Joseph Barry is a Research Librarian at McDermott Library, supporting the Social Sciences Division at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He began his federal career at Gallaudet University while pursuing graduate studies at The Catholic University of America. After interning with the Department of the Army, he worked with Army Libraries in Korea before starting his Air Force Library career at Kunsan Air Base. He later served as Library Director at several bases within PACAF and USAFE, and after returning to the U.S., directed the USAFA Base Library before transitioning to his current role at McDermott Library.

Professional Studies Program (Non-Degree), American Sign Language, Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C.

MSLS, Master of Science in Library Science, The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.

DipLib, Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies, Queen’s University of Belfast, Northern Ireland

BA, Political Science (Concentration in International Relations), Binghamton University, New York

Research Librarian (Social Sciences), McDermott Library, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado (2022–present)

Research Librarian (Humanities), McDermott Library, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado (2009–2022)

Library Director, Yokota Base Library, Yokota Air Base, Japan (2008–2009)

Reference and Subject Librarian, McDermott Library, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado (2006–2008)

Library Director, USAFA Base Library, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado (2005–2006)

Library Director, Misawa Base Library, Misawa Air Base, Japan (2000–2005)

Library Director, Hickam Base Library, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii (1997–2000)

Reference Librarian, Osan Base Library, Osan Air Base, Korea (1996–1997)

Library Director, Sembach Base Library, Sembach Air Base, Germany (1994–1996)

Library Director, Kunsan Base Library, Kunsan Air Base, Korea (1993–1994)

Supervisory Librarian, Camp Howze Library and Western Corridor, 501st Corps Support Group, Paju, Korea (1991–1993)

Librarian (Intern), Army Library Management Office, HQDA, Alexandria, Virginia (1990–1991)

Learning Resource Center Assistant, Model Secondary School for the Deaf, Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C. (1988–1990)

Graduate Library Pre-Professional (Reference Assistant), Mullen Library, Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. (1987–1988)

Early Career Experiences:

Library Assistant II, O’Neill Library, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts (1987)

Library Assistant, St. Pancras Library, London Borough of Camden, London, England (1986)

Library Assistant, Penfield Library, SUNY Oswego, New York (1984–1985)

PACAF Library Program of the Year
Misawa Air Base, Japan (2002, 2004, 2005)
Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii (1998)

AF Five-Star Library Award for Excellence
Misawa Air Base, Japan (2003, 2004)

Civilian Manager of the Year, 35th Services Squadron
Misawa Air Base, Japan (2004)

Civilian Manager of the Quarter, 35th Services Squadron
Misawa Air Base, Japan (2004)

Quality Step Increase Award
Misawa Air Base, Japan (2004)

Certificate of Appreciation, USFK and Office of the Secretary of Defense
Osan Air Base, Korea (1997)

Certificate of Appreciation and Customer Service Excellence Awards, UNCSF-JSA
Panmunjom, Korea (1993)

Army Communities of Excellence Award
Camp Bonifas, Korea (1992, 1993)

My research interests include library space design, user experience, and collection development across key subject areas. I also explore how emerging technologies, particularly AI, can expand access, advance research, and redefine the role of libraries globally. As a lifelong language learner, I’m committed to deepening my understanding of diverse languages and cultures.