[5] In 1907, she was appointed Clark's successor after leaving the library to take up the post of librarian at Smith College.

Initially, Barnett had been apprehensive to take the position as the success of female leaders in the USDA often struggled based depending upon the views of the current Secretary of Agriculture.

James "Tama Jim" Wilson, secretary at the time, asked her to accept the position and reassured Barnett that she had his support.

While there was no legislative directive to requiring cooperation between the USDA library and Land Grant Institutions, and other college libraries, Barnett nonetheless created opportunities for partnership, collaboration, and sharing.

[5] The Agricultural Library Section's proceedings and papers were published through the association's publication, while gatherings of the group would take place during ALA meetings.