Near the end of a busy 2024, University Library completed a job search to add a Data Services Librarian to our ranks. Happily, that person, Corey Barber, started working in Center for Digital Scholarship in late January 2025.
Corey joins a growing cohort of IU librarians that support researchers and students with data information and management needs. From her work in Museums and as an IU graduate student, Corey has experiences with data that few IU librarians possess. The Center for Digital Scholarship is excited to see how Corey's unique skills will complement and expand our current services.
What is your role at University Library?
As a Data Services Librarian at IU Indianapolis University Library, I collaborate with researchers to support data management, sharing, and open research practices. I provide consultations on data information literacy, facilitate access to data resources, and integrate data skills into student research programs. Working within the Center for Digital Scholarship, I contribute to initiatives that promote open access and enhance digital scholarship across campus.
Where are you from and where did you go to school?
I was born and raised here in Indianapolis and received both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at IU Indianapolis.
What did you do before joining the library?
Previously I was working at Newfields, first as a Digitization and Metadata Specialist on a grant project and then as a Public Programs Coordinator.
What are your hobbies and what do you do for fun?
Some of my hobbies include killing orchids (or trying not to), knitting, sourdough baking, ceramics, and playing Zelda on my Switch.
If there was one tip you would share with researchers and/or readers about data, what would it be?
Always consider the context of your data. Data isn’t just numbers or text–it’s shaped by the methods, biases, and systems that create and categorize it. Understanding where data comes from, how it was collected, and who (or what) it represents can help you assess its reliability, uncover hidden biases, and make more informed decisions. Whether you’re conducting research, analyzing trends, or managing metadata, contextual awareness is essential for ensuring accuracy, equity, and meaningful interpretation of data.
What is the best way to get in touch if a patron needs some help?
The easiest way to get in touch with me is via email.