Joseph Winberry

Joseph Winberry is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Information and Library Science. His research focuses on critical library and information science, particularly addressing societal aging and information marginalization among LGBTQ+ older adults. He leads projects such as the Aging Rainbow Coalition and an IMLS-funded initiative to train public librarians in serving older adults. Winberry holds a Ph.D. in Communication & Information from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and has prior experience in nonprofit organizations, including the Knoxville-Knox County Office on Aging.

His academic roles include co-convening ALISE’s Historical Perspectives SIG and founding ALA’s Elder Justice Task Force. He has been recognized with awards including the ALISE/Eugene Garfield Doctoral Dissertation Honorable Mention (2024) and the University of Tennessee’s Chancellor’s LGBTQ+ Leadership Award (2023). Courses taught include ethics, library history, and human information interactions.

Winberry’s research emphasizes qualitative and action research methods, with a focus on social justice in LIS education and aging services. Current projects explore LGBTQ+ aging in East Tennessee and the role of libraries in fostering social connections for older adults, particularly during crises like the pandemic.