{"value"=>"<p>After James Lenox, the first Librarian of the Lenox Library was S. Austin Alibone, who held that position from 1879-1888. From 1888 until his death in 1892, Superintendent G. H. Moore was also the defacto librarian, overseeing both administration and acquisitions. Wilberforce Eames, originally hired as an assistant by Moore in 1885, was named assistant Librarian in 1892 and Librarian in 1893.</p> <p>Allibone's duties were largely bibliographical; he worked on four of the seven volumes of the of the <span class=\"title\">Contributions to a Catalogue of the Lenox Library</span>. Eames' responsibilities, however, were more varied and ranging -- assuming both Allibone's bibliographical research and Moore's administrative duties. Eames examined and selected new material, supervised the Lenox staff, and coordinated cataloging and reference services.</p> <p>In 1895, after the consolidation that formed the New York Public Library, Eames assumed responsibility for the administration of the Lenox building, reporting directly to NYPL Director John Shaw Billings. The title and position of Librarian of the Lenox Library persisted 16 years after the formation of the NYPL, up until the holdings of the Lenox Library were fully integrated with those from the Astor Library. This occurred in 1911, with the opening of the 42nd Street building; in that year Eames became first Chief of the American History Division, which housed the rare book, manuscripts, and map collections.</p> <p>The material in this series spans the years 1879 to 1915 with the bulk of it falling into the period of Eames' term as Librarian, 1893-1915. It consists of correspondence, letterbooks, monthly reports, manuscript and printed catalogues, address books, memos and scrapbooks. The bulk of this collection has been arranged by incumbent. Also included is a subgroup of General Library Records.</p> <p>Of Allibone's records (Subseries A) little has survived. Eames' records have been arranged into seven subseries: B. Correspondence, C. Letterbooks, D. Reports, E. Lenox Library Holdings, F. Lenox Library Staff and Building, G. Scrapbooks and H. Catalogs. Eames' correspondence, arranged chronologically, has been divided into internal and external correspondence, reflecting its original order. Correspondents include J.S. Billings, and J.S. Kennedy. Within the subseries Lenox Library Holdings is material relating to the purchase of the libraries of George Bancroft, Charles Kalbfleisch and the Stuart collection of paintings and art works. This subseries also contains a bibliography of Lenox holdings on Venezuela and British Guyana, 1500-1799; along with correspondence relating to their border dispute, ca. 1903-1905.</p>"}