iStudent Blog: Professional Development

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.

iStudent Blog

ALA Annual Ignites My Passion for a Career in Libraries

San Diego street view

Published: July 30, 2024 by Cindy Ries

At the end of June 2024, I was able to attend the ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition in San Diego, CA, with financial assistance through the iSchool’s travel grant. Having just completed my second semester in the program, this was an amazing opportunity to participate in this conference to learn and connect with fellow students and professionals.

iStudent Blog

Attending ALA Annual was Completely Worth It for this Introvert

2024 ALA Annual Conference Banner at San Diego Convention Center

Published: July 25, 2024 by Ava Jones

I had the opportunity to attend the 2024 ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition in San Diego, California, thanks to a generous travel grant from the iSchool. I had never attended a professional conference before, and attending this conference allowed me to feel more connected to the field of librarianship. It helped me build connections with the other students at the iSchool. It helped me learn more about AI and other current topics in the field and helped develop my professional confidence.

iStudent Blog

2024 ALA National Conference Provides Education on Librarianship and Tech Trends

Core Pre-Conference Sign

Published: July 18, 2024 by Shannon Broden

The American Library Association National Conference took place from June 27 to July 2, 2024 in San Diego, California. With the assistance of funds from the San José State University School of Information to cover travel expenses to San Diego and promote student leadership of the school’s ALA Student Chapter and the User Experience Student Group, I was able to attend a pre-conference, as well as some panels organized by ALA CORE. ALA’s CORE: Leadership, Infrastructure and Futures association focuses on “buildings & operations, leadership & management, metadata & collections, and technology.” (Source: https://www.ala.org/core)