ANN ARBOR—From his early career as a dealer of rare books to his current role as curator, scholar and administrator, J. Kevin Graffagnino has had his eye on the William L. Clements Library at the University of Michigan.

Now he’ll get an up-close look at the inner workings and play a vital role in shaping the 21st-century direction of the library with a preeminent collection of primary source materials from the early days of the American republic.

Pending formal approval by the U-M Board of Regents in September, Graffagnino will begin his new post as library director on Nov. 17.

“We are extremely pleased that Kevin Graffagnino will assume the leadership of the Clements Library,” said U-M President Mary Sue Coleman. “His vision for the library will lead us to improve ties to the university community, attract fundraising and elevate public awareness of the library as a treasure in the world of special collections.”

Graffagnino will arrive at U-M from his current post as executive director of the Vermont Historical Society, which he has held since 2003. He oversees the library, archives, museum, publications, education and outreach at the historical society. Under his leadership, the society received a national medal for public service from the Institute for Museum and Library Services.

“What William Clements created in the 1920s and what the staff and University of Michigan have accomplished with the library since then have made it a remarkably important depository of American history,” he said. “I’m eager to work with the curators and administrators at the University of Michigan to maximize the library’s potential. It’s a professional dream come true.”

From 1999-2003, Graffagnino served as executive director for the Kentucky Historical Society. Prior to that, he was director of the library for the Historical Society of Wisconsin. He comes to U-M with a range of administrative experience, managing operating budgets of upward of $7 million and 92 full-time employees.

Throughout his career, Graffagnino has built a stellar reputation as a dynamic speaker, giving more than 600 public talks during the last two decades. He has authored/edited 16 books, including, “All the Good Books: Quotations for Bibliophiles,” published in 2006.

“Dr.Graffagnino will bring extensive experience as a curator, scholar, teacher, publisher and administrator. We look forward to many years of his leadership at the Clements.” said U-M Provost Teresa Sullivan.”

Graffagnino has written more than 60 articles and contributing chapters to books. His work has appeared in the American National Biography, Antiques, History News, Manuscripts, The William and Mary Quarterly.

In 1976, he received a Bachelor of History and English degree from the University of Vermont, and two years later earned a Master of History from U of V. In 1993, Graffagnino received a doctorate in history from the University of Massachusetts.

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