iStudent Blog: Community and Engagement

Published: May 14, 2025 by Gabe Farmer

Cat Tang didn’t always know she wanted to be a librarian. In fact, she was firmly against going back to school. “When I finished undergrad, I was like, oh, no grad school. I’m not going to grad school,” she said. But after a year working in libraries, her perspective shifted. Encouraged by coworkers and inspired by the work, she began researching Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) programs. Eventually, she enrolled at San José State University School of Information, knowing she wanted to get involved from the start.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!