iStudent Blog: Curriculum
A Discussion with Dr. Ghosh about new iSchool Course: Sports Analytics
Published: November 14, 2023 by Kesheena Doctor
As part of the iSchool, I have learned just how impactful and varied the information science field can be. This spring, the iSchool will unveil a new Sports Analytics course in the Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Data Analytics degree program.
New Perspectives: iSchool Hires Five Tenure-Track Assistant Professors
Published June 7, 2022 by Hilary Meehan
I discovered something exciting while flipping through my June 2022 edition of ALA’s American Libraries yesterday; the SJSU iSchool has hired five new tenure-track assistant professors! Their names are José Aguiñaga, Jessica Bushey, Ulia Gosart, James Hodges and Norman Mooradian. Welcome one and all!
Consider a Dynamic Career in Informatics
Published: May 10, 2022 by Hilary Meehan
The SJSU iSchool offers three fully online, master’s-level degree options: the MLIS program, the MARA program and the MS in Informatics. Today, we will explore the cutting edge field of informatics and the exciting career opportunities it offers for iSchool students.
Scholarly Research: Publishing and Presenting
Published March 2, 2022 by Hilary Meehan
Hello, SJSU iStudent virtual community! I’m Hilary (she/her/hers), your new iStudent blogger. I look forward to addressing your school-related information needs effectively and comprehensively. Additionally, I encourage you to communicate to me your ideas, comments, questions, and concerns regarding the blog. You may use the comment box at the bottom of each blog post or contact me directly at hilary.meehan@sjsu.edu. I look forward to hearing from you and commit myself to respond to your messages.
Eyes on the Prize: Charting Your Course Through School
Published: January 11, 2022 by Leslie Parry
The flexibility and efficiency of online education is what drew many of us to the San José State University School of Information in the first place. We have the ability to learn at our own pace, integrate our coursework into busy schedules, and choose from a multitude of superb classes. This autonomy, of course, also requires a certain amount of proactiveness and strategic thinking. That’s why planning ahead for a successful academic experience is so critical. Whether it’s choosing the right classes or preparing for graduation, the iSchool has dozens of resources to help you get organized and stay informed. I talked to Sheila Gurtu, student outreach specialist, as well as to recent graduates about everything from time management to e-Port prep. Here are some ideas to help you flourish.
MLIS Career Pathways: A Look at Academic Librarianship
Published: November 17, 2021 by Leslie Parry
Last month the iSchool Student Services team hosted a new Lunch and Learn Workshop as part of their ongoing series on MLIS pathways. The topic was academic librarianship and featured School of Information faculty members Dr. Deborah Hicks, Alison Johnson and Dr. Linda Main. What makes this pathway unique? As Taryn Reiner, student support specialist, explains, “Academic libraries are found in institutions of higher education – in community colleges, private colleges, major universities or specialized research institutes.” They employ about 26,000 professional librarians and account for 48 percent of the positions analyzed in the most recent MLIS Skills at Work report. The roles and responsibilities of academic librarians are diverse; they include instruction, research support, project management, technical services, reference and outreach. Over the course of the hour-long program, the panel shared their thoughts on the classes, skillsets and experiences that can best prepare students for work in this field.
MLIS Career Pathways: A Look at Information Intermediation and Instruction
Published: August 12, 2021 by Leslie Parry
If you haven’t yet attended a session, be sure to check out the iSchool Student Services Lunch and Learn webinar series. These virtual chats, held live over Zoom, give students a chance to interact with the Student Services team, ask the faculty burning questions, and learn more about opportunities for success at the San José State University School of Information. Of particular note are the webinars exploring different MLIS career pathways. Most recently the featured pathway was Information Intermediation and Instruction. Panelists included faculty members Dr. José Aguiñaga, Dr. Lili Luo, and Director of Online Learning Bethany Winslow. As Sheila Gurtu, the webcast host and Student Outreach Specialist, explains, this pathway prepares students for careers in reference services, instructional design and related information settings. Among the topics discussed were essential skills, recommended coursework and potential professions. Read on for highlights from this excellent discussion.
Earning a Digital Assets Certificate as a Master’s Student
Published: May 4, 2021 by Leslie Parry
If you’re enrolled in the MLIS or MARA program at San José State University, you have the opportunity to earn an Advanced Certificate in Strategic Management of Digital Assets and Services in addition to your master’s degree. Best of all, you can complete the coursework at no additional cost and without extending your time in graduate school. Three different certificate pathways are available, and the nine required units can all be drawn from Special Session electives.
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.
I Survived the e-Portfolio (and How You Can Too)
Published: November 26, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro
On the first day of INFO-289, I woke up to see I had been added to Dr. Anthony Bernier’s advising site in Canvas with a dozen or so other students. I already knew Dr. Bernier from my work on the School of Information Student Research Journal, so it was nice to see a familiar face. Advisors are assigned randomly and you don’t know who your advisor is until the semester starts. Now I’m writing this article having completed my e-Portfolio several weeks early. My goal with this post is to give you a window into the process and share practical tips that will set you up for success when the time comes for you.
Learn About Technology Trends at the iSchool
Published: November 13, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro
According to a new Gartner report, the top 10 strategic technology trends for 2019 include AI-driven development, virtual reality, augmented reality, blockchain and digital ethics. You have the opportunity to learn more about some of these trends during your time at the School of Information. Being prepared about technology trends that could impact your future work as an information professional will help you navigate the changes and to maximize them. Not to mention iSchool Director Dr. Hirsh shared with students that employers are looking for candidates with technological skills in her most recent virtual coffee chat.
Exciting Classes for Spring and Summer 2019
Published: October 15, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro
I can’t believe I don’t have to think about spring and summer classes this time around! I’m excited to be in my final semester working on my e-Portfolio but at the same time sad that my iSchool experience is (almost) over. I can still help you with your class choices though! There are several things to factor in when making your decision about how many units you want to take and which classes. This post should help you – I’ll highlight some classes that I think look interesting and make sure I cover all the key points about nailing down your schedule.
Eight Bonuses I Didn’t Expect From Doing an Internship
Published: October 8, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro
I’m sure you already know internships are a great way to build valuable work experience while earning credits towards your degree. I was fortunate enough to participate in two internships, one at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, CA, followed by a summer internship at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Build Your Leadership Skills at the iSchool
Published: October 1, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro
Do you see yourself leading others? Are you the next library director or branch manager? Even if you don’t aspire to be in a leadership position, leadership skills are important at any level. Leadership capabilities can help you work collaboratively with others and look ahead to new trends or issues that can impact your work environment. You might also find yourself supervising interns or volunteers. Whatever your career goals, the iSchool offers plenty of opportunities for building your leadership competence including courses, volunteer roles and some paid positions.
New Tool: Find An Elective Without A Core Course Prerequisite
Published: August 20, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro
You should already be familiar with the suite of tools available to help you develop your focused plan as part of the Advising Toolkit, including the Unit Planning Tool and MLIS Course Tracker. These tools can help make your life easier as you plan each semester towards completing your degree. With a wealth of classes to choose from and multiple career pathways, it can sometimes be overwhelming to narrow down your class decisions, not to mention checking if the class is intensive, how many units it is and whether or not there are prerequisites. Luckily, a new tool has been developed to save you time when trying to figure out which advanced classes you can take, based on what core courses you still need to complete
Professional Associations: Info 200 Free Membership
Published: August 6, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro
So you’re about to start your first semester as an iSchool student, you just enrolled in INFO 200 and you’re not sure what professional association(s) to join. Lucky for you, I’m here to walk you through the complimentary one-year membership available to all MLIS students in INFO 200. I’ll also share some reasons why you should consider becoming a member with multiple associations, including student and local chapters.
Five Steps To Apply For Financial Aid
Published: June 13, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro
Many students are worried about how to pay for their program. Most people qualify for some form of financial aid, you just have to take the time to apply for it. Thankfully, the process is pretty streamlined and once you’ve read this article you should be confident navigating the world of student loans. There’s still time to submit your application for 2018-2019 funding; the deadline is at the end of this month, June 30. If you’ve been dragging your feet, now is the time to take action by reading this blog post and getting your application completed before it’s too late!
Get Set For Summer
Published: May 7, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro
I think it’s safe to say we’re all excited for summer: sun, beaches, barbeques and flip flops are on the horizon! With deadlines fast approaching to wrap up the semester you might not be thinking ahead just yet (other than dreaming of some much needed rest) but if you can find some time, you’ll reap the benefits of planning out your summer in advance. In this article, I share insights from current iSchool students on how to make the most of summer. While you should definitely enjoy some downtime by the pool, there are also opportunities you can seek out to bolster your resume and enhance your education before fall semester begins.
Virtual Internships — Tips for Students and Stories of Alumni Success
Published: July 20, 2017
Time and time again during your studies at the San José State University iSchool, you hear this advice—“Do an internship!” Director Sandra Hirsh highlights this advice in her Director’s Forums and the Career Development pages talk at length about the benefits of dipping one’s toes into the working world.
The SJSU iSchool Offers a Wealth of Options for Advanced Education and Expanding Careers
Published: July 14, 2017
So you want to be an information professional! Now that you’ve found the iSchool at San José State University, let us help you find the right program for you. The School of Information offers a variety of certificates, two master’s degrees, open classes, and a PhD program in collaboration with the Queensland University of Technology. That’s quite a menu to choose from for the inspiring information professional!