List of University Librarians at the University of Cambridge

This is a list of University Librarians of Cambridge University Library at the University of Cambridge.

Contents

• Chaplain Librarians 1577
• University Librarian Bibliothecarius 1828
• Principal Librarian Protobibliothecarius 1721 1828
• University Librarian 1845 present
• References

The official office of Librarian of the University was not established until 1577, when William James was appointed Librarian. The first set of regulations “for the Office of keeping the Library” were then formed in 1582. Little is known of the administration before the late sixteenth century. Before 1577 the University Chaplain had overall responsibility of the Library amongst other duties. 16 potential Chaplain-Librarians have been identified.

In 1721 the post of Principal Librarian (Protobibliothecarius) was created for Conyers Middleton "as a mark of sympathy with him in his opposition to Richard Bentley". In 1828 this post was merged with that of Librarian (Bibliothecarius).