Biography

Laura E. Kohl, Director of Library Services and Associate Director of the Honors Program at Bryant University, has a background in research, information and media literacy, student success, instructional design and the use of AI in the information landscape.  She believes that the library and its staff provide unique opportunities, services, and expertise to the campus community and will continue to do so as information tools and technologies change.  Libraries are always in a "constant state of beta", as Laura likes to say.  Under Laura's leadership the library has partnered with campus stakeholders to experiment with XR technologies, to bolster the reach of scholarly publishing, to incorporate information literacy as a core learning outcome for student success and to create community and belonging programming.  Working directly with students and supporting their research and learning is something about which Laura is passionate.   She has presented on topics ranging from marketing library services to introducing innovative technologies in higher education.  She has been honored by her colleagues with individual awards such as: Outstanding Ally Rainbow Award and Contributing to Success Award at Bryant University, as well as a Blackboard Catalyst Award for Student Success, and a First Year Experience (FYE) Innovator Award both national recognitions.  Additionally, Bryant University's Library was recognized as Library of the Year in 2020 by University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Library and Information Science and has held spots in the Princeton Review's top 25 College Library list for 2024, 2025, and 2026. Laura received a B.A. in Anthropology from Boston University, M.L.I.S. from the University of Rhode Island, a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Massachusetts Boston and is currently pursuing an Ed.D. from the University of Wyoming in Instructional Technology and Design Leadership.