Lenox Library. Librarian.

The first Librarian of the Lenox Library was S. Austin Allibone, who held that position from 1879 to 1888. In 1893 he was succeeded by Wilberforce Eames.

Hired as an assistant by Superintendent George Moore in 1885, Eames was appointed Assistant Librarian in 1892. Allibone's duties were largely bibliographical: he compiled four of the seven volumes of "Contributions to a Catalogue of the Lenox Library". Eames' responsibilities were more varied and wide-ranging. In addition to bibliographical research, Eames examined and selected new material, supervised the Lenox staff, and coordinated cataloging and reference services.

The title and position of the Librarian of the Lenox Library persisted 21 years after its consolidation to form The New York Public Library, up until the holdings of the Lenox Library were integrated with the Astor. This occurred in 1915, four years after the opening of the new Central Building at 42nd Street; in that year Eames became the first Chief of the American History Division.