ on the job, the education begins. proachable but human as well. Ac­ Now one finds out whether the Board tively seeking speaking engagements was completely accurate in describing or even joining a local service club the library and the community during bring valuable attention to the library the interview process. · Now one finds and library programs. The inevitable out on paper just what the library's comments and conversations that real state of affairs might be. spring from such activity help the new director to discover just how his con­ Once on the job, the director stituency feel about the library and faces an even less enviable task. Be­ what new services or materials might sides being compelled to "direct" be needed. immediately, the new director must Obviously all this is an ongoing also absorb and assess as quickly as process, but it must begin immedi­ possible just what the library is like. ately. Sitting behind a desk provides What is the physical condition of the a certain amount of security and sta­ library? What are the staff members bility in a new position, but few like? What are their levels of com­ people ever see a director tucked away petence? Are their job descriptions in a secluded office. Getting out of accurate? What are the library's per­ the office and out of the library are sonnel and collection policies like? equally as important as desk time. Are they realistic? Are they being Watching and participating in library used? What are the collections like? operations on all levels provide data What services are being offered? What and experience for any future re­ is the library's financial position? commendations for change. And last, but certainly not least, how are the Board members to w..ork All new directors come to thej iob with? Are they the Board they with some preconceived ideas about claimed to be du.ring the interview how "their" library should be run. process? Only the wiser directors take the time Volume 6, Number 2 (1986) Miner, Robertson, Hersberger, Eisen/ 59 to study the library thoroughly before instituting those changes which will truly benefit the community, the li­ brary, and the staff. Staff and pat­ rons typically resent changes immedi­ ately forced upon them by the "new guy," no matter how desperately the changes may be needed. Changes should be made only after allowing time for honest study and for in­ volving the staff and Board in the planning and implementing process. Changes endorsed by the staff and Board are enthusiastic changes, easily defended against criticism, and often seen as "our" changes. The director's first year is not going to be an easy year. It involves too much giving, too much concentration, too much learning to be much fun. Inherited troublesome situations need immediate resolution. Daily, weekly, monthly, and advance planning must be carried on as usual. The new dir­ rector can make that first year much ~~~byreal~ingfu~dclili~~cly following a policy or study and famil­ iarization will yield future years of informed, realistic decisions and actions. Getting to know is perhaps not the most flamboyant or headline­ producing policy, but it is the best long-term policy.

David Eisen 60 Indiana Libraries

CALL FOR PAPERS

Practitioners, educators, and researchers are invited to submit manuscripts for publication in the Indiana Library Association sponsored journal INDIANA LIBRARIES.

If you have an idea for a paper or you want to discuss a possible topic, contact Daniel Callison, School of Library and Information Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 4 7 405; or call (812) 335-5113, or 335-2018.

Most manuscripts need not exceed ten double-spaced, typed pages, although longer manuscripts are welcome. Manuscripts may concern a current practice, policy or general aspect of the operation of a library system in Indiana. Editorials or opinion papers are also welcome, and should not exceed five, double-spaced, typed pages.

Specifically, ideas and manuscripts associated with the following topics are welcome, although any aspect of library practice in Indiana will be considered.

CENTRAL TOPICS FOR 1988-1989

PUBLIC RELATIONS. Examples of strong public relations efforts which have increased or changed public services of the library should be covered. Examples of flyers, news articles, or special campaigns to win over public opinion can be included.

COOPERATION BETWEEN SCHOOL AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES. Programs and services which have been developed in a joint effort to serve young adults should be the focus.

EVOLUTION OF THE SMALL, RURAL PUBLIC LIBRARY. How have the rural libraries of Indiana changed over the past three decades?

SERVICE TO THE HANDICAPPED. What are the special collections in the state? What special service does your library offer? What are the special funding outlets all .libraries should be aware of and attempt to use?

WRITING THE ANNUAL REPORT. Examples of unique reports to super­ visors, governing boards, or organizations should be given. What message do you need to convey, and how do you do it?

WEEDING THE COLLECTION. What are the policies and procedures for evaluation of the collection and determining those titles which must be re­ moved? What happens to those titles after they leave your collection? NEEDS IN LIBRARY EDUCATION. What are the areas of library education which the library schools and/or continuing education fail to address? What programs need to be dev~loped for education of professionals in library management?

)l0NPRINT CORE COLLECTIONS. What are the basic nonprint needs of the public and academic library? What nonprint services can the school iibrarif's provide to the community? What sources are best for the current ideo and audio compact disc revolution?

CIRn LATION WITH THE COMPUTER. What has been your experience \" ith the use of a computerized circulation system? Have the records you keep and the collection developmPnt questions you ask changed since the system was placed into operation?

BIBLIOGRAPHIC INSTRUCTION. What are the new demands on biblio­ graphic instruction in collPges now that students have access to online search­ ing, CD ROM databases, and inter-library loan? Can public libraries offer bihliographic instruction as a public service? How can school libraries support critical thinking skills through a bibliographic instructional curriculum?

Preparation: All manuscripts must be double-spaced throughout with good margins. Writers are encouraged to use the format described in Kate L. Turabian 's A Manual for Writers ol Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations, 4th ed., with footnotes at the end of the manuscript. They may, however, use another style manual with which they are familiar. Writers should be identified by a cover sheet with author's name, position and address. Identifying information should not appear on the manuscript.

Photographs or graphics are welcome and should accompany manu· script if applicable. Contributions of major importance should be 10-15 pages double spaced. Rebuttals, whimsical pieces, and short essays should be 2-7 pages double spaced.

Processing: Manuscripts will be acknowledged upon receipt, and a decision concerning use will be made twenty days after the issue manuscript deadline. The editor reserves the right to revise all accepted manuscripts for clarity and style. Upon publication, the author will receive two complimentary copies. . \ ~ ·.... . INDIANA LIBRARIES ·: No;n;.Profit Org. · · Indiana Library Association U. s. Postage i · : ·~l - . PAID 310 North Alabama Street, Suite A Indianapolis, IN Indianapolis, IN 46204 Permit No. 5611