Angus McGill Mowat
Angus McGill Mowat, B.A., M.A., (November 19, 1892 – September 21, 1977) was a Canadian librarian who initiated and contributed to the continuing improvement of the library systems in Saskatoon and Ontario, from the 1920s through to the 1960s.
Angus McGill Mowat B.A., M.A. | |
|---|---|
Mowat c. 1930 | |
| Born | Angus McGill Mowat November 19, 1892 Trenton, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | September 21, 1977 (aged 84) Northport, Ontario, Canada |
| Resting place | Northport, Ontario |
| Occupation | Author, soldier, librarian |
| Language | English |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Education | English literature |
| Alma mater | Queen's University, University of Saskatchewan |
| Genre | Novel |
| Spouse | Helen (Thomson) Mowat |
| Partner | Barbara Hutchinson |
| Children | Farley Mowat, John Mowat, Rosemary Mowat |
| Relatives | John Mowat, John Bower Mowat, Farley Mowat, Claire Mowat, John McDonald Mowat, Sir Oliver Mowat |
| Military career | |
| Nickname(s) | Squib |
| Allegiance | Canada |
| Service/ | Canadian Army |
| Years of service | 1914–1917 (wounded), 1940–1944 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I : Vimy Ridge, World War II |
| Awards |
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| Relations | John McDonald Mowat, Farley Mowat |
During his post World War I career he held a number of positions as chief librarian at Trenton, Belleville, Windsor, and Saskatoon, before being appointed in 1937 as Chief Librarian and Inspector of Public Libraries for the province of Ontario. He remained head of the provincial library office – a part of the Ministry of Education – until his retirement in 1960. He was a dynamic and positive force for library progress in Ontario, especially his advocacy for county and regional library service in rural and northern parts of the province.
Throughout his career he encouraged better quality collections for adults and children, professional staffing and library training, the necessity for improved finances, more efficient management by trustees and librarians, and upgraded or new buildings. He believed strongly that the 'personal touch' was essential for library service and that local effort, supplemented by provincial assistance, was the key ingredient in advancing local library development. His personal efforts to establish a public library at Moose Factory stimulated improvements for aboriginal library service on reservations throughout Canada.