iStudent Blog: Professional Development

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iStudent Blog: Professional Development

iStudent Blog

Information Gone Wild Blog: Episode 10
Interview with Nick Higgins: Chief Librarian of the Brooklyn Public Library

Published: March 17, 2025

Nick Higgins, Chief Librarian of Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), was named to the 2023 TIME100 Next list for his leadership in fighting censorship and book banning. He is the driving force behind BPL’s Books Unbanned initiative, which provides teens nationwide access to the library’s digital collection, and has inspired other libraries to join the movement for intellectual freedom.

The following is an excerpt from our recent Information Gone Wild podcast with Nick.

iStudent Blog

Information Gone Wild Blog: Episode 9
Elizabeth Ruane: The Emotional and Practical Challenges of Library Closures

Published: February 17, 2025

Closing a College Library Book CoverElizabeth 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.

iStudent Blog

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.

iStudent Blog

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.

iStudent Blog

Implications of AI for Moving Image Archivists Hot Topic at AMIA Conference

AMIA Presentation Session Photo

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.

iStudent Blog

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!

iStudent Blog

Symposium Recap of ‘From Silence to Pride’
National Deaf History Month Symposium

Symposium Recap of ‘From Silence to Pride’

Published: October 25, 2024 by Matsuko Friedland

In honor of National Deaf History Month, the San José State University iSchool hosted a free online symposium on April 30, 2024, titled “Silence to Pride”. A recording of the event is available on YouTube. The symposium featured co-keynotes KayCee Choi and Alicia Deal, and a panel with Brenden Gilbert, Evelyn Keolian, Sadia R. Khan, and Brad McKenna.

iStudent Blog

Symposium Recap of ‘From Curation and Preservation to Showcasing, the Role of Libraries in African Americans and the Arts’
Black History Month Symposium

Symposium Recap of ‘From Curation and Preservation to Showcasing, the Role of Libraries in African Americans and the Arts’

Published: September 10, 2024 by Matsuko Friedland

In honor of Black History Month, the San José State University iSchool hosted a free online symposium on February 21st, 2024, titled “From Curation and Preservation to Showcasing, the Role of Libraries in African Americans and the Arts”. A recording of the event is available on YouTube. The symposium was presented in partnership with California Librarians Black Caucus (CLBC) and featured moderators Carolyn Norman and Tina Fontenot, keynote Nichelle M. Hayes, and a panel with Dr. Marva DeLoach, Joy M. Doan, and Shauntee Burns-Simpson.