Dr. George Billy

Dr. George Billy has been the Chief Librarian in charge of all library operations since 1984. Joining the Academy in 1977, he served as Readers Services Librarian and was in charge of public services prior to his promotion to the post of Chief Librarian. Dr. Billy earned a bachelors degree in History from Rutgers University in 1962; a masters in Library Science from Pratt Institute in 1968; a master’s in History from Adelphi University in 1973; and a doctorate in History from the City University of New York in 1982. For the Ph.D. his fields of concentration were Military History and Modern European History. He has also done graduate work at Johns Hopkins University.

Dr. Billy has been an adjunct Professor at the Palmer School of Library and Information Science at Long Island University since 1983, where he has taught courses in electronic information retrieval and government information. Prior to coming to Kings Point, Dr. Billy was an acquisitions and reference librarian at Queensborough Community College and a reference librarian at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library.

During his tenure as Chief Librarian, the Academy library has undergone significant changes. The introduction of an online catalog, accessible to all students and staff in their rooms, was a major step forward in library services. Similarly, development of a library web site with links to numerous electronic reference data bases has expanded greatly the array of information available to students, faculty and staff. Library staff members use the electronic links when they instruct students concerning information literacy and research methods. In addition, since 1984, the library has broadened its collection of electronic and hard copy information in the maritime field, intermodal transportation and logistics.

Dr. Billy’s publications include several editions of an annotated bibliography, the most recent edition entitled, Shipping, Sources of Information in Transportation. He has also written two books, Palmerston’s Foreign Policy: 1848 and Merchant Mariners at War: An Oral History of World War II. In addition, he has written articles related to the Academy library. He has been active in local library organizations, including the Long Island Council of Academic Library Directors and has served as Convener of that group.

George J. Billy is married to Valerie J. Billy, who is also a library director. They are the parents of two children, Margaret and Christine.