Home: Spotlight
Get a Jump-Start With Summer Opportunities
Published: May 26, 2021 by Leslie Parry
The end of the semester is here! For months we’ve been rearranging our lives and work around the pandemic, keeping up with our studies, and waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel. Now it’s time to take a break and celebrate! For those who are looking to keep up momentum during the summer, there are plenty of ways to stay engaged. From summer classes to networking opportunities to simply getting organized, here are ideas for enhancing your iSchool experience over summer break.
Haycock Award Winner Combines Librarianship with Sustainability
Samantha Hamilton is the 2021 Graduating Student Speaker
The Student Scholarship Awards Committee has chosen Samantha Hamilton to receive the Ken Haycock Award for Exceptional Professional Promise. Hamilton, who earns her Master of Library and Information Science degree this May, will receive $1,000 and a citation and will deliver the graduating student address at San José State University School of Information’s virtual convocation this year.
Course Assignment Leads to Dream Library Job
Recent Grad’s Resume ‘Impressive’ Says Supervisor
Melissa Taylor, a recent graduate of the Master of Library and Information Science program at the San José State University School of Information, took a class in library marketing during her final semester and used a course assignment to market herself into a new job.
iSchool Alumni on the e-Portfolio: What I Wish I Had Known
Published: April 13, 2021 by Leslie Parry
Three recent graduates of the San José State University School of Information joined the ASIS&T Student Chapter to discuss “What I Wish I Had Known.” Now that they’re entering or established in the workforce, the alumni shared their wisdom with current iSchool students, discussing everything from course work to career paths. One of the main topics of conversation, unsurprisingly, was the e-Portfolio. While the alumni stressed three major points – plan ahead, don’t procrastinate, and get peer support – they also delved into the finer details. Below is their expert advice for tackling the biggest project in graduate school.
Scholarship Recipients Find Application Process Fun
Award Impact Powerful
They report feeling ecstatic, relieved and joyful; both honored and validated. Some turn reflective, while others report feeling more motivated than ever to succeed. They text their parents, do a celebratory dance and check the email announcement twice to make sure it’s real.
“Ask Me Anything” with Dr. Linda Main
Published: March 15, 2021 by Leslie Parry
Dr. Linda Main, interim director of the San José State University School of Information, met with iSchool students earlier this month for an insightful “Ask Me Anything” session. These regular, informal meetups give students a chance to chat with the director and ask about anything from career paths to iSchool resources to the LIS world at large. Below are just a few of the questions Dr. Main fielded. To view the full Q&A, click here.
New Staff Members Support iSchool Students Behind the Scenes
Two new staff members joined the School of Information at San José State University at the beginning of the spring 2021 semester. Taryn Reiner started as student support specialist January 25, and Bethany Winslow arrived on February 8 as the new e-learning specialist. Winslow will take on Debbie Faires’ non-faculty responsibilities when Faires retires at the end of this semester.
The Impact of Feedback on Your Personal Brand
Published: March 10, 2021 by Jillian Collins
Your professional reputation, also known as your “brand,” is the
foundation of the essentials in career kits and in your long-term
career development strategy. And because everyone forms an
opinion of us during any interaction we have, it’s not like we
can just decide to ignore all this brand stuff. Better to take
charge of how others see you to ensure they’re seeing the
real you.
Tips for Staying Focused and Managing Your Time
Published: February 28, 2021 by Leslie Parry
While many of us may be finding it difficult to concentrate during this unprecedented time, graduate school remains a positive outlet for our intellectual and creative energies. The School of Information offers so many opportunities to apply our talents, strengthen our resolve and plan for a better future. So how do we put one foot in front of the other and keep distraction and procrastination at bay? Below are some resources, from academic assistance to online learning tools, that can help students stay disciplined and continue to flourish in a remote environment.
iSchool Faculty Members Debbie Faires and Dr. Patricia Franks Will Deliver Dual Convocation Addresses This May
The School of Information at San José State University will celebrate graduates of its fully online programs in a virtual convocation May 20, at 5 p.m. PDT. Debbie Faires and Dr. Patricia Franks, two pillars of the iSchool faculty, both of whom are retiring at the end of the spring semester, will deliver convocation addresses. Attendees can expect rich reflections on the iSchool’s past and inspiration for graduates entering the field.
Adrienne Bogard’s Role as a Floating Librarian
“We have policies and procedures that are across the board, that everybody follows, so the big stuff is all the same no matter where you are. But then things like workflow, the collection, how the collection is laid out, that changes from library to library. When you first start it can be quite challenging to remember all the details of the branch you’re working at that day.”
Adrienne Bogard, iSchool MLIS Student
Librarian at the Allen County Public Library
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Three iSchool Alumni Recognized for Outstanding Public Service with I Love My Librarian Award
On January 23 the American Library Association honored the 2021 winners of its prestigious I Love My Librarian award in a virtual ceremony that was part of the ALA’s entirely virtual Midwinter Meeting. Three of the 10 winners are alumni of the Master of Library and Information Science program at the San José State University School of Information.
Making the Most of the King Library Resources
Published: January 29, 2021 by Leslie Parry
Whether you’re just beginning INFO 203 or conducting intensive research for a seminar, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library at San José State University has the resources to help you succeed. It’s true that in an online program you may never get a chance to walk through the library doors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of everything it offers. From one-on-one research support to specialized subject guides, students at the School of Information have access to a breadth of tools and services that are designed to support virtual learning. I spoke with Gareth Scott, library liaison, about the King Library resources he recommends most for iSchool students.
Alumna Rosa Hall Made the Most of Her Time in the iSchool
“When I started the iSchool’s program I wanted to make sure that I got experience with different kinds of libraries and librarianship. Since I had started in an academic library, worked as a library aid in a public library as well as an intern in a corrections facility library, when I saw that they were hiring at Hansen Bridget I thought it would be a really good experience to try law librarianship as well.”
Rosa Hall, ‘20 MLIS
Assistant Research and Library Operations Specialist, Hanson
Bridgett LLP
San Francisco, CA
Ellyssa Valenti Kroski Leads the Charge in Gamification and Library AI
“Immersive games are not only very entertaining for patrons, but they are outstanding vehicles for developing critical thinking skills, providing literacy instruction, staff training and team building, as well as outreach and marketing.”
Ellyssa Valenti Kroski MLIS, BA
Librarian/Technologist/Writer/Speaker/Educator
Director of Information Technology, The New York Law
Institute
Adjunct Professor, San José State University and Drexel
University
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Passions Lead to Opportunities at SJSU iSchool
“When you get involved in student groups, you have the opportunity to gain demonstrable skills and knowledge to supplement your course work. In my experience as a student leader, I’ve developed skills in collaboration, project management, marketing and outreach, programming, and more.”
Kelli Roisman, MLIS Student
Managing Editor, Archeota 2019-present
Events Coordinator, ALASC, 2020-present
Events Coordinator, ALASC, 2020-present
Executive Board Chair SAASC, 2019-2020
Los Angeles, California
How to Find a Mentor in Graduate School
Published: November 30, 2020 by Leslie Parry
Enrolling in the San José State University School of Information is both a thrilling step and a daunting one. With so many pathways possible in the information science field – and any number of courses and specialties to choose from – how can you be sure you’re making the best decisions for your future career? Who can you turn to with your carefully considered ideas and random, panicked questions? Luckily, no matter your needs or interests, the iSchool can help you find a mentor. Whether they’re seasoned professionals, recent alumni or even senior students, mentors can offer anything from academic recommendations to career advice; they can suggest networking opportunities as well as skills to hone for your résumé. No matter if it’s a formal mentorship sponsored by a professional association or a more informal connection made through the iSchool – having a mentor is critical to professional growth. To find a mentorship opportunity that’s right for you, check out the resources below.
Ask an Archivist: Craig Simpson, MARA Liaison Librarian
Published: November 9, 2020 by Leslie Parry
October was American Archives Month, and to celebrate I had the chance to talk to Craig Simpson, director of Special Collections & Archives at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library and liaison librarian for the Master of Archives and Records Administration (MARA) program. As a certified archivist and SC&A director, he leads all the operations in his department, from reference services to digital projects. As the liaison to the MARA program, he curates LibGuides, creates tutorials and assists with research across disciplines.
A Look at the iSchool Advising Toolkit
Published: October 25, 2020 by Leslie Parry
Of all the resources available to iSchool students, the advising toolkit is one of the most valuable. No matter where you are in your program, the toolkit can help you plan classes, choose an advisor, track your academic progress and get ready for graduation. With new tools and features just added, it’s worth examining at any (and every!) stage of your iSchool career. You’ll find general information at the top and program-specific links toward the bottom. (You can also click on the Getting Started tab to access toolkits related to policies and procedures, career plans, and student wellness and success.)
MLIS Student, Librarian and Community Advocate
“I just want people to know that there is importance in working in rural communities… The community that recognizes you, and gets to know you, there is this bond that I can’t explain.”
Hope Saldivar, MLIS Student (degree expected spring
2023)
Library Associate, Yolo County Libraries, Knights Landing
Branch.
Davis, California.