Home: Spotlight
iSchool Alum Jonna Paden Appointed President of the American Indian Library Association
Jonna C. Paden, an archivist at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, has been named president of the American Indian Library Association for 2024-2025. A graduate of the San José State University School of Information’s Master of Library and Information Science program, Paden brings extensive experience in library science and archival work to her new leadership role.
Access For All with Marc Hoffeditz
“I am a practitioner at heart, I like helping people figure out the nuts and bolts way to make things happen.”
Marc Hoffeditz, MLIS ‘24
Northampton, Massachusetts
Getting that First Library Experience
Published: December 4, 2024 by Aryn Prestia
If you have started the job search, you’ve likely noticed that a majority of the postings indicate that experience is required. In fact, the most recent MLIS Skills at Work Report disclosed that 88% of job announcements include the stipulation that experience is required or preferred.
But what do you do if you’ve devoted yourself to your MLIS degree full-time and have no library experience? In this post, we’ll be looking into how you gain library experience when you have none.
SJSU School of Information Wins Prestigious Anthem Award for Virtual Reality Innovation
The San José State University School of Information has been honored with a Silver Anthem Award for Digital and Innovative Experiences in Education, Art & Culture.
CLA Awards iSchool Affiliates for their Commitment to Innovation and Community Impact
The California Library Association’s annual Awards Gala held on October 18, 2024, highlighted the remarkable contributions of library professionals statewide, including several affiliates of the San José State University School of Information. The award recipients shared insights into the significance of their work and its impact on their communities.
What Do You Want to Do with Your Information Skills?
Your Interview Outfit: What to Consider
Published: October 16, 2024 by Aryn Prestia
When preparing for an interview, it’s common to brush up on potential interview questions but it’s also important to consider how you will present yourself to a potential employer. A huge part of your first impression relates to what you are wearing.
Symposium Recap of ‘From Silence to Pride’
National Deaf History Month Symposium
Published: October 25, 2024 by Matsuko Friedland
In honor of National Deaf History Month, the San José State University iSchool hosted a free online symposium on April 30, 2024, titled “Silence to Pride”. A recording of the event is available on YouTube. The symposium featured co-keynotes KayCee Choi and Alicia Deal, and a panel with Brenden Gilbert, Evelyn Keolian, Sadia R. Khan, and Brad McKenna.
A Witch’s Guide to Online Learning: Success Tips for iSchool Students
Published: October 14, 2024 by Gabe Farmer
The San José State University iSchool provides students with a cornucopia of resources to help steer our course through our chosen programs. However, the iSchool Student Resources page provides a whopping 124 links to various resources in just one webpage. My goal in this post is to provide a pragmatic and digestible guide to some of the most commonly used student resources.
The Army, Music and Librarianship with Kathryn Beyer
Kathryn Beyer is about to graduate from the SJSU iSchool Post-Master’s Certificate Program. She has had a multifaceted career that blends the Army and librarianship.
Kathryn Beyer, ‘24, Post-Master’s Certificate
Washington, D.C.
Building Community Through Stories: Introducing Gabe, New iSchool Blog Writer
Published: September 26, 2024 by Gabe Farmer
Hello, fellow San José State University School of Information students! I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with many of you in classes and group projects already, but there are still so many of you I haven’t had the chance to meet yet. My name is Gabe Farmer and I’ll be your new iSchool blog writer! I’m excited to take up this mantle and create helpful, engaging, and community-building content for us all to share. First, I’d like to tell y’all a bit about myself, so you can get an idea of the person behind the posts!
iSchool Invests in Future Leaders with $300,000 in Scholarships
Fall 2024 Scholarship Winners Announced
San José State University’s School of Information has awarded $338,000 in scholarships for the fall 2024 semester, helping ease financial burdens for more than a hundred students while empowering them to pursue their career goals. These scholarships, available to both new and current students, demonstrate the school’s commitment to supporting future leaders in the information professions.
Transforming School Libraries Nationwide
iSchool Joins Forces with Keith Curry Lance to Advance SLIDE Project
The San José State University School of Information continues to advocate for the critical role of school librarianship in K-12 education, most recently hiring school librarianship expert Keith Curry Lance as a research consultant and providing support to further the School Librarian Investigation—Divergence & Evolution SLIDE project, which highlights the evolving role of school libraries nationwide.
iSchool Launches New Podcast Series ‘Information Gone Wild’
San José State University School of Information is thrilled to announce the launch of its new podcast series, “Information Gone Wild: Conversations from the Field.” This engaging podcast explores various topics within the contemporary library landscape.
Bridging Knowledge Scholars Achieve MLIS Milestone
Grant Project Provides Support to Indigenous Scholars in the field of Librarianship
The first four of the 15 Bridging Knowledge scholars have completed their Master of Library and Information Science degree requirements from the San José State University School of Information in May 2024. This milestone marks a significant achievement for Marcus Ortiz, Brandon Castle, Taylor Hummel, and Diana Terrazas.
Distinguished iSchool Instructor Receives Tenure and Promotion to Associate Professor
Congratulations to Dr. Michele Villagran on her Tenure and New Role
Dr. Michele Villagran, a distinguished member of the San José State University School of Information faculty, has been awarded tenure and promoted from assistant professor to associate professor, effective this fall. Villagran has been a vital part of the university since joining the iSchool faculty in 2018.
Celebrating 2024 Movers & Shakers
Library Journal Recognizes Seven iSchool Graduates
For the past 22 years, Library Journal has recognized the most incredible information professionals who have significantly contributed to the library and information science field. Given the moniker “Movers & Shakers,” the Class of 2024 includes seven alumni from the San José State University School of Information.
iSchool Partners with Coursera: Elevating Education for Students and Alumni
New Collaboration Enhances Learning with Industry-Recognized Credentials
Students enrolled in the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at the San José State University School of Information have a new added-value opportunity to further elevate their educational experiences. The iSchool recently announced a partnership with Coursera, a global platform for online learning and career development, to ensure its graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the modern workforce.
iSchool Open Classes Program Celebrates Decade of Educational Excellence
‘Vital Resource for Information Professionals,’ says Program Creator Dr. Hirsh
The Open Classes program at San José State University School of Information, initiated in 2014 by Dr. Sandy Hirsh, former iSchool director and current associate dean of academics, marks its 10th anniversary in 2024. This innovative program was designed to offer master’s-level courses for college credit, providing a unique opportunity for students to “try before they apply,” advance their degree program before officially enrolling, and enhance their skills at their own pace as a continuing education option.
SJSU’s ALA Student Chapter Awarded Student Chapter of the Year
The San José State University School of Information proudly announces that its American Library Association Student Chapter is the 2023-2024 ALA Student Chapter of the Year. This prestigious honor bestowed by the ALA Student and Student Chapter Outreach Committee includes a $1,000 travel grant to the ALA Annual Conference and special recognition at the New Members’ Round Table Student Reception.