Ernestine H. Stevens
American librarian
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ernestine Hebert Stevens (October 25, 1830 – February 5, 1917) was a librarian and director of the United States National Agricultural Library from 1877 through 1893, the organization's first female head librarian.[1] During her tenure the total number of volumes went from 7,000 to 20,000 items and the general expenses rose from $1000 to $3000.[2] Stevens organized the printed materials and replaces copious museum objects with library publications.[2] During this time the Commissioner of Agriculture, Norman Colman, stressed that the department was in need of a well-managed and well-organized library.[2] The library developed a card catalog system under her tenure.[2]
Ernestine H. Stevens | |
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| Born | October 25, 1830 |
| Died | February 5, 1917 (aged 86) |
| Occupation | Librarian |
| Known for | Director of the United States National Agricultural Library |
Under Department Of Agriculture Secretary J. Sterling Morton, many women who worked in the department were demoted and their salaries reduced.[3] Morton asked Stevens to resign, and replaced her with William Parker Cutter on August 27, 1893.[4] She was retained as a clerk at a 30% pay cut.[3] Cutter continued to professionalize the library.[5]
Early life
Stevens was born Ernestine Hebert in 1829 in Iberville, Louisiana to Valery Amant Hebert and Marie-Clarisse Bouche Hebert, and had a French Huguenot background.[1] She was fluent in both French and Spanish.[1] She was married to General Walter Husted Stevens, a West Point officer, on July 3, 1850, and traveled with him extensively.[1] The couple had six children, two of whom lived to adulthood.[6] General Stevens died of while in Mexico, on November 12, 1867 leaving her with two children, Gustave and Ernestine, to support.[1][6] She settled in Baltimore, Maryland, initially running a small school, teaching students in French and English.[7] She was initially given a job in the patent office doing scientific translation but resigned when denied a permanent job which went to one of her boss's associates.[1] She was rehired at the agricultural department as assistant librarian and was promoted to director when her boss retired on November 1, 1877.[1][4]