Spoilsmen and Daughters of the Republic: Political Interference in the Texas State Library during the Tenure of Elizabeth Howard West, 1911-1925
| Reference Type | Journal Article |
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| Year of Publication |
2010
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| Journal |
Libraries & the Cultural Record
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| Volume |
45
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| Issue |
4
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| Pagination |
383-413
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| Language | |
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| Abstract |
Elizabeth Howard West, the first female head of a public agency in Texas, served as state archivist from 1911 to 1915 and as state librarian from 1918 to 1925. West instituted three new initiatives at the Texas State Library: the county library movement, service to the blind, and service to African-Americans. West met the challenges of her position with great professionalism, integrity, and dedication. Although she succeeded in revising the law governing the state library, her work was hindered continually by political interference from the governor's office and from the Texas legislature. This interference ultimately precipitated her resignation.
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