Makes complex ideas simple and clear.
Inspires a passion for knowledge and growth.
Helps students see their full potential.
Always supportive and inspiring to all.
Catherine Barnes is a Lecturer in Information Management and Course Coordinator in the School of Computer Science and Information Technology at Adelaide University, part of the College of Engineering and Information Technology. Holding a PhD from Adelaide University (2025), a Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) from the University of South Australia (2011-2014), a Master of Information Technology (2002-2008), and a Bachelor of Arts (Information Studies) (1998-2000) from the same institution, she brings extensive academic credentials to her role. Her career encompasses diverse experiences in vocational, special, and school libraries, complemented by active involvement in professional committees and initiatives within the GLAMR sector. Barnes coordinates and teaches in the fully online Master of Information Management program, accredited by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), Australian Society of Archivists (ASA), and Records and Information Management Practitioners Alliance Global (RIMPA). Her teaching portfolio includes courses such as INFO 5051 Information Management Project Placement, INFO 5054 Metadata, INFO 5021 Information Description and Discovery, and others focused on records management, professional practice, and cataloguing.
Barnes' research centers on immersive learning environments, storyliving, and leveraging metadata to improve information discovery while promoting diversity and inclusion. Additional interests include information services, library studies, and virtual and mixed reality applications. She is investigating the intersection of storytelling, virtual environments, and intercultural understanding. Her scholarly contributions feature publications such as 'A trip to the bookstore - an exercise in student agency' in Teacher Magazine (2024), 'The Question of Artificial Intelligence (AI)' in Connections (2023), 'School library culling is not ‘book burning’, but there are dangers – and I should know' in The Age (2023), and 'Metadata to enhance diversity, connection and belonging' in Connections (2022). She has presented at conferences including KohaCon 2025 and IFLA (2025) on empowering information professionals and AI in school libraries. Barnes received the Joan Brewer Award: Teacher Librarian of the Year (2025), South Australian Library and Information Awards (2024), and ALIA Silver Pin (2023). As a board member of the IFLA School Libraries Section since 2023, she contributes to global library advancements.
