iStudent Blog: Student Groups
SJSU ALASC Celebrates Seventh Chapter of the Year Award
Published: June 12, 2025 by Gabe Farmer
Building Connection and Confidence Through Student Groups
A Conversation with ALASC Chair Cat Tang
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.
Exploring Informatics: Ronna Del Rosario’s Path at the Intersection of Healthcare and Technology
Published: March 25, 2025 by Gabe Farmer
Embarking on a new academic and professional path is both challenging and rewarding. For iSchool student Ronna Del Rosario, this journey led her from a career in nursing to the field of informatics, where she integrates her healthcare experience with her interest in user design and coding.
From Education to Libraries: Jackie’s Journey of Career Transition and Balance
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.
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.
Future-Focused Fall: October Events Roundup
Published: October 8, 2024 by Gabe Farmer
As we break out the Halloween decorations and enjoy a smorgasbord of pumpkin-spice flavored treats, let’s take a look at the iSchool events coming up this October! The month ahead offers events ranging from casual networking to professional education and development opportunities, both online and in-person.
An Interview with iSchool Alumni: Chlöe Van Stralendorff
Published: January 14, 2024 by Kesheena Doctor
As part of the iSchool I’ve attended many conferences and met working professionals. I have also met many iSchool alumni, who have been very generous with their time and expertise. We often chat about the profession, the iSchool, recommended iSchool courses, and even how to survive INFO 289 e-Portfolio.
Q & A with the iSchool’s First Generation Student Group
Published: February 20, 2023 by Kesheena Doctor
As a first-generation student, I found grad school to be tricky to navigate, even at the iSchool. However, I found the SJSU iSchool’s First Generation Student Group and received support in my first year. Formed in 2017, the First Gen Student Group aims to help MLIS students network and build bonds to help them succeed. I chatted with the group’s Chair, Laura Garand, and the group’s Blog Editor, Samantha Harteau, about the group, its mission and goals.
Building Relationships and Community at the iSchool
Published: February 13, 2023 by Kesheena Doctor
Hello, fellow iSchool students! I hope the start of the spring semester is going well for all. For both new and returning students, building an online community is often a concern. Having community while in school not only enriches your social experience but can help you perform better academically and foster connections with future professional peers. I’d like to share some tips and advice for doing so while at the iSchool.
Spotlight on: VCARA
Published: November 2, 2021 by Leslie Parry
For students interested in virtual worlds and virtual reality, the School of Information group VCARA (Virtual Center for Archives Records and Administration) provides a host of opportunities to build, explore and network in virtual environments. These skills will be critical in the future, says Bethany Winslow, director of online learning, especially in the fields of LIS and education. Unlike other student groups, VCARA is a community that meets entirely in-world — no Zoom calls or teleconferencing. With opportunities to explore different platforms, attend conferences and events, and meet educators, builders and librarians around the globe, it’s an ideal community for students interested in emerging technologies and their potential uses. I spoke with Winslow about the history and future of this exciting organization.
Why Join a Student Group?
Published: September 17, 2021 by Leslie Parry
Student groups are a cornerstone of the San José State University School of Information. They offer professional connections, personal camaraderie and the chance to hone valuable skills outside of the curriculum, particularly in the areas of leadership and communication. So what does it mean to take part in one of these groups? What opportunities do they offer at the iSchool and beyond? These were a few of the questions posed at the Fall Student Group Meet & Greet, which featured the American Library Association (ALA), Society of American Archivists (SAA), Special Libraries Association (SLA), REFORMA and ASIS&T student chapters, as well as the Student Research Journal, the First Generation Student Group and VCARA. Over the course of the presentation each organization had the opportunity to introduce themselves, talk about the benefits and responsibilities of student group involvement, and connect with potential new members. Read on for a lightning round introduction to these award-winning organizations. (You can also view the entire presentation on the ALA student chapter’s YouTube channel).
Get a Jump-Start With Summer Opportunities
Published: May 26, 2021 by Leslie Parry
The end of the semester is here! For months we’ve been rearranging our lives and work around the pandemic, keeping up with our studies, and waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel. Now it’s time to take a break and celebrate! For those who are looking to keep up momentum during the summer, there are plenty of ways to stay engaged. From summer classes to networking opportunities to simply getting organized, here are ideas for enhancing your iSchool experience over summer break.
iSchool Alumni on the e-Portfolio: What I Wish I Had Known
Published: April 13, 2021 by Leslie Parry
Three recent graduates of the San José State University School of Information joined the ASIS&T Student Chapter to discuss “What I Wish I Had Known.” Now that they’re entering or established in the workforce, the alumni shared their wisdom with current iSchool students, discussing everything from course work to career paths. One of the main topics of conversation, unsurprisingly, was the e-Portfolio. While the alumni stressed three major points – plan ahead, don’t procrastinate, and get peer support – they also delved into the finer details. Below is their expert advice for tackling the biggest project in graduate school.
Spotlight on: REFORMA Student & Alumni Group
Published: November 16, 2020 by Leslie Parry
The newest student group at the San José State University School of Information, REFORMA Student & Alumni Group, is only a few months old but already boasts a strong membership base, a busy event calendar and a vibrant presence in the iSchool community. The brainchild of Assistant Professor Dr. Michele Villagran, who serves as faculty advisor, the group seeks to connect students and graduates who are interested in working with Latinx and Spanish-speaking communities. Drawing on resources from the national REFORMA association as well as from local REFORMA chapters, the Student & Alumni Group is focused on building a supportive community and positioning students to be well-connected, culturally competent professionals upon graduation. MLIS student Rosa Rodriguez, who serves as president, highlights the group’s unique initiatives and opportunities.
ASIS&T Hosts Distance Medical Librarian Webinar
Published: April 16, 2020 by Havilah Steinman
Student chapters of professional associations at San José State University iSchool are a catalyst for real-world experience and connecting theory to practical application. San José State University Chapter of the Association for Information Science & Technology is no exception, and works hard to bring in speakers to host live webinars for the student body. Their mission to connect students with current professionals in the information field is exemplified by one of their recent events, Distance Medical Librarian Webinar! This live event was recorded and is now viewable on their YouTube Channel. See below for a roundup of helpful insight from their fantastic webinar.
Student Organization Leadership Elections Open in April
Published: March 27, 2019 by Havilah Steinman
On Tuesday, March 19th, leadership from the majority of the student groups at the iSchool presented at Leaders Wanted: Why and How to Get Involved in Student Organizations hosted by Sarah Thornton, Chair at the Society of American Archivists Student Chapter.
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.
Get Out There and Network
Published: February
5, 2018
Five networking strategies to help you make a name for yourself.
It’s never too early to start networking. The sooner you begin, the more prepared you’ll be to launch your job hunt when you graduate.
A Day in the Life of SJSU iSchool Student and SAA Student Chapter Chair Rebecca Leung
Published: March 29, 2017
Rebecca Leung is in her final semester at the iSchool. Here’s a glimpse into a day in which she goes to work at the Bay Area Video Coalition.
Getting the Vote Out– The SJSU iSchool and the ALASC Host the 2018-19 ALA Presidential Candidates
Published: January 17, 2017
On January 9, 2017, the iSchool’s ALA student chapter (ALASC) kicked off the new year with an ALA candidate’s Town Hall Meeting. SJSU School of Information’s Director Dr. Sandra Hirsh moderated the hour-long meeting, giving all three candidates the chance to introduce themselves, answer questions submitted previously by students and provide closing comments. The three candidates – Loida Garcia-Febo, Terri Grief and Scott Walter – were all passionate about greater involvement and visibility for the ALA.