Blake Wilson Appointed Director of KU Law’s Wheat Law Library: Enhancing Legal Research and Digital Resources
Understanding the Role of the Wheat Law Library at the University of Kansas
The Wheat Law Library at the University of Kansas serves as a cornerstone for legal research, education, and resource support within the KU School of Law. Housing nearly 400,000 volumes, including microforms and over 4,000 legal journals, the library is essential for students, faculty, and legal professionals seeking comprehensive legal information. Its mission emphasizes providing exceptional research support, fostering legal scholarship, and developing innovative digital collections to meet the evolving needs of the legal community.
In an era where technology increasingly shapes legal education and practice, libraries like Wheat Law are pivotal in equipping users with the necessary tools and resources. The recent appointment of Blake Wilson as the library’s director marks a significant step toward strengthening these core services while embracing digital transformation.
Blake Wilson’s Experience and Vision for the Wheat Law Library
Blake Wilson has dedicated nearly two decades of his career to KU Law and the Wheat Law Library, holding various roles from instructional librarian to assistant director. His extensive experience across technical services, reference, circulation, and information technology uniquely positions him to lead the library into its next chapter.
Wilson’s appointment, effective May 25, 2025, builds on his deep understanding of the library’s operations and its strategic importance to the university’s legal education. Dean Stephen Mazza highlighted Wilson’s long-standing commitment, stating, “His long history with the Wheat Law Library puts the institution in a great position moving forward.”
Strategic Goals for Modernizing Legal Resources and Services
Enhancing Digital Collections and Accessibility
One of Blake Wilson’s primary objectives is to expand the library’s digital collections. As legal research increasingly shifts to online platforms, ensuring seamless access to digital resources is critical. This includes investments in electronic legal research databases, e-books, and open-access repositories. Improved digital access not only benefits current students and faculty but also ensures that the library remains relevant and competitive in the digital age.
Supporting Legal Research Instruction and Collaboration
Wilson envisions strengthening the library’s role as an educational hub by offering targeted instruction on legal research and information literacy. Collaborating with faculty to integrate library resources into coursework can greatly enhance student learning outcomes. Additionally, fostering stronger relationships with faculty research projects and legal scholars will position the Wheat Law Library as a vital partner in innovative legal scholarship.
Fostering Inclusive and Scalable Services
Ensuring that services are accessible and inclusive remains a priority. By hiring specialized staff, such as a new electronic services and emerging technologies librarian, the library aims to support scholarly projects that involve digital scholarship and legal research innovation. Outreach efforts will also aim to engage diverse student and faculty groups, making the library a welcoming, resource-rich environment for all users.
Building on the Wheat Law Library’s Rich Resources
The library’s resources, including extensive print collections and advanced digital legal research tools, form an invaluable base for legal education. Wilson’s leadership will focus on leveraging these assets by developing new digital initiatives and enhancing existing services.
Part of this strategy involves increasing engagement with faculty research to facilitate publication support, data management, and digital scholarship projects. For students, the library will continue to evolve its instructional offerings, emphasizing skills necessary for modern legal practice, such as technological proficiency and critical legal analysis.
Community and Collaboration: Strengthening Ties at KU Law
Wilson emphasizes building stronger community ties within KU Law, including collaborations with student organizations and faculty. Such relationships enable more tailored services and foster an environment where legal research and innovation are central to academic success.
In addition, Wilson plans to expand partnerships with KU Libraries and other academic institutions to share resources, expertise, and technological innovations. These collaborations can accelerate the development of innovative legal research tools and expand access to legal information resources.
Future Outlook for the Wheat Law Library
Wilson’s vision positions the Wheat Law Library not just as a repository of legal texts but as a leading facilitator of digital scholarship and legal research innovation. Addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing legal landscape requires ongoing adaptation, agility, and technological integration—elements Wilson is committed to fostering.
By prioritizing digital access, inclusive services, and collaborative partnerships, the Wheat Law Library will continue to support the KU Law community’s educational and research goals efficiently and effectively.
How to Engage with the Wheat Law Library
Whether you are a current student, faculty member, or legal professional, staying engaged with the library’s evolving services can enhance your legal research capabilities. Utilize the library’s digital collections, participate in research instruction sessions, and collaborate with library staff to maximize the resources available.
If you’re interested in exploring legal research opportunities, or if your institution aims to develop similar digital and research services, consider reaching out to the Wheat Law Library or visiting the [KU School of Law](https://law.ku.edu) for further information.
Take the Next Step in Legal Research Resources
To ensure you have access to the most comprehensive and up-to-date legal research support, learn more about the resources at the Wheat Law Library and KU Law. Staying informed about new services, digital tools, and research initiatives can significantly benefit your legal education and practice.
Explore KU Law programs and resources today to see how the Wheat Law Library can support your legal career and research needs. Whether you are seeking advanced digital legal resources or in-depth research guidance, the library is committed to empowering its community.
