Student Groups

Overview

Student Groups

Graduate students at the San José State University School of Information are highly encouraged to participate in the student chapters of professional associations and special interest groups. It’s a great way to meet peers, gain experience for resume building, and network.

Check out the student groups offered at the SJSU iSchool:

Advocacy Student Group

The Library Advocacy Student Group’s vision is to provide engaging opportunities for students interested in library advocacy. We hope to create and sustain a community that values learning experiences, collaboration and networking, sharing of informational resources and mutual encouragement by facilitating educational opportunities and activities to influence decision-making at the local, regional, state, national, and international level that result in funding or policy changes in support of public, school, and special libraries.The Library Advocacy Group believes that libraries are an essential public good that are fundamental to democratic societies. The Library Advocacy Group believes that libraries are an essential public good and are fundamental to democratic societies. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom, resist censorship, and ​​strive to empower voices who have been excluded from positions of power and the historical record with a focus on human rights and dignity.

American Library Association Student Chapter (ALASC)

The American Library Association Student Chapter (ALASC) at San José State University was founded on May 17, 1994, and is the 42nd official student chapter of the ALA. The purpose of ALASC is to foster participation in the American Library Association and use of its publications, scholarships and conferences; to encourage scholarly achievement and professional awareness of national issues in library and information science; to provide a local forum for the exchange of ideas and information about trends, issues, and opportunities in the profession; to provide a supportive environment in which members can share their creativity, teach their skills, offer their experience, direct their expertise, and can learn from each other in a supportive milieu.

Association for Information Science & Technology Student chapter

The Association for Information Science & Technology Student Chapter (ASIS&T SC) supports professional growth & career development of student members by providing educational programming, networking & other enriching opportunities. We strive to uphold the values of the ASIS&T professional organization including promoting research, sharing interdisciplinary knowledge, open access, & EDI by creating a community of iSchool students that explore, learn and apply principles of information science and technology that empowers the future of information workers across the globe.  ASIS&T SC Website 

Links: 

Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) iSchool Student Group

The AANHPI iSchool Student Group is focused on bringing awareness to the needs of AANHPI students and staff in information professions, engaging the student body in recognition and support for AANHPI students and communities, and promoting connection and cultural understanding. We invite any students interested in supporting the AANHPI community to join. All are welcome!

Cyber Intelligence & Security (CIS)

The Cyber Intelligence and Security Club at San Jose State University is committed to developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals by fostering the development of knowledge, skills, and abilities through projects, competitions, professional networking, and industry presentations.

First Generation Student Group (FGSG)

We are the First Generation Student Group here at the SJSU iSchool. We define first-gen as being the first in your family or chosen family to attend graduate school (however that manifests for you, whether it’s first female, first on your father’s side, or first in your entire extended family).

We aim to have a tight-knit community of first generation SJSU iSchool students that look to each other for academic, social, and professional support as they navigate graduate school. We have monthly Coffee and Chat Zoom meetings with varying topics related to first-gen issues like going through resources we’ve found helpful, or sharing first job or application process experiences; however, many of the leadership team members are always open to one on one conversations if that’s what you need. We also have a General Meeting once per term  in place of the coffee and chat where we interview a first-gen faculty member and hold a Q&A with them about their experiences as a first-gen and we try to keep an ongoing list of helpful resources for first-gen students on our website and/or blog, so they can be accessed outside of our meetings. 

Our group is pretty informal, we just enjoy networking with each other, and being able to discuss our shared experiences, and offer advice and support to each other. We’d love to have you join us. If you’re interested in joining the first-gen student group, you can reach out to us on our socials, email us, or head over to our website to join the mailing list! 

We hope to see you soon!

REFORMA SJSU iSchool Student and Alumni Group

REFORMA San José State University (SJSU) School of Information (iSchool) Student & Alumni Group will cultivate a welcoming environment to develop, engage, and support students and alumni who are interested in working with Spanish-speaking communities. We strive to create opportunities for engagement with REFORMA National, and REFORMA Chapters, and plan activities that offer professional development and networking. We support students and alumni to become culturally competent professionals in the communities they serve. 

Society of American Archivists Student Chapter (SAASC)

The Society of American Archivists – Student Chapter (affectionately known as SAASC, pronounced “sassy”) strives to promote archival interests in our academic community, to provide a platform for discussing archival issues, and to engage students in ​professional activities in order to enhance career development. Our group represents the Society of American Archivists (SAA), the largest national organization of archivists in the United States, for the SJSU iSchool student body: we welcome all MLIS and MARA students to join, and we aim to incorporate as many of SAA’s tools and resources into our programming and communication as possible. 

Special Libraries Association Student Chapter (SLASC)

The Special Libraries Association Student Chapter (SLASC) believes that special librarians –  those working in specialized settings – have unique and important skills to contribute at the highest levels of the profession, including the ability to help implement best practices within their organizations. SLASC members connect with their umbrella organization, the Special Libraries Association, which has members and chapters across the United States and in over 75 countries. Through student leadership opportunities, educational programming, members communications, virtual study groups and social events, SLASC cultivates meaningful, lasting connections among iSchool students and with the broader special library world.

Student Research Journal (SRJ)

The Student Research Journal (SRJ) is the foremost double-blind, peer-reviewed, open-access journal developed and led by current graduate students at San Jose State University’s School of information. Our goal is threefold: to empower budding researchers, to publish relevant content of the highest quality, and to build an international community of student researchers. The SRJ concentrates on providing students with deep developmental editing during the peer review process. Our goal is not to simply publish pieces that meet the baseline criteria, but to compliment your graduate-level studies with an immersive experience of the peer review process.

User Experience Student Group (UXSG)

The User Experience Student Group at SJSU iSchool (UXSG) exists to bring together MLIS, MARA, and Informatics students who are interested in User Experience, though all are welcome! UXSG aims to bring together those interested in library usability from all backgrounds. We offer study sessions, webinars, and speaker events. Whether you’re already familiar with UX as a concept or are brand new to the field, UXSG is excited to hear from you!

Virtual Worlds & Social VR Club (VCARA)

The iSchool’s Virtual Center for Archives and Records Administration (VCARA) began as a student group in our MARA program in 2009, but has evolved into an informal club open to all (students, alumni, faculty, staff, and other remote friends/colleagues).  We promote social, creative, and educational collaboration using multiple virtual environments; from desktop virtual worlds (like our beloved Second Life region) to platforms accessed with VR headsets. 

If you’re the adventurous type interested in virtual worlds, virtual reality, and related aspects of information science (including archives, education and libraries), you’ll fit right in. Best of all, no special equipment is needed. Read more at our website, connect with us on Discord, and come hangout with us in-world at conferences, events, explorer outings, or end of semester dance parties.

Award-winning Student Chapters

The SJSU iSchool’s student chapters have won numerous awards recognizing their excellence and their innovative approach to serving online students. The ASIS&T Student Chapter has been named the association’s Student Chapter of the Year. The SLA Student Chapter has received the organization’s Student Group Certificate of Merit for Innovative Programming. The SLA Student Chapter was the only U.S. student group to be recognized for the 2014/2015 academic year. In addition, the ALA Student Chapter has been named Student Chapter of the Year five times!

Get Involved

Many of the school’s student groups host meet-ups, special events, and networking opportunities – both virtual and in-person. Check the SJSU iSchool Facebook page often for updates about upcoming events and the Pinterest board for fun pins. The SJSU iSchool student groups also have their own social media. In addition, the student-run Student Research Journal editorial team manages a Student Resource blog.

News

It’s a Home Run! iSchool Students and Faculty Partner with University Baseball Team on New Sports Analytics Club

SJSU Spartan Baseball Player

The newly launched Sports Analytics Club represents an incredibly exciting and innovative partnership between the San José State University School of Information and the university’s baseball team. The club, which met for the first time in November 2022, is led by Master of Library and Information Science degree program students and formely led by co-presidents Cori Garfias and Michelle Miyoshi (both of whom have graduated).

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Virtual Center For Archives & Records Administration (VCARA)

An iSchool student group, VCARA is a MARA-created space and community based in the virtual world Second Life (SL). We offer many resources both in SL and online including annual conferences, events, exhibits, trainings, and webcasts.

VCARA is open to all students, alumni, educators, and other professionals interested in virtual worlds and any aspect of information science including archives, education, libraries, records, and special collections.