Barbara Chen

Biography

Barbara Chen has been in the information industry for her entire professional career. Soon after receiving her MLS, she joined the H.W. Wilson Company as an indexer. She subsequently developed her technological skills when computers were introduced into the company and she became involved in data analysis, training, systems analysis, and new platform development. As her responsibilities steadily increased, she moved into management as Associate Director of Indexing Services for periodical indexes. In 2001, Barbara joined the Modern Language Association as director of bibliographic information services and editor, MLA International Bibliography. MLA took advantage of her large skill set and allowed her to use her creativity to bring this leading humanities database into the 21st century. Barbara has served on several industry association committees including NFAIS Humanities Roundtable, in 2018-2019 as chair, Association of American Publishers Professional and Scholarly Publishing division Committee on Digital Innovation and as well as a Prose Awards judge. She received an NFAIS honorary fellow award in 2019 after her retirement from the MLA. Barbara is currently providing her expertise by consulting in the industry.