Carol Tilley

Carol Tilley is an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois School of Information Sciences. Her work bridges comics studies, media literacy, and youth services librarianship, focusing on the cultural history of comics reading and libraries in the mid-20th century United States.

• Educational Background: PhD in Information Science from Indiana University
• Research Areas: Comics readership among marginalized youth, censorship parallels between 1948 and 21st-century graphic novel debates, racial representation in print media

Tilley's scholarship analyzes how comics intersect with education, social norms, and information practices. Her recent publications emphasize African-American youth readership and the legacy of Fredric Wertham's critiques. She has spoken internationally at events like Ghent University and the Comics and Medicine Conference.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Will Eisner Comics Industry Award judge
  • Arnold O. Beckman Award
  • YALSA Past Presidents’ Paper Juried Winner
  • Multiple University of Illinois Excellence in Teaching Awards

As a former high school librarian, Tilley advocates for children's intellectual freedom. She has compiled a public bibliography documenting Black comics readers and actively consults on academic freedom issues. Her work appears in outlets like the New York Times and Keywords for Comics Studies.