Kathryn A La Barre

Exploring transformative approaches to information organization and cultural heritage, Kathryn A. La Barre serves as an Associate Professor at the School of Information Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her academic pursuits extend into Gender and Women's Studies and Women & Gender in Global Perspectives, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship. La Barre's research delves into the historical and contemporary naming practices and power dynamics within cultural heritage collections, with a particular focus on films, comics, and zines. Her work is characterized by a keen interest in how these naming conventions influence and reflect societal structures, contributing to broader conversations about diversity and social justice. This dedication to exploring the intersections of information, culture, and power has earned her several accolades, including the prestigious Association for Library and Information Science Education and OCLC Library and Information Science Research Award in 2010. In the classroom, Professor La Barre offers a rich array of courses that engage students with both theoretical and practical aspects of information sciences. Her teaching repertoire includes subjects such as the History and Foundations of Library and Information Science (LIS), Information Organization and Access, and Naming and Power. She also leads courses on Oral History: Theory and Practice, and Social Justice in the Information Professions, encouraging students to critically examine the role of information in shaping societal narratives. La Barre's commitment to education is matched by her active involvement in advancing the fields of community informatics and cultural informatics and heritage. Her work often intersects with library science, archives, and preservation, aiming to foster inclusive and equitable information environments. Through her research and teaching, she inspires a new generation of information professionals to consider the ethical dimensions of their work and to advocate for social justice within their communities. Her contributions to the academic community are further enriched by her engagement with historical perspectives on information education, providing a comprehensive understanding of how past practices inform present and future developments in the field. Professor La Barre's dedication to her research and students exemplifies her role as a thought leader in the evolving landscape of information sciences.