Home: Spotlight
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.
Virtual Reality Exhibit Gives Voice to Ukrainian Children and Librarians
The San José State University School of Information launches “Children Draw War, Not Flowers” in virtual reality, a pioneering VR art exhibition showcasing the resilience and experiences of Ukrainian children affected by war, while highlighting the role of librarians and cultural heritage preservation during conflict.
Kickstart Your Career with Membership in a Professional Organization
Published: April 29, 2024 by Aryn Prestia
Shaping the Future: SJSU School of Information Announces Two Dynamic New Faculty Members for Fall 2024
The San José State University School of Information is proud to introduce its newest faculty members, Yu Chi and Crystal Fausett, who, as assistant professors, will start teaching undergraduate students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Data Analytics hybrid program starting in the fall of 2024 semester.
Breaking Boundaries: Unveiling Dynamic Student Groups Shaping Tomorrow
Discovering the Exciting Terrain of Emerging Student Groups
In line with San José State University School of Information’s commitment to fostering diverse academic communities, the school announces the establishment of several new student groups to enrich its students’ educational experiences. These groups serve as vibrant hubs where students with shared interests and passions can connect, collaborate, and thrive.
Transitioning From Bookstores to Librarianship
Leo Buckley is an MLIS student in his first semester at San José State University. He is of Irish heritage and is a quarter Japanese.
Leo Buckley, MLIS student
San Francisco, CA
Scholarships Empower Information Professionals for Success
Spring 2024 Scholarship Winners Announced
The San José State University School of Information is proud to announce the recipients of its spring 2024 Special Session scholarships, marking a significant milestone in these deserving individuals’ academic and personal journeys. With 22 scholarships valued at $3,000 each, the school continues its commitment to supporting new and continuing students enrolled in its master’s and bachelor’s degree programs.
Guide to Successful Event Planning
Published: March 24, 2024 by Kesheena Doctor
In a previous blog, I mentioned I am the current College of Professional and Global Education (CPGE) RSCA Advisory Committee assistant. In this role I helped organize the CPGE Online Student Conference.
Conference Presentation Insight: Tips & Pointers Part 2
Published: February 6, 2024 by Kesheena Doctor
This past fall semester was an extremely busy time for me. Not only was I working part time and taking a full course load, I also presented at two conferences! For those unaware, presenting at a conference takes a lot of preparation and careful planning.
Information Literacy, Disciplinarity, and New Knowledge
Published: January 16, 2024 by Dr. Virginia Tucker
A community of researcher-educators began meeting regularly several years ago for conversations around the disciplinarity of information literacy. The co-facilitators are Dr. Clarence Maybee, Professor and W. Wayne Booker Endowed Chair in Information Literacy, Purdue University, and Dr. Karen Kaufmann, Assistant Professor, School of Information, University of South Florida. The community has come to be called ILIAD, for Information Literacy is a Discipline, as it examines aspects of a discipline as discussed in the literature, such as having a code of ethics, modes of inquiry, scholarly
iSchool Alumnus Named North Dakota’s Librarian of the Year
The North Dakota Library Association has chosen a standout alumnus from the San José State University School of Information for its prestigious title of Librarian of the Year. Aaron Stefanich received the award that recognizes individuals who have made “outstanding contributions to the North Dakota library profession.” For Stefanich, being recognized as Librarian of the Year “is humbling, because I know so many other North Dakota librarians who deserve the award.”
Interview with Bridging Knowledge Scholar: Molly Ouellette
Published: December 3, 2023 by Kesheena Doctor
I was first introduced to the iSchool while researching scholarship opportunities for Native American students. As part of an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funded grant, the iSchool partnered with the Alaska Library Network, the American Indian Library Association, and the Alaska State Library to form the scholarship program, Bridging Knowledge: Supporting Indigenous Scholars into the Field of Librarianship.
Archiving Special Collections at SJSU with Kate Steffens
“It’s a really great team and we all really get along and complement each other’s work and you know, try and do a lot of outreach together and work on projects together. I know having been part of a group called CSU Archivists, how lucky I am to be at San José State because there are quite a few people in the system who are like the lone archivist with no student assistants and no other people helping them. So having four people feels like an army to me.”
San José, CA
Kate Steffens, ‘19 MLIS
Bridging Knowledge Scholars Travel to Oklahoma for ATALM Conference
Nine graduate students from the San José State University School of Information attended the 2023 International Conference of Indigenous Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM), which was held in Oklahoma City. The students are part of the Institute for Museum and Library Services grant-funded Bridging Knowledge project that aims to support “Indigenous librarians and contribute to growing a diverse and skilled professional workforce.”