Over the years, Barker has contributed regularly to BBC Radio programs on Bob Dylan and has been featured on the BBC World Service, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio Northern Ireland, BBC Radio Scotland as well as dozens of local radio stations. He has also appeared on the BBC 2 television program 'The Culture Show' and Channel 4s Breakfast News talking about Bob Dylan.  

Derek has also had three books published, the first book, a collection of writings and interviews from the back pages of ISIS. 'ISIS: A Bob Dylan Anthology' (Helter Skelter Publishing, 2001) received first rate reviews. It sold out a hardback edition and two paperback printings and a 2004 revised edition.

The second collection of writings from ISIS, Bob Dylan Anthology 2 - 20 Years of ISIS, (Chrome Dreams, 2005) is a bumper 368-page book, which was published to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of ISIS magazine. This book is still in print.

Barker's latest book The Songs He Didn't Write - Bob Dylan Under The Influence (Chrome Dreams 2008) has received rave reviews from Dylan fans and the monthlies alike.

“The Songs He Didn’t Write: Bob Dylan Under The Influence” was voted as one of the ten best music books of 2009 by UNCUT and was also chosen as the third best music book of 2009 in Record Collector magazine.  “Songs...” was the only Dylan book to make either of the above charts.

Barker has had his writings on Bob Dylan published in journals in England, the USA and Japan. He has worked on a number of CD and film projects with his current publisher, Chrome Dreams. Barker’s status as an expert on all things Dylan is such that he regularly advises premier auction house Christie’s (both in London and New York) on the authenticity of items of Dylan memorabilia.