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
Dr. Anthony Bernier Awarded Second Grant for First-Generation Research Project; Elected Chair of Library History Round Table
San José State University School of Information Professor Anthony Bernier recently celebrated two landmark achievements: he was awarded the 2019 Association for Library and Information Science Education’s research grant, and he was elected to serve as chair of the American Library Association’s Library History Round Table.
Back to School
Tips for Online Classes
Published: August 12, 2019 by Kenna Wulker
The fall semester is quickly approaching. If you’re anything like me, it’s challenging to get back into the swing of school. Read on for my top tips to a successful semester! Don’t forget—classes start August 21st!
Day in the Life of iSchool Student – Kiel Mangerino
Published: August 11, 2019 by guest blogger McKenna Wulker
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! The latest edition of our Day in the Life of an iSchool Student series is here. Kiel Mangerino is a hardworking student in the iSchool’s Masters in Archives and Records Administration (MARA) program, a dedicated father and a full time Deputy Town Clerk. His long days are full of challenges, but Mangerino wouldn’t trade his experience in the MARA program for the world.
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!
The Secret Key to Finding the Perfect Job
Published: July 25, 2019 by Greta Snyder
Think of finding a job like finding a potential date on
Bumble or Tinder. While finding the right information environment
in person and starting out as “friends,” or in job terms as an
intern, volunteer, or para-professional, can definitely lead to
the offer, job searching, like dating, is now often online. So,
play career matchmaker for yourself, keep an open mind, cast a
broad net, and match your interests and skills to
possibilities.
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
Resume: Check; But, Are You Ready for the Interview?
Published: July 5, 2019 by Greta Snyder
Now that you have revised your resume are you ready for the
interview? Last week I focused on the process of upping your
resume game with the help of our rock-star SJSU
iSchool Career
Consultant Jill Klees. I cannot thank her enough for all her
insight and guidance; Jill should have a reality show, “resume
rescue,” no joke! So after you reach out to Jill for some
fine-tuning, it’s probable that your now high-impact resume will
land you a chance at job of your dreams. Are your job skills as
polished as your resume?
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.
VCARA Opens the Door to VR in Education
Published: May 30, 2019 by Havilah Steinman
The Virtual Center for Archives and Records Administration recently hosted their 10th annual conference in Second Life, entitled “Sands of Time Looking Back to Move Forward.” VCARA isn’t just for iSchool students, and openly welcomes all information professionals. VCARA is a great virtual community for individuals particularly interested in information science and education. The conference is an excellent example of this inclusivity, as their two keynote speakers, Dr. Valerie Hill and Daniel Dyboski-Bryant, shed light on this burgeoning new world.
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.