Spotlight on iSchool Student Organizations
Why You Should Join One This Year

iStudent Blog

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.

Advocacy Student Group

Are you passionate about intellectual freedom and resisting censorship? Do you believe libraries are essential public goods that empower democracy? The Library Advocacy Student Group is the perfect fit for those passionate about advocating for human rights through library funding and policy. This group provides educational opportunities and a collaborative community to support libraries at all levels.

American Library Association Student Chapter (ALASC)

We all know and love the American Library Association (ALA), but did you know that there is an SJSU student chapter you can get involved in? The ALASC fosters professional development and engagement with the ALA’s wealth of resources, such as publications, scholarships and conferences. This group has won the ALA Student Chapter of the Year award several times, including in 2024! Whether you’re interested in discussing trends or networking with peers, ALASC creates a supportive environment for learning and growing in the library and information science field.

Association for Information Science & Technology Student Chapter (ASIS&T SC)

ASIS&T strives to bridge the gap between information science practice and research. The SJSU ASIS&T SC offers opportunities to grow professionally and connect with others who share these interests within our SJSU student body. Much like our ALA student chapter, our ASIS&T student chapter has previously earned recognition as a Student Chapter of the Year Recipient. The chapter promotes research, interdisciplinary knowledge, equity, diversity and inclusion, creating a space where students can thrive in the information world.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) iSchool Student Group

This group is dedicated to bringing awareness to the needs of AANHPI students and staff, engaging the student body in recognition and support for AANHPI students and communities and promoting connection and cultural awareness. All students are welcome to join and participate in raising awareness for AANHPI needs within information professions.

“Our vision is to establish a lasting place in the School of Information where AANHPI students and experiences are represented and valued.” – SJSU AANHPI

Black Student Library Collective (BSLC)

The BSLC champions outreach and resources that cater to the African Diaspora. Through workshops, speaker series, and inclusive spaces, this group seeks to foster education, empowerment and engagement. Members have opportunities to contribute to research, community outreach and event planning. This group is newly formed and looking for prospective student leaders! Learn more at the link below.

Cyber Intelligence & Security (CIS)

SJSU fosters a robust cybersecurity community and the CIS student group is the opportunity to be a part of it. The CIS Club offers hands-on learning experiences, professional networking and exposure to cutting-edge industry practices. From competitions to projects, members gain practical skills to excel in this growing field.

First Generation Student Group (FGSG)

Navigating grad school as the first in your family can feel isolating, but FGSG is here to help. With informal meetings, coffee chats and one-on-one support, this group provides a tight-knit community to share experiences, advice and resources. FGSG defined first-gen as being the first in your family or chosen family to attend graduate school (however that manifests for you, whether it’s first female, first on your father’s side or first in your extended family).

REFORMA SJSU iSchool Student and Alumni Group

Dedicated to working with Spanish-speaking communities, this group supports students and alumni in becoming culturally competent professionals. Members can engage with REFORMA National and participate in activities that build skills and networks. REFORMA often hosts events such as mini cafecitos to allow members to chat and practice their Spanish-speaking skills!

Society of American Archivists Student Chapter (SAASC)

Are archives more your style? SAASC promotes archival interests at the iSchool and provides a platform to discuss archival issues and professions. If you’re interested in archival work, this group is for you.

“SAASC aims to engage students in professional activities and to foster career development by inviting professional archivists and other information professionals to our speaker events to discuss theoretical perspectives and practical experience.” SAASC Chair Marlene Lozano

Special Libraries Association Student Chapter (SLASC)

For students aiming to work in specialized library settings like medical or law libraries, SLASC offers a bridge to the broader professional world. The SLA Student Chapter has received the organization’s Student Group Certificate of Merit for Innovative Programming. Through educational programming and social events, this group fosters meaningful connections with peers and seasoned professionals.

Sports Analytics Club

Did you love the movie Moneyball? Interested in being the next Billie Beane? Dive into the world of sports analytics with this group! Collaborate on real-world projects with SJSU athletic teams, travel for games and develop cutting-edge skills in analytics technology. Open to all students and faculty.

Student Research Journal (SRJ)

Gain hands-on experience in academic publishing with the SRJ, a double-blind, peer-reviewed journal run by iSchool students. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your editing skills and connect with researchers across the globe. SRJ aims to provide an immersive experience of the peer review process.

User Experience Student Group (UXSG)

UXSG is for students interested in usability and design. From webinars to study sessions, this group offers resources for students at any level of UX familiarity.

Virtual Worlds & Social VR Club (VCARA)

Explore virtual environments with VCARA. They promote social, creative and educational collaboration using multiple virtual environments such as Second Life and other platforms accessed with VR headsets. If you’re into virtual reality and related information science aspect, this is a great opportunity!

Women in Cybersecurity, SJSU Student Chapter

Open to everyone who supports an inclusive cybersecurity workforce, this group focuses on advancing and retaining women in the cybersecurity field. Connect with like-minded students and industry professionals.

Why Join a Student Group?

Joining a student group is more than just an extracurricular activity; it’s a chance to meet peers, gain professional experience, and grow your network. Most groups host virtual meet-ups, so you can get involved no matter where you’re located.

Explore these groups, follow their social media and consider attending an upcoming event. There’s no better time to connect with your iSchool community and start the year strong!

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