About me

Karla J. Strand is a feminist librarian, historian, writer, and educator supporting individual and collective liberation for all.

With a background in US women’s history, Karla received her MLIS from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and her doctorate in information science from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. In addition to being an academic librarian specializing in gender, women’s, and sexuality studies, Karla is a freelance writer and contributes two regular columns to Ms. magazine. She provides somatic trauma-informed education, research assistance, and guidance in her areas of specialty to fight misinformation, anti-intellectualism, authoritarianism, and injustice in service to building curiosity, empathy, knowledge, and empowerment.
  • Credentials and training:

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Information Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa (completed 2016)
  • Master’s in Library and Information Science, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (completed 2006)
  • Bachelor of Arts in history and women’s studies, Carroll College, Wisconsin (completed 2003)
  • Accredited somatic trauma-informed coaching certification, The School of Trauma-Informed Positive Psychology (completed May 2024)
  • Tarot training with Gregory Scott (completed Dec. 2023) – Rest easy, Gregory.
  • Astrology training with Kepler College (ongoing)
  • Genealogy training with the National Genealogical Society (ongoing)
For everything you need to know about me in photos and memes, click here.