Home: Spotlight
SJSU Launches New Undergraduate Certificate in Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence
The San José State University School of Information is introducing a new undergraduate certificate in Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, offering students a hands-on, ethics-driven exploration of artificial intelligence beginning fall 2025. Open to all undergraduate students enrolled at the university, the SJSU iSchool’s HCAI program aims to prepare the next generation of professionals to develop, implement, and evaluate AI systems through a human-centered lens.
Information Gone Wild Blog: Episode 14
Sam Helmick on Libraries, Advocacy, and Leadership
Published: July 15, 2025
Sam Helmick, the incoming president of the American Library Association (ALA), is passionate about advocating for libraries and their essential role in society. In this episode of the SJSU School of Information’s Information Gone Wild podcast, the 2025-2026 ALA president shares insights about advocacy, the importance of libraries, and how library workers can make a lasting impact.
Dream Big with Athletics Archivist Lauren Goss
“I love the collaborative energy of a university campus. There are countless opportunities to engage and learn from my colleagues from a variety of departments.”
Lauren Goss, MLIS 2017
Eugene, OR
Information Gone Wild Blog: Episode 13
Legacy, Librarianship, and Being Dangerous: A Conversation with Dr. Nicole A. Cooke
Published: June 19, 2025
Information Gone Wild, the podcast by San José State University’s iSchool, recently featured Dr. Nicole Cooke, Augusta Baker Endowed Chair and professor at the University of South Carolina, to discuss her powerful new book, “The Legacy of Black Women in Librarianship.” In this episode, Dr. Cooke dives into the emotional journey of writing the book, the women who inspired it, and how librarianship can be a radical act of change.
Q: What inspired you to write The Legacy of Black Women in Librarianship?
SJSU’s ALASC Earns National Recognition as 2025 ALA Student Chapter of the Year
The San José State University American Library Association Student Chapter has been named the 2025 ALA Student Chapter of the Year, securing its seventh win and back-to-back recognition following last year’s honor. The chapter previously earned the award in 2000, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2022, and 2024, and has now won three of the last four years.
MLIS Student Tamra McCarthy Honored with Prestigious Ken Haycock Award
McCarthy to Deliver Convocation Address May 16
Tamra McCarthy, a nationally recognized educator and teacher librarian at James Enochs High School in Modesto, California, has been named the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Ken Haycock Award for Exceptional Professional Promise by the San José State University School of Information.
15 Years: The Student Research Journal Celebrates Anniversary With 29th Issue
The iSchool Student Research Journal proudly announces the publication of Volume 15, Issue 1, spotlighting critical issues in librarianship and emerging global trends in library and information science.
iSchool Student Mackenzie Yanez Selected as BSLISE International Scholar
Mackenzie Yanez, a graduate student at the San José State University School of Information, has been selected as the Building Strong Library and Information Science Education International Scholar. This honor reflects her commitment to global librarianship and inclusive library and information science education.
iSchool and ALA Launch Transformative ThinkTank Series
San José State University’s School of Information has partnered with the American Library Association to launch a dynamic new series titled ALA ThinkTank. The initiative brings together leading voices in the library and information science field to address some of the profession’s most pressing societal challenges, offering practical strategies and forward-thinking dialogue through free, interactive webinars.
Exploring Informatics: Ronna Del Rosario’s Path at the Intersection of Healthcare and Technology
Published: March 25, 2025 by Gabe Farmer
Embarking on a new academic and professional path is both challenging and rewarding. For iSchool student Ronna Del Rosario, this journey led her from a career in nursing to the field of informatics, where she integrates her healthcare experience with her interest in user design and coding.
Inspirational Trainer and Podcaster Maurice Coleman
“I like it when someone is successful, and I helped them get there.”
Maurice Coleman, SJSU Podcaster
Baltimore, Maryland
So You’re Graduating in May, Now What?
Published: January 15, 2025 by Aryn Prestia
It can be exciting to enter your final semester in the MLIS program. Whether that effort has been months or years in the making, you are now ready to demonstrate the culmination of your hard work in your e-portfolio and a degree that will lead you to a new career.
iSchool-Sponsored ‘Library Hunter’ YouTube Channel Advocates for Libraries
A YouTube channel created by an engineer with an artistic soul is showcasing the impact of libraries with support from the San José State University School of Information. Cathy Yang’s Library Hunter videos blend her identity as a lifelong learner with libraries as a primary empowerment source.
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.