 She was Associate Professor of children's literature at the State Library College ("Statens bibliotekhøgskole") (now Oslo and Akershus University College) from 1968–94 and served as president of the Norwegian Association for Women's Rights from 1972-78.She also wrote a number of books on children's literature.Kari Skjønsberg prize ("Kari Skjønsberg-prisen") was established in 1996 and was first awarded in 1997.