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William Archer (6 May 1830 (1827?) – 14 August 1897) was an Irish naturalist and microscopist especially interested in Protozoa and Desmids.

Legacy
Archers legacy is defined by his first post as NLI director. Unfortunately, as stated in the dictionary of Irish biography, he became estranged from his family and appeared to leave a legacy of scientific evaluation, founding the Dublin Microscopical club which has led his legacy to this day. He appears to have been a more solitary man with lack of interest in legacy from a familial standpoint as he stayed mostly to himself. Naturally, as the National library of Ireland was forming, it was the RDS library and he was tasked with becoming the first director of the national library which came with the tasks of overseeing the new changes made by the state, adding to his legacy of what we see refelected within the library today, which include, clean, automated and well catalouged articles. Thomas Deane used many of Archers ideas on the reformation of the new building. The Dewey decimal system was uptaken by William Archer and it transformed the classification and catalouging process for good and helped users efficently find data and books. Through his process, the catlouging system was less convoluted and became a cohesive system with him at the helm. He was a resrved man by most accounts, preferring to opt for his own time and management of the library, but through his adoption of the Dewey decimal system, the reflection of his legacy is clear, especially with his pamphlet " Suggestions as to public library buildings . . . with especial reference to the National Library of Ireland (Dublin, 1881)". 



"Archer, W.Suggestions as to public library buildings: their internal plan and construction, best adapted to effect economy of space (and, hence, saving of cost), and at same time most conducive to public, as well as administrative, convenience, with more especial reference to the National Library of Ireland (Dublin, 1881)"

This pamphlet was conducive to his legacy as well as his love of biology. Archer declined professorships and the like, opting for a quiet life, but people wanted to add to his legacy so they nominated him for membership to the Royal irish academy without his knowledge which adds to his lineage. Even though he retired in poor health and quite unwell, this did not define him as he contributed massively to the National library and its way of working. He passed away with an impressive and varied legacy that is still reflected in the National library of Irelands physical state as well as its inner workings.