Emily J. M. Knox

Emily J. M. Knox serves as Interim Dean and Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s School of Information Sciences. Her research focuses on intellectual freedom, censorship, information ethics, and library policies. She holds a PhD from Rutgers University and a Master’s from the UIUC iSchool, with undergraduate degrees from Smith College and the University of Chicago Divinity School.

• Education:
  • PhD, Communication, Information, and Library Studies, Rutgers University
  • MSLIS, School of Information Sciences, UIUC
  • B.A., Religious Studies, Smith College
  • A.M., Religious Studies, University of Chicago Divinity School

Dr. Knox’s work bridges theory and practice, examining how censorship impacts marginalized communities and advocating for equitable information access. Her landmark books include *Book Banning in 21st Century America* and *Foundations of Intellectual Freedom*, the latter winning the 2023 Eli M. Oboler Prize. She regularly testifies before legislative bodies and advises the National Coalition Against Censorship.

Her teaching excellence has been recognized repeatedly, including the 2024 ALISE Excellence in Teaching Award. Current courses include practicum and independent study modules.

• Awards Highlight:
  • 2024 Campus Excellence in Public Engagement Award
  • 2023 Illinois Library Luminary
  • 2022 Chicagoan of the Year for Books
  • WISE Instructor of the Year (2015)

As editor of the *Journal of Intellectual Freedom and Privacy*, she amplifies discourse on privacy rights and censorship dynamics. Her research team, Mapping Information Access, measures barriers to information in public institutions.