Home: Spotlight
Dr. Michael Stephens Joins Advisory Board for IMLS Grant on Civic Engagement
Dr. Michael Stephens, associate professor at the San José State University School of Information, was invited to serve on the advisory board of a recently funded Institute of Museum and Library Services Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program project: Training Future Librarians for Civic Engagement and City Collaboration. The project focuses on civic technology, an emerging set of practices in using information, and communica
Alumni, Students Present at Third iSchool Community Poster Session during ALA Conference
The San José State University School of Information sponsored a community poster session featuring alumni and student speakers during the American Library Association’s annual conference held in June 2019. The poster session was the first time many of participants presented at a conference.
iSchool Alumna Enjoys Role in Online Student Outreach
“I had such kind and encouraging advisors when I was a student here. It’s gratifying to be able to give back.”
Sheila Gurtu, ‘99 MLIS
Student Outreach Specialist
San José State University
Unexpected Benefit of the Interview: Confidence
Published: August 9, 2019 by Greta Snyder
Nothing like working a job that doesn’t utilize your education
and talent to suck the life out of you and drain your confidence.
If you haven’t already moved on, it is time to start breaking up
from this vampire job. This isn’t Twilight, you need to
leave all the drama and frustration behind and find a new job.
You are the star of your own career; when you start going for new
opportunities it will re-energize your passion, clarify your
goals, and give you that burst of confidence you need to succeed.
Go to that interview and get your groove back!
Three iSchool Students Recognized for Commitment to Serving Spanish-Speaking Communities
REFORMA Scholarships Affirm Librarianship Career Goals
Luisa Leija, Cynthia Cortes and Renee Torres, three San José State University School of Information graduate students, were recently awarded scholarships by REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and Spanish speakers, recognizing their contributions to the field and their commitment to the organization’s mission.
iSchool Alumna Finds Second Career at SJSU
“To those of you second-career people…it isn’t easy, but it CAN BE DONE…and it is worth doing!”
Ann Agee
Academic Liaison Librarian & Online Learning Librarian
King Library, San José, CA
Day in the Life of iSchool Student – Rosa Conrad
Published: July 3, 2019 by Havilah Steinman
Hot off the presses, it’s the latest edition of our Day in the Life of an iSchool Student series! Today we’ll be introduced to Rosa Conrad, library services specialist at California State University San Marcos. With an expected graduation in spring 2021, Conrad juggles school, a full-time job, and being a mom with fantastic skill.
iSchool Explores Emerging Technology with Blockchain MOOC
Published: June 23, 2019 by guest blogger Greta Snyder
This spring 2019, SJSU iSchool offered a Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) on Blockchain & Decentralization for the Information Industries. Designed and led by Jason Griffey, a prominent advocate for blockchain research in the information services field, this innovative MOOC was made possible thanks to a grant secured by iSchool Director Dr. Sandra Hirsh and iSchool Lecturer Dr. Sue Alman from Institute of Museum and Library Services to further research into the applicability of blockchain to information services.
iSchool Student Uses the MLIS Program to Forge Her Career Path
“Don’t be afraid to live in the academic gray areas. Take the opportunities this program has to offer and run with them.”
Havilah Steinman
MLIS Student, SJSU
Oceanside, California
School of Information Student Research Journal Publishes its 17th Issue
The 17th issue of the San José State University School of Information’s Student Research Journal is now available online.
Information Skills Put to the Test: Am I Librarian?
Published: June 7, 2019 by Havilah Steinman
Earlier in the semester, the Special Library Association Student Chapter at the iSchool hosted an engaging event about information professionals working in the corporate world, instead of a traditional library. MLIS alumni who presented during the event are currently working at large companies, including Genetec, Oracle Inc. and Zovio. The Special Library Association Student Chapter also live tweeted this event, and the recording can be viewed on their website. I had the excellent opportunity to attend this event, and have shared some exciting insight below.
iSchool Alumna Explores Both Archives and Public Librarianship After Graduation
“One of the reasons I chose to do SJSU’s program was because I needed to continue to work. There was no way that I could just go to school full time, and SJSU is really flexible in that regard. One semester I took five classes, worked, did the e-Portfolio and I look back and don’t know how I did it, but somehow I made it all work.”
Patricia Delara
Librarian, Daly City Public Library
Daly City, CA
Four Graduating Students Culminate their iSchool Experience with Awards for Excellence
The San José State University School of Information has recognized four graduating students for their exceptional work. Congratulations Karen Bliss, Victor Betts, Caryn Neiswender, and Jennifer Castle!
Visionary Librarian Luis Herrera to Deliver Convocation Speech at iSchool’s Virtual Graduation Celebration
Luis Herrera, city librarian emeritus at San Francisco Public Library, has been a champion of public libraries throughout his career of more than 40 years. His delivery of the convocation speech at San José State University School of Information’s virtual graduation celebration is sure to be a highlight that inspires students of the graduating class.
Day in the Life of SRJ Managing Editor – Rachel Greggs
Published: May 9, 2019 by Havilah Steinman
Welcome to the next installment of our Day in the Life of an iSchool student series! This week’s post provides an inside look into the scholastic and professional achievements of the Student Research Journal (SRJ) Managing Editor Rachel Greggs.
iSchool Graduate Finds Exciting Opportunities in Los Angeles
“Try to meet other people working in the field or who are studying similar things. I was really glad I got to work in a public library while I was going to school. The internships also helped me meet a diverse group of people with different skill sets, so just try to get out there as much as you can. Build your network out not just up, as we were told during the Academy Gold program. Build connections with your peers so you can all bring yourselves up in the process.”
Gerard Collins
Resident Archivist, LA as Subject
Burbank, CA
Haycock Award Winner Christensen Will Deliver Graduation Speech
Graduating Master of Library and Information Science student JonLuc Christensen has been selected to receive the Ken Haycock Award for Exceptional Professional Promise and will be the student speaker for the San José State University School of Information’s virtual graduation celebration.
iSchool Director Sandra Hirsh Named UCLA’s Distinguished Alumna
Recognized for her significant accomplishments in the library profession and contributions to the advancement of the library and information studies field, Dr. Sandra Hirsh is the 2019 winner of the University of California, Los Angeles’ Library and Information Studies Distinguished Alumni Award.
#Spotlight Series: Vida Barone and ARMA Live! Conference
Published: April 12, 2019 by Katie Kuryla
Are you interested in attending an ARMA conference? MARA student Vida Barone had the opportunity to attend and she is sharing her experience with us.
Student Engagement Librarian Uses Data to Better Connect With Students
“It is important to find meaningful ways to connect with and support our users that we haven’t historically served as well, especially in the nation’s current climate. To me this means having cultural competency, knowing who your users are, having skills that support them and making sure you are meeting their needs in a way that is relevant and useful to them.”
Steven Deineh, Instruction and Student Engagement Librarian
MiraCosta College
Oceanside, CA