In 1827 Joseph Planta, the principal librarian, died, and Ellis, who had for nine years taken on much of his duties, expected to succeed him.

They devolved the heaviest of the principal librarian's duties on the secretary, who became the most important officer in the museum.

In 1891 he returned to Stockholm and was appointed principal librarian (överbibliotekarie) of the Royal Library.

Owen had an international reputation and close connections with political figures, but even he was subordinate to the principal librarian.

In 1873, he was appointed principal librarian of the British Museum.

Gowin Knight, the first principal librarian of the British Museum was born here in 1856.

He also served as the first principal librarian of the British Museum.

In 1756, Gowin Knight received an appointment as the first principal librarian of the British Museum.

This principal librarian may then work with one or more assistant librarians and can delegate tasks.

In 1763 he became principal librarian, a post which he appears to have held till his death in 1791.