Michael Johnson Jr.

Michael Johnson Jr., PhD, currently serves as the Arts & Design Librarian at Drexel University. As the academic liaison and subject specialist for disciplines including graphic and product design, film and media, animation, fashion, music industry, architecture, and photography, he supports teaching, learning, and research across a broad range of creative fields. His responsibilities encompass collection development and stewardship; research support and reference; instruction and information/visual literacy; and outreach.

Before joining Drexel, Dr. Johnson spent a decade as a faculty member, including a tenure-track appointment at California State University, Northridge. He has published nearly 20 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and presented at regional, national, and international conferences. His honors include CSUN’s Exceptional Service to Students Award (2021), the New England Archivists’ Racial Justice Honoraria Award (2024), and certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists (2025). He holds degrees in American Studies, Social and Political Thought, Liberal Arts, and Library and Information Science. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture at Drexel University, in addition to both ICAA certification and AIA licensure.