Page:The museum, (Jackson, Marget Talbot, 1917).djvu/229

Rh assistant who could take his place either in the museum or out of it when he is away. It is frequently necessary for him to take trips to New York or Europe, and there should be some responsible person to take his place. There should be no jealousy between these two people, for their fields are perfectly harmonious and in no way interfere. It is impossible for any one person to make as many friends for the museum as any two people can make. There should always be a second in command to relieve the burdens of the director and leave him free for the important task of spreading the influence of the museum, of arranging for purchases and loans, and for scientific work in connection with museum publications, including catalogues, which require his constant attention.

Another important matter is to provide the director with expert assistance in financial affairs. A trained accountant is of inestimable help. If he is a man of intelligence he may be purchasing agent as well as bursar and attend to securing bids on stenographer's and janitor's supplies and cases, with the proviso, of course, that the final decision in regard to expenditure rests with the director and executive committee. In addition to these duties he will receive all bills, check up the items, find out if goods have been received in