iStudent Blog: Professional Development

Overview

iStudent Blog: Professional Development

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)

iStudent Blog

Symposium Recap of ‘Honoring the Past & Planning for the Future: Indigenous Perspectives on Library and Information Sciences’
Native American Heritage Month Symposium

Symposium Recap of ‘Honoring the Past & Planning for the Future: Indigenous Perspectives on Library and Information Sciences’

Published: July 8, 2024 by Matsuko Friedland

As part of the national celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the San José State University (SJSU) iSchool hosted a free online symposium on November 3, 2023, titled “Honoring the Past & Planning for the Future: Indigenous Perspectives on Library and Information Sciences”. The symposium began with a welcome and land acknowledgement by Dr. Anthony Chow. Next, Dr. Tonia San Nicolas-Rocca introduced the keynote speakers, featuring Indigenous LIS leaders: Halena Kapuni-Reynolds, Associate Curator of Native Hawaiian History and Culture, National Museum of the American Indian; Jennifer Himmelreich, Senior Program Officer, Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS); and Richard Sneed, 28th Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

iStudent Blog

Starting Your Career After Graduation

Published: June 05, 2024 by Kesheena Doctor

Every iSchool student’s goal is to get their dream job immediately after graduation, but finding the perfect position often takes a while. The job search can be time-consuming, confusing, and overwhelming. As I near my graduation, I am planning my post-iSchool life, including getting a library job, and would like to share what I learned to make the job search an easier process.

iStudent Blog

Interviewing With an Academic Library

Published: May 30, 2024 by Kesheena Doctor

As an iSchool student, I have been in the academic librarianship career pathway with the intention of becoming a liaison librarian. I have repeatedly been told by colleagues that the academic library interview process is arduous, and as such have been anxious to interview. I recently got the opportunity to interview for two academic library positions and would like to share what I learned from these experiences.