iStudent Blog: Student Groups

Overview

iStudent Blog: Student Groups

iStudent Blog

Q & A with the iSchool’s First Generation Student Group

Samantha Harteau

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.

iStudent Blog

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.

iStudent Blog

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.

iStudent Blog

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). 

iStudent Blog

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.

iStudent Blog

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. 

iStudent Blog

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.

iStudent Blog

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.

iStudent Blog

VCARA Opens the Door to VR in Education

Published: May 30, 2019 by Havilah Steinman

The Virtual Center for Archives and Records Administration recently hosted their 10th annual conference in Second Life, entitled “Sands of Time Looking Back to Move Forward.” VCARA isn’t just for iSchool students, and openly welcomes all information professionals. VCARA is a great virtual community for individuals particularly interested in information science and education. The conference is an excellent example of this inclusivity, as their two keynote speakers, Dr. Valerie Hill and Daniel Dyboski-Bryant, shed light on this burgeoning new world.

iStudent Blog

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.     

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SLASC Members Tour Disney Animation Research Library

Published: September 4, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro

Several members of the Special Libraries Association Student Chapter (SLASC) had a rare opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at the Disney Animation Research Library (ARL) in Southern California. Motivated by a love of Disney and a curiosity about special libraries, these iSchool students got together (some travelling a considerable distance) to take a tour of a one-of-a-kind special library. In this post, I feature some of the highlights and insights of this tour from the participants. I also focus on the professional development benefits of signing up for these extracurricular activities and suggest ideas on how to take your own tours of places that interest you.

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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.

iStudent Blog

Upcoming SLASC Event: “There’s A Special Librarian For That?”

Published: April 23, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro

Librarians work in all kinds of non-traditional environments from cruise ships to art museums. In the popular series hosted by the SJSU iSchool SLA Student Chapter, “There’s a Special Librarian for That?”, several special librarians will share what they do and how they got their jobs. All iSchool students are welcome to attend on May 1 via Zoom by clicking this link. Socializing starts at 6.15 pm with the main program beginning at 6.30 pm PDT. The line-up is as follows:

iStudent Blog

Get Out There and Network

istudent_handshake_0.pngPublished: 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.

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ASIS&T Student Chapter Welcomes New Membership Director

Published: November 13, 2017

A conversation with SJSU ASIS&T Student Chapter’s newest executive committee member, MLIS student Lauren Frazier.

lauren_frazier_100x100.jpgPlease join me in congratulating MLIS student Lauren Frazier on her new appointment as the Membership Director for SJSU’s ASIS&T Student Chapter! I chatted with Lauren to get to know her, find out more about ASIS&T and her plans for her new role.

iStudent Blog

Learn How to Get Published as a Student at the SJSU’s Publications Roundtable

istudent.peep_.laptop.desk_.jpgPublished: January 25, 2017

Here at the iSchool, we have a wide variety of opportunities for students to get published.

Research papers can be both a source of joy and for the pulling out of hair. Good research papers, however,  can be experienced by a wider audience when you submit your work to one of the SJSU iSchool’s student publications. Here at the iSchool, we have a several opportunities for students to get published.

iStudent Blog

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.