About
Dr. Mehra’s work bridges library and information science, community engagement, and the transformative role of distributive justice in information organizations. Since January 2019, he has served as professor and EBSCO Endowed Chair in Social Justice in the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alabama.
His research focuses on equity in LIS, as well as community informatics—the use of information and communication technologies to empower minority and underserved populations. Through action research and community-engaged scholarship, Dr. Mehra collaborates with a wide range of communities, including racial and ethnic groups, international diaspora populations, sexual minorities, rural residents, low-income families, and small businesses. His work ensures that marginalized voices and lived experiences are represented in the design of community-based information systems and services.
Before joining the University of Alabama, Dr. Mehra served as a faculty member in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Tennessee from 2005 to 2018. He earned his Ph.D. in December 2004 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Impact Beyond the University
In his role as EBSCO Endowed Chair, Dr. Mehra plays a key leadership role in shaping the LIS concentration within the college-wide doctoral program through a focus on culturally responsive research. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing fairness, representation, and justice in collaboration with communities on the margins of society.
Dr. Mehra’s scholarship expands traditional definitions of librarianship and communication professions by emphasizing engaged scholarship and community relevance in the 21st century. His research and advocacy contribute to more inclusive and socially responsive information services nationwide.
A Commitment to Engagement and Community-Engaged Library Education
In the classroom, Dr. Mehra teaches courses in outreach services to diverse populations, community-engaged scholarship, social justice advocacy, diversity leadership, cultural and critical theory, public library management, collection development, and grant development for information professionals.
Through teaching, mentorship, and sustained community partnerships, Dr. Mehra prepares students to become leaders who broaden access, strengthen inclusion, and mobilize library and information institutions as forces for equity and social change.