Page:The library a magazine of bibliography and library literature, Volume 6.djvu/151

 Rh library do not all incline to the same study as himself, but expect a little attention to their needs and wants from the librarian. At the same time one can never know enough, and must be ever ready for fresh ideas, and prepared to learn as much as possible.

Women are employed in many of the great American libraries, and even hold the post of chief librarian in some of them. There, however, they are specially trained at the Library School, and are put on an equality with men, and so obtain the same advantages. Some go in for cataloguing as a speciality; this is suited to the quiet, shy women, who, though fully qualified for the work, prefer to do that part of it which may be accomplished away from public view. Others, who do not shine in cataloguing, are well fitted to meet and aid those who come to consult the books under their charge. Some combine both qualities, and are fitted to take control of a library. In England women are not yet admitted into the old and large reference libraries which are scattered over the country, nor into the libraries connected with our colleges, but they are gradually making their way as librarians in the public libraries which are springing up in many of our provincial towns. In this position they must have an all-round knowledge of library work, and be able to help the readers and borrowers in their search for works on special subjects, or even to direct the reading of those who are unable to make a wise choice for themselves.

Here I may just mention that women have acquired rather a bad reputation for being slow in coming to a decision, and when asked to give an opinion on a disputed point or to recommend the best book on a certain subject, they hesitate, are not quite sure, and so on. This is a fault to which many women are prone, and one which must be cured if they are to work on the same level as men. If a woman means to get on in library work, she must learn to be self-reliant, and to make up her mind at once when a decision is to be made. It must be owned, however, that this reproach is not so much deserved as it was some years ago. Girls are now taught on the same principles as boys in many cases, and instead of being made fine ladies are taught business habits from childhood, and left to use their own judgment in various matters. This sort of education is bearing fruit already, and the girls who have had this advantage are readier to compete for the same work as their brothers