His attention to detail and dedication have won Walter Kempf, Library Services Assistant at Polk Library, the March Star Award.

His face has become familiar to many since he began working at Polk in 1968.

“I can recall seeing Walter filing cards in the card catalog, which was located in the reference room, when I was a student here three decades ago,” said Michael Watkins, Academic Librarian at Polk Library.

Kempf has worked with the library acquisitions budget, payment of invoices, Wisconsin documents and library serials.

Last summer, when part of the third floor of Polk that houses the University Archives and Government Documents divisions was remodeled, more than 250,000 volumes required re-shelving.

Kempf volunteered by assisting every day during the eight-week process to complete the project.

“Walter’s work on the reshelving project was an inspiration to other library staff and a testament to his perseverance, tenacity and skill with attention to detail,” Watkins said. “He is deserving of the special honor accorded through the Star Award.”