Paula Carns

Paula Carns is an Associate Professor at the School of Information Sciences, University of Illinois, with affiliations to the Literatures and Languages Library, Program in Medieval Studies, European Union Center, and Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies. She holds a PhD in Art History (Medieval) and an MS in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois.

• PhD in Art History (Medieval), University of Illinois
• MS in Library and Information Science, University of Illinois

Her research bridges medieval art and literature, focusing on the interplay between oral culture and visual representation in domestic objects and devotional manuscripts. She analyzes courtly imagery, narrative themes, and material culture through interdisciplinary lenses.

Recent publications highlight trends in Gothic ivory studies, medieval manuscript iconography, and intersections of romance literature with visual art. Her work spans chapters in edited volumes, peer-reviewed journal articles, and critical reviews.

As Head of the Literatures and Languages Library, she oversees Latin American, Caribbean, Spanish, and Portuguese language collections. She teaches and advises on medieval studies, European Union resources, and academic librarianship.