Home: Spotlight
Director’s Scholarship for Excellence Awarded to Five New iSchool Students
Five students who will be enrolling in the Master of Library and Information Science program at San José State University’s School of Information in fall 2020 have received the Director’s Scholarship for Excellence, totaling $7,110 in award funding; each award is valued at $1,422.
Connecting to Community Through Leadership
“The connections I’ve made with my fellow iSchool students; I’m really so happy with that. I would not have met the people I met, and they’re really great people.”
Elizabeth Lesso, MLIS Student (degree expected fall 2021)
West Hartford, Connecticut
Chair of ALASC, 2019-2020
iSchool Alumna and Faculty Member Named 2020 Library Journal Movers and Shakers
The highly anticipated annual roster of Movers and Shakers in the information profession published by Library Journal is out, and two of them have ties to the San José State University School of Information. Anna Avalos, a 2007 alumna of the Master of Library and Information Science program, and Maggie Murphy, a faculty member, are among the distinguished group of award winners that has grown to nearly 1,000 since its launch in 2002.
Community Connection in Micro-Libraries
“I was definitely one of those kids that grew up in the library. My dad would take me and drop me off, and I’d just read all day long.”
Brianna Anderson, ‘17 MLIS
Librarian II and Branch Manager of the Micro-Libraries
Stockton-San Joaquin County, California
Wondering How to Market your iSchool Skills in the Unpredictable Future?
Published: April 12, 2020 by Greta Snyder
Hoping everyone is continuing to stay safe and healthy during this challenging and unpredictable time. The Covid-19 health crisis is impacting so many of us that right now that supporting each other as LIS professionals is more crucial than ever. Take pride in your skills, especially as an SJSU iSchool student, as you’ve mastered the world of virtual learning, connecting and working remotely so your infinitely equipped with the tools to succeed in the unpredictable future and changing job landscape. One thing you can count on is that organizations are going to be scrambling to adapt to an online format and you can help. In fact, you’re a pro! So know you can ride every crashing wave and survive with your hard-earned skills and enduring resiliency.
Four Graduating Students Honored with Director’s Awards for Excellence
The San José State University School of Information proudly recognizes four graduating students from the Class of 2020 for their exceptional work with Director’s Awards for Excellence. During their grad school studies in the Master of Library and Information Science degree program they demonstrated leadership, ingenuity, compassion, and commitment to bettering our communities. Congratulations Elizabeth Borges, Amanda Cronkright, Bijan Nowroozian and Shelby Silvernell!
Internet Me Is Doing Great by ALASC
Published: May 1, 2020 by Havilah Steinman
With the majority of people at home during the pandemic, social media has become even more pervasive in the way we interact, build community and job search. San José State University iSchool’s American Library Association Student Chapter (ALASC) recently hosted the live virtual webinar, Internet Me Is Doing Great, and the recording is now viewable on their YouTube channel. See below for highlights of this timely and informative event!
iSchool Graduate Sharaya Olmeda Stands Out for Exceptional Professional Promise
The School of Information at San José State University is pleased to announce the winner of the 2020 Ken Haycock Award for Exceptional Professional Promise is Sharaya Olmeda, who completed the Master of Library and Information Science program and graduated Summa Cum Laude in December 2019. This coveted recognition is awarded annually by peers and faculty of the iSchool’s Student Awards and Scholarship Committee.
A Dream Job Takes Form in the Face of a Pandemic
“We grew up in libraries, so we stayed. That’s really what it comes down to. We recognize where the magic happens.”
Bethany Rice, ‘15 MLIS
Curator of Collections, Kern County Museum
Bakersfield, California
Career Questions Amidst the Health Crisis: You’re Not Alone
Published: April 12, 2020 by Greta Snyder
Career questions? Then, you’ve come to the right place: this blog is dedicated to providing resources for current students, recent graduates and practicing professionals. I hope you and your loved ones and community are staying as healthy and safe as possible during this scary, challenging and unpredictable time. If you feel like you’re on your own that’s totally natural anytime and especially right now amidst the Covid-19 crisis. Keep assured that you’re not alone and you’ve got a strong system of virtual support through SJSU iSchool. Reach out to the faculty and staff if you are impacted and have questions about best practices for your organization or how to keep up balancing work, life and coursework during this time. And keep up to date with career advice, job hunting and virtual work strategies and online career development opportunities through the Career Blog. I’m here for you!
New Instructor to Join SJSU iSchool’s Award-Winning Faculty
The San José State University School of Information announces the addition of Darra L. Hofman, a new tenure-track faculty member that will join its diverse and award-winning faculty.
iSchool Life During the Pandemic
Published: April 7, 2020 by Havilah Steinman
While the iSchool at San José State University is a fully online school, COVID-19 has a drastic effect on the LIS community. Our classes are not affected, but everyone is dealing with the effects this global pandemic has on their respective communities and personal lives. Below is a roundup of resources that may be helpful in this difficult time.
Working and Applying for Jobs During Covid-19? A few tips.
Published: April 2, 2020 by Greta Snyder
Hoping everyone is staying safe and healthy! This health crisis is impacting so many of us that right now we have to play it day-by-day. For those job-hunting, or unsure about the future of their current workplace amidst this tenuous situation, this is a particularly stressful, unpredictable time in the job market. The good news is that as an SJSU MLIS or MARA student, you have proven success working online and remotely in both collaborative and independent roles, and as an up-and-coming LIS professional with work or internship experience in the field, you might also have demonstrated expertise providing information resources to support your community. These skills are more important than ever, so while applying for jobs or starting to look due to current workplace instability, it’s essential to focus on how you might be able to benefit others by leveraging your iSchool LIS skills during this global crisis and make a positive impact.
MARA Student Vida Barone Shares Her Insight
Published: March 24, 2020 by Havilah Steinman
Wondering what current students of the Masters of Archives and Records Administration at San José State University’s iSchool are up to? Vida Barone has worked in local government for 25 years, and shared that she still learns something new every week. Barone founded her own company 13 years ago, City Clerk Management Services, Inc. She started at the MARA program in summer 2018, and made the decision to enroll so she could show her credibility in information governance.
iSchool Director Transitions to New Leadership Role at SJSU
Dr. Sandra Hirsh Accepts Associate Dean Position
The San José State University School of Information announces a change in leadership effective March 16, 2020. Dr. Sandra Hirsh is transitioning from her role as director and professor at the iSchool to associate dean for academics in the SJSU College of Professional and Global Education.
“Serving as the iSchool director over the last 10 years has been the highlight of my career! I am very proud of what we have accomplished during this period,” Hirsh stated.
Sisters Share MLIS Studies, Pursue Individual Librarianship Paths
“We feel lucky to be a part of the library world. Librarians are such a loving group of people, and our iSchool experience has been great so far!”
Kelsey Flynn
MLIS Student (degree expected spring 2021)
Adult Services Specialist, Lockport Library
Lockport, Illinois
Korey Flynn
MLIS Student (degree expected spring 2021)
Adult and Teen Services Specialist, Woodridge Library
Woodridge, Illinois
Free, Online iSchool Career Workshops: What Are You Waiting For?
Published: February 27, 2020 by Greta Snyder
Drum roll please. The answer is the next one! Did you know the SJSU iSchool offers free, online iSchool Career Workshops? It’s time to get the most out of your iSchool experience by learning from the ultimate career resource, iSchool Career Consultant Jill Klees. If you missed this month’s workshop “Your LIS Career Starts Here,” this post will catch you up and prepare you for the next workshop slated to be March 4, 2020 5-6pm PT, focusing on informational interviews. So, take the reins and jump start your career with iSchool Career Workshops: free, live, recorded and awesome.
#SpotlightSeries: First Year MARA Student, Rebecca Sharp
Published: February 20, 2020 by Kenna Wulker
Our MARA students come from a variety of career backgrounds. Some may already be in the Archives/Records Management profession, while others are continuing their education in hopes of landing that perfect position. First year MARA student Rebecca Sharp shares her experience working for NARA, the National Archives and Records Administration, while taking on the MARA program. Read on to learn more!
New Lecturer to Join SJSU iSchool’s Award-Winning Faculty in Fall 2020
The San José State University School of Information announces the addition of a new full-time, non-tenure-track lecturer to its diverse and award-winning faculty.
Exploring iSchool Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Published: February 6, 2020 by Greta Snyder and guest blogger Karen Pfeffer
With the semester in full throttle, you’re becoming a pro at juggling school, work and life. Be confident that you can continue to grow as a multi-tasking pro and take on one of the most rewarding and best career-building parts of SJSU iSchool: opportunities beyond the classroom. You’ve got to get extra-curricular to really take full advantage of your experience at iSchool.