Heather Ball

Heather Ball is an Associate Professor and Critical Pedagogy Librarian for Student Success at St. John's University, affiliated with the University Libraries. She also serves as Director of the Center for Faculty Success and Development. Her roles combine academic librarianship with instructional innovation and institutional leadership. Ball holds a PhD in Information Science from the University at Buffalo (2024), an MLS with dual certificates in Archives and Preservation from Queens College (2009), an MLitt in Medieval Studies from the University of Glasgow (2006), and a BA in Medieval Studies from New York University (2005). Her career includes diverse roles such as Global Network Research Manager at an advertising agency, Cataloger at the Morgan Library & Museum, and Project Manager for Livingstone Online.

Ball's research focuses on inclusivity, decolonization of library practices, digital humanities, and information literacy. She emphasizes integrating critical race theory into educational frameworks and fostering anti-racist initiatives in academic libraries. Current projects include digital humanities archives and initiatives to enhance student success through holistic library services. She has presented widely on topics linking libraries, critical pedagogy, and equity.

• Education:
  • PhD Information Science, University at Buffalo SUNY, New York (2024)
  • MLS & Dual Certificate in Archives and Preservation, Queens College, New York (2009)
  • MLitt Medieval Studies, University of Glasgow, Scotland (2006)
  • BA Medieval Studies, New York University, New York (2005)
• Key Roles:
  • Director, Center for Faculty Success and Development
  • Critical Pedagogy Librarian for Student Success

Her publications address topics such as anti-racist library policies, digital humanities projects, and the intersection of information literacy with critical race theory. Ball advocates for libraries as spaces of social justice and academic empowerment.