The University of Kentucky Libraries community is saddened by the recent passing of former director and longtime friend, Paul A. Willis.
A 1963 graduate of UK, Willis began his service at UK Libraries in 1966 as a Circulation Librarian at the Law Library before becoming the University Law Librarian. He then served as Director of Libraries from 1973 to 2002.
As director, Willis led the institution through the transition to an online catalog; created the Information Alliance consortium with Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; and initiated the first development program for the Libraries, securing both important in-kind gifts and monetary support. Through this program, one of UK's first Rhodes Scholars, W. Hugh Peal, donated his collection of rare books and manuscripts in 1981. Valued at $20 million dollars, Peal also provided an endowment to ensure the growth and development of the collection. Today, the Peal Collection is one of the world’s largest holdings of 18th and 19th century English literature, consisting of more than 2,000 books and 7,000 manuscripts.
One of Willis’ signature accomplishments during his tenure was planning the construction of the William T. Young Library. Realizing that the information and learning needs of UK students could only be met by constructing a new central library, Willis worked tirelessly with President Charles T. Wethington Jr. and others to garner funds for a new facility. Completed in 1998, the new space was named after local businessman and philanthropist William T. Young, who not only contributed to the building campaign but whose family was also instrumental in developing one of the largest collections endowments of any public research library in the United States. For over 25 years now, Young Library has been a center for both social and academic life for thousands of UK students.
Willis went on to serve as Dean of Libraries at the University of South Carolina from 2002–2007. In total, he served for 41 years as a director of libraries throughout the Southeast. He was also active in the larger professional community in a number ways, participating as a member of ASERL (Association of Southeastern Research Libraries), SOLINET, and the Association of Research Libraries, for which he served on the Board of Directors for three years.
Paul Willis will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. We are grateful that his legacy at the University of Kentucky Libraries lives on.
