iStudent Blog
iStudent Blog
Students in all of our programs, as well as applicants, will find the iStudent Blog a gold mine. Written by a current student, this blog provides important information and resources and useful advice, including posts about courses, career pathways, online learning, time management, student groups, conferences, and financial aid.
From Rope Tricks to Reading Lists
Karen's Quest to Lasso Lifelong Learning
Published: February 25, 2025 by Gabe Farmer
iSchool Alum Karen Quest has been roping in audiences for most of her life and still incorporates her cowgirl act into her work with library outreach. Her show, Cowgirl Tricks, features trick roping, whip cracking and what she laughingly calls “kooky cowgirl shenanigans perfect for the whole family.” Karen has performed for corporate events, private parties, fairs and festivals nationwide. Yet, in 2011, she stepped into a new performance arena: libraries. At a children’s librarian showcase, she found an intriguing new audience. “As I continued to get booked at libraries, I noticed that librarians were funny and they were smart and they get it,” she explains. “And very different from the other clients that I did business with. And I started getting library curious.”
ALASC Presents: American Library Association 2026-2027 Presidential Campaign Event
Published: February 19, 2025 by Gabe Farmer
Being an active member of the American Library Association (ALA) means not just staying informed but also taking part in shaping the future of our profession. That’s why the upcoming 2026–2027 ALA Presidential Candidates Speaker Panel is such an exciting opportunity for iSchool students.
Information Gone Wild Blog: Episode 9
Elizabeth Ruane: The Emotional and Practical Challenges of Library Closures
Published: February 17, 2025
Elizabeth Ruane is the former
library director at Marlboro College in Vermont, which closed in
June 2020. Elizabeth co-edited the book Closing a College
Library, which explores the challenges and emotional impact of
library closures, and offers practical advice for navigating
these difficult times.
From Education to Libraries: Jackie’s Journey of Career Transition and Balance
Published: February 11, 2025 by Gabe Farmer
Making a career change can be stressful enough, but working on your second master’s degree while balancing a full-time job really ups the pressure! iSchool student Jackie Roussin is meeting the challenge with determination and enthusiasm. Jackie, a former educator, made the leap into librarianship in 2022 and now works as a children’s programming librarian while pursuing her MLIS degree.
What’s a Black Job? The Evolution of Black Librarians
iSchool Presents Online Symposium February 25
Published: January 28, 2025 by Matsuko Friedland
Please join the SJSU iSchool, California Librarians Black Caucus, and the SJSU Black Student Library Collective in celebrating Black History Month as we honor the achievements of our Black community members.
Information Gone Wild Blog: Episode 8
Amanda Jones: Advocacy and Activism in the Library World
Published: January 25, 2025
Amanda Jones is a passionate school librarian and author, widely recognized for her advocacy in the fight against book banning and censorship. Her new book, That Librarian, chronicles her personal journey through the challenges of standing up for libraries, navigating harassment, and advocating for the right to read. Through her powerful storytelling, Amanda highlights the importance of libraries in preserving democracy and the freedom to read. In this interview, Amanda shares insights into her activism, the role of professional networks, and the importance of speaking out for what you believe in.
Spotlight on iSchool Student Organizations
Why You Should Join One This Year
Published: January 14, 2025 by Gabe Farmer
The start of a new year and the beginning of a fresh semester is the perfect time to explore opportunities to connect with fellow iSchool students and build your professional network. Joining a student organization at SJSU iSchool helps you form connections and adds valuable experience to your resume. With various groups tailored to different interests, you’re bound to find one that aligns with your passions and career goals. Here’s a closer look at the incredible student organizations you can get involved in this year.
New Year, New Habits: Streamlining Your iSchool Life in 2025
Published: January 7, 2025 by Gabe Farmer
Implications of AI for Moving Image Archivists Hot Topic at AMIA Conference
Published: January 6, 2025 by Joshua Insel
This December, I attended the 2024 Association of Moving Image Archivists (AMIA) conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a travel grant from the iSchool. I am currently in my second year of the MLIS program and my chosen career pathway is archives and preservation. Moving image (i.e. film, television) archives are one area that I am particularly interested in. I am passionate about film history and often attend screenings of classic films in Los Angeles. Many of these screenings are of film prints in various formats, both in terms of film size and sound, so I have gained much familiarity with the technical aspects of film. I am also fascinated by restoration projects and the complex work that goes into them. I decided to attend the AMIA conference to learn more about the work of moving image archives and get to know professionals in the field.
Winter Break Reads: Cozy Up with These Page-Turners
Published: December 28, 2024 by Gabe Farmer
Winter break is here, and whether you’re curling up by the fire or hiding from the cold under a pile of blankets, there’s no better time to lose yourself in a great book. Instead of swiping through endless Netflix options or doomscrolling social media, why not swipe right on your next favorite read? To help you make the perfect match, I’ve put together “book profiles” for a few standout titles, each with its own unique vibe. From laugh-out-loud rom-coms to awe-inspiring sci-fi, these reads will keep you company when the sun begins to set at 4 pm. There’s something here for everyone, so grab a cup of cocoa and pick your next favorite escape!
Stay Connected: Building Your iSchool and IDS Network
Published: December 17, 2024 by Gabe Farmer
As information students and professionals, staying up-to-date with constantly evolving trends and developments is more important than ever. Fortunately, the College of Information, Data and Society (IDS) and the School of Information (iSchool) provide a wealth of opportunities to help us stay informed and connected.
Decompress and Recharge: Tips for Making the Most of Your Winter Break
Published: December 12, 2024 by Gabe Farmer
You did it! The fall semester has come to an end, and it’s time to unwind, relax and recharge over the winter break. After weeks of assignments, readings, research and perhaps a little too much caffeine, you’ve earned this pause.
Gratitude in the iSchool Community: What We’re Thankful For
Published: November 25, 2024 by Gabe Farmer
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a perfect time to reflect on what we’re thankful for. In the iSchool, we’re more than just a group of students, faculty and staff scattered across the globe. We’re a community! Whether it’s the program’s flexibility, our inspiring peers and faculty or the connections we’ve built, there’s a lot to be grateful for. I reached out to fellow students to hear what they’re thankful for, and their responses highlight the incredible strength and support within our community.
Balancing Life, Work and School – Spotlighting Corrine’s Journey
Published: November 19, 2024 by Gabe Farmer
Online education can feel isolating, but the iSchool community spans the globe. We’re not alone in our studies, stresses or struggles. Across time zones and life stages, there are hundreds of students we can celebrate, commiserate or collaborate with. For this reason, I present a “Day in the Life” series that will highlight some relatable iSchool students. The feature will offer insights into how students from all walks of life balance the program with their day-to-day lives and shine a light on our shared experiences.
Navigating the E-Portfolio Process: Tips, Tricks and Tales from the Trenches
Published: November 13, 2024 by Gabe Farmer
Are you nearing the finish line of your MLIS program? Is the infamous e-Portfolio looming large on your to-do list? You’re not alone, you don’t have to look far to find fellow students nervous about the e-Portfolio process. To help demystify the process, I chatted with Dr. Michael Stephens, SJSU iSchool professor, and two fellow students, Ellie Keene and Rose Harless, who are currently in the final stages of the e-Portfolio process.
Symposium Recap of ‘Rural Libraries of Ukraine During the Ongoing War’
Ukraine Symposium
Published: November 12, 2024 by Nicole Azof
The San José State University iSchool presented a symposium on October 18, 2023 about Rural Libraries of Ukraine during the Ongoing War.
California Library Association Conference Examines Self Care and Shelf Care
Published: November 6, 2024 by Shannon Broden
Guardians of Culture: Sovereignty, Service, and Self-Determination in Libraries, Archives, and Language Preservation
iSchool Presents Online Symposium November 22
Published: October 31, 2024 by Matsuko Friedland
Please join the SJSU iSchool in celebrating Native American Heritage Month as we honor the achievements of our Native American community members.
November Events to Inspire, Inform and Connect
Published: October 31, 2024 by Gabe Farmer
November is shaping up to be packed with exciting iSchool events, each offering unique insights and chances to connect with experts and peers. With topics ranging from diversity and inclusivity to student wellness, there’s something here for everyone. These events offer excellent opportunities to connect with fellow students and information science professionals. Take a look at the highlights and consider joining a few!
Top 5 Cybersecurity Tips for iSchool Students
Published: October 28, 2024 by Gabe Farmer
Cybersecurity Awareness
October is known for spooky tales, but what could be scarier in today’s digital age than having your personal information stolen? October was declared Cybersecurity Awareness Month 20 years ago in 2004. In this digital age, we have so much of our personal information accessible online, but it is easy to feel a sense of anonymity on the internet. Maybe you have even thought, “I’m not anyone important, why would a hacker target me?” Dr. Crystal Fausett, iSchool Assistant Professor, says this can be a false sense of security.