INFORMATION FOR
Richard Kearney joined the Library staff as its first Electronic Resources Librarian in January 2000, immediately following his graduation from the Rutgers University Master of Library Service program. For the next 25 years, his principal responsibility was in managing the transition of much of the Library's collection to online electronic format while ensuring access at all times both on and off campus.
Unlike many e-resource librarians, Richard worked in the public services unit of the library as a member of the Reference Department and was also responsible for providing reference and instruction service to students and faculty, something he credits as extremely valuable in informing his work with electronic resources because he always had direct access to user experiences with library databases.
During Richard's years with the Library virtually all of its print indexes were replaced with online versions, almost all periodical and journal subscriptions were migrated to online formats, over half the book collection moved to e-book format, a substantial part of the reference collection was migrated to online, the entire music CD collection was replaced with streaming audio, most video is now provided in streaming format, and a range of services are also provided online. While different management tools have been used over the years to track licensing, budgeting, vendor relations, and technical support, the Library now uses ExLibris' Alma, achieving full integration of e-resources management into its operations.
Richard earned a Master of Arts in History during his tenure candidacy and taught both undergraduate and graduate courses for the History Department for 20 years, including historical methods, digital history, and the modern world history survey, among other courses. He is currently enrolled in the Master of Archival Studies program at Clayton State University.
In addition to his work at the Library, Richard has held numerous service and leadership positions, including Chair of the VALE Electronic Resources Committee, President of the New Jersey Chapter of the ACRL, Co-Chair of the annual VALE Users Conference, Faculty Senate Parliamentarian and Senator, and Chair of the Senate's Academic Standards Council. He has also served for many years as an external reviewer for New Jersey's County History Partnership Program for both Morris and Passaic Counties. In 2016, Richard also received the Distinguished Service award from the New Jersey Academic Librarians Section of NJLA, and the Faculty Service Award at the WPUNJ 2022 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.
Following almost 26 years at William Paterson, Richard Kearney retired on September 1, 2025. He plans to remain active in the library profession, working part-time and volunteering with the Bergen County Historical Society’s Library and Archives.
