Kayla Reed

Kayla Reed is an Assistant Professor at Grinnell College Libraries. With a background in theatre and English literature, she transitioned to library science after early experiences as a student worker at Missouri Southern State University. Her work bridges LGBTQ+ advocacy, asexuality visibility, and library systems design.

• Education: M.L.I.S. from Kent State University; B.A. in Theatre & English from Missouri Southern State University; M.S. in Management from Missouri Southern State University

Kayla’s research emphasizes intersectional cooperation in library departments and emotional labor in academic environments, as evidenced by her publications in The Journal of Academic Librarianship and edited volumes like LGBTQ+ Global Concerns in a Contemporary World. Her recent work explores systemic biases in library infrastructure and sexual orientation representation.

Scientific Awards:

• Creative Commons Certificate
• Certificate in OER Librarianship from the Open Education Network

At Grinnell, she drives initiatives in open access resources and inclusive digital strategies, continuing her advocacy for marginalized communities in academic settings.