Joseph Winberry

Joseph Winberry serves as an assistant professor at the School of Information and Library Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His academic pursuits are deeply rooted in exploring critical library practices and their societal impacts, with a particular focus on the challenges and opportunities presented by societal aging. Winberry's career path has been enriched by his experiences working with non-profit organizations, notably the American Red Cross and the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee's Office on Aging. These roles have provided him with a practical understanding of community needs and the importance of effective information dissemination. Winberry's scholarly work has garnered significant recognition, including the Chancellor’s LGBTQ+ Student Leadership Award from the University of Tennessee in 2023. This accolade highlights his commitment to fostering inclusive environments and advocating for underrepresented communities. Additionally, his contributions to the field of social informatics were acknowledged with the Emerging Social Informatics Researcher Award from the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) in 2020. His research interests are diverse yet interconnected, encompassing community engagement and organizing, critical library outreach, and services tailored to diverse populations. Winberry is particularly interested in addressing information marginalization and promoting social justice within the realms of information and library science. His methodological approach is grounded in qualitative and action research methods, which he employs to explore and address complex societal issues. Winberry's dedication to community engagement is evident in his efforts to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application. He strives to empower communities by enhancing access to information and resources, thereby fostering a more equitable society. His work in critical library outreach seeks to redefine traditional library services, ensuring they are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all community members. Through his research and teaching, Winberry aims to inspire future information professionals to adopt a critical and socially conscious approach to their work. He believes in the transformative power of libraries and information services to drive positive social change and is committed to equipping his students with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a meaningful impact in their communities.