iStudent Blog

Overview

iStudent Blog

Students in all of our programs, as well as applicants, will find the iStudent Blog a gold mine. Written by a current student, this blog provides important information and resources and useful advice, including posts about courses, career pathways, online learning, time management, student groups, conferences, and financial aid.

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iStudent Blog

Resources to Combat Anti-Asian Violence

Wun Wong

Published: August 10, 2022 by Eori Tokunaga

It is imperative that we at the San José State University iSchool cultivate a justice-oriented and community-minded culture for our SJSU Spartans. While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the lives of our communities, it is important to address the increasing hostilities that have occurred as a result of the pandemic.

iStudent Blog

Symposium Recap: Celebrating Juneteenth

Binnie Tate Wilkin

Published: July 26, 2022 by Eori Tokunaga

The San José State University iSchool presented a free online symposium on June 20, 2022, in honor and celebration of Juneteenth Day. The audience was welcomed by iSchool Director Anthony Chow, who introduced guest speaker and professional storyteller, Binnie Tate Wilkin.

“EDI is really everyone’s responsibility. Getting to know our diverse cultures [and] lived experiences is a core part of what it means to be an American.”  – Dr. Anthony Chow

iStudent Blog

A Trip to DC for the 2022 ALA Annual Conference

iSchool exhibit booth at 2022 ALA Annual Conference

Published: July 12, 2022 by Alicia Perez

This past year for me has been a rush of information, opportunity, and comradery. I did not think at this point last year that I would be in the middle of a summer graduate course, working towards my MLIS, and have the opportunity to travel and experience a conference to see my fellow peers, potential co-workers, trending authors and illustrators, and more! Thanks to the generosity of San José State University’s iSchool travel grant, I was able to visit Washington, DC this past June 25th to 26th to see the first annual conference held by the American Library Association post-COVID-19 quarantine. 

iStudent Blog

LGBTQIA+ Resources in the Library
An inclusive library enhances our world

Shannon Oltmann

Published: July 7, 2022 by Eori Tokunaga

In honor of Pride Month, the SJSU iSchool hosted an EDI Symposium on June 30, 2022, titled “How LGBTQIA+ Librarians Shape Libraries Today.” SJSU iSchool Director Anthony Chow opened the symposium with a personal anecdote about discrimination he has faced in his own life, followed by introductions for the keynote speaker, Dr. Shannon Oltmann.

iStudent Blog

Symposium Recap: Ukrainian Libraries in the Ongoing Russian-Ukrainian War

Ukrainian Remembrance

Published: June 22, 2022 by Eori Tokunaga

The San Jose State University iSchool presented a symposium on June 15, 2022, regarding the conditions and services of Ukrainian Libraries during the Russian-Ukrainian war. The audience was welcomed by iSchool Director Anthony Chow and Assistant Professor Ulia Gosart, with Ukrainian and English translations provided by Oleksii Deikun.

iStudent Blog

Ukraine and the Role of Libraries: A Q&A with Dr. Ulia Gosart

Published: June 21, 2022 by Eori Tokunaga

As part of our efforts to uplift community voices, Dr. Ulia Gosart shares her personal and professional experiences as it relates to the Russian-Ukrainian War. Dr. Gosart is an assistant professor with the San José State University School of Information. She received her Ph.D. in Information Studies from the University of California Los Angeles, her M.S. in Library and Information Science from Connecticut State University, and her B.A. in Librarianship from Kiev National University of Culture and Arts in Ukraine.

iStudent Blog

Honoring Juneteenth Day
iSchool Presents Online EDI Symposium June 20

Binnie Tate Wilkin

Published: June 16, 2022 by Eori Tokunaga

The San José State University iSchool is committed to actively honoring and amplifying stories from diverse communities as part of our goal to be a more equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible community. As SJSU Spartans, it is imperative that we cultivate a justice-oriented and community-minded culture for students, faculty and staff. 

iStudent Blog

Dipping Your Toes in the Water: Conference Poster Presentation as an iSchool Student

Chicago Riverwalk

Published: May 4, 2022 by Laura Darlington

In April, the Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA) held their 50th annual conference in Chicago, and I had the pleasure of attending and presenting thanks to the SJSU iSchool. Last year, I logged on to ARLIS/NA’s virtual conference, yet after two years of remote learning and pandemic isolation, I felt eager for an in-person experience.

iStudent Blog

Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
iSchool Presents EDI Symposium May 10

EDI Symposium May 10, 2022

Published: May 3, 2022 by Guadalupe Martinez

In 1990, the United States designated the month of May as Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to commemorate their rich history and cultural legacy. Asian identity includes people with heritage from East Asian, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The umbrella term Pacific Islander includes peoples of Oceania and Native Hawaiians. AAPI identity is globally and culturally diverse. LIS professionals continue to play a significant role in addressing a range of information needs and advocacy work.

iStudent Blog

d/Deaf Culture and Community in LIS: A Q&A with Dr. Mary Bolin

Published: April 20, 2022 by Guadalupe Martinez

In recognition of Deaf History Month, Dr. Mary Bolin shares her insights as a dedicated advocate for d/Deaf patrons and library professionals. Throughout the interview, you will note the shifting capitalization of ‘D’ in Deaf or lowercase ‘d’ in deaf. The choice to toggle between letter case, and the way in which one identifies along the spectrum of hearing loss, is deeply personal and varies from individual to individual. To embrace this spectrum of identity, the following text will express the community and culture as d/Deaf where applicable.

iStudent Blog

Deaf Culture, Education and Advocacy
National Deaf History Month

Published: April 14, 2022 by Guadalupe Martinez

Deaf Culture and Community

Recognized from March 13 through April 15, National Deaf History Month was initiated in 1997. The following timeline of landmark events have shaped Deaf culture, education and advocacy in throughout history and the growing connections to library and information science.

iStudent Blog

Tips and Tools: Insights From an iSchool Librarian

Andrew Chae, SJSU King Library Librarian

Published: April 13, 2022 by Hilary Meehan

SJSU iSchool library liaison Andrew Chae, ‘20 MLIS, offers insights for students seeking to optimize their access and use of King Library resources, plus ideas for engaging virtually with the broader information science community. 

iStudent Blog

Women in Information
Women leaders discuss experiences and expectations

Published: March 31, 2022 by Eori Tokunaga

SJSU iSchool Director Anthony Chow and Dr. Tonia San Nicolas-Rocca hosted an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) symposium for Women’s History Month on March 22, 2022. Shirley Lew, the dean for the School of Arts and Science at Vancouver Community College and editor of “Feminist Among Us: Resistance and Advocacy in Library Leadership,” began the symposium with a presentation on Women in Information.

iStudent Blog

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Published: March 28, 2022 by Guadalupe Martinez

Women’s History Month creates space to uplift the extraordinary legacies and lived realities of women around the world. We acknowledge their historic struggles and honor the endless contributions to librarianship, information professions, and beyond. This year, the iSchool held a free EDI symposium, “Women in Information,” to commemorate this month with forward-thinking, visionary dialogue. In case you missed it, check the on-demand webcasts for the recording.