News: General
iSchool Partners with Coursera: Elevating Education for Students and Alumni
New Collaboration Enhances Learning with Industry-Recognized Credentials
Students enrolled in the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at the San José State University School of Information have a new added-value opportunity to further elevate their educational experiences. The iSchool recently announced a partnership with Coursera, a global platform for online learning and career development, to ensure its graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the modern workforce.
iSchool Open Classes Program Celebrates Decade of Educational Excellence
‘Vital Resource for Information Professionals,’ says Program Creator Dr. Hirsh
The Open Classes program at San José State University School of Information, initiated in 2014 by Dr. Sandy Hirsh, former iSchool director and current associate dean of academics, marks its 10th anniversary in 2024. This innovative program was designed to offer master’s-level courses for college credit, providing a unique opportunity for students to “try before they apply,” advance their degree program before officially enrolling, and enhance their skills at their own pace as a continuing education option.
Shaping the Future: Library 2035 Explores Tomorrow’s Libraries
San José State University School of Information proudly announces the release of Dr. Sandy Hirsh’s latest book, Library 2035: Imagining the Next Generation of Libraries.
Virtual Reality Exhibit Gives Voice to Ukrainian Children and Librarians
The San José State University School of Information launches “Children Draw War, Not Flowers” in virtual reality, a pioneering VR art exhibition showcasing the resilience and experiences of Ukrainian children affected by war, while highlighting the role of librarians and cultural heritage preservation during conflict.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Celebrates 10 Years of Empowering Information Professionals
The Post-Master’s Certificate program at the San José State University School of Information celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of empowering information professionals. The program first launched as a continuing education offering in 2012 and seamlessly transitioned to a formal program plan through the SJSU Cal State Apply application portal in 2014.
Breaking Boundaries: Unveiling Dynamic Student Groups Shaping Tomorrow
Discovering the Exciting Terrain of Emerging Student Groups
In line with San José State University School of Information’s commitment to fostering diverse academic communities, the school announces the establishment of several new student groups to enrich its students’ educational experiences. These groups serve as vibrant hubs where students with shared interests and passions can connect, collaborate, and thrive.
iSchool Recognizes 10 Faculty and Staff Members with Awards
Each spring, except in 2022, the San José State University School of Information recognizes its faculty and staff members with special awards for their achievements in several different areas. During the quarterly faculty retreat held in May, iSchool Director Anthony Chow announced the 2023 award recipients.
25th Issue of the Student Research Journal Explores Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Library and Information Science
The 25th issue of the fully student-run Student Research Journal is now available online. The issue, published in May 2023, features an invited contribution from the director of the San José State University School of Information, an editorial by the editor-in-chief and an editorial by the managing editor.
SJSU and QUT Celebrate the 23rd Graduate of the Gateway PhD Program
Stephen Abrams Earns Doctorate
Dr. Stephen Abrams is the 23rd individual to earn his PhD from Queensland University of Technology in Australia. The Gateway PhD program offered a doctorate through a partnership between the San José State University School of Information and Queensland University of Technology from 2008 to 2021.
New Library Technology Integration Lab Set to ‘Explore the Future of Library and Library Education’
The Library Technology Integration
Lab is a new offering to San José State University School of
Information students.
iSchool Students Supported Every Step of their Learning Journey
Student Services Team Expands Services with Live Chat, Personalized Coaching, and Spanish-Speaking Advising
As the front line of student support for San José State University’s School of Information, the Student Services Team is consistently innovating to meet and anticipate the needs of its diverse population. To enhance its reach, the team has recently expanded in size and scope. The addition of two new staff members and increased engagement platforms has amplified access to the team’s services and resources.
iSchool Prioritizes Health and Wellness with Addition of New Advisor
Focused on health and wellness, the San José State University School of Information has tapped into Loida Garcia-Febo’s expertise and passion for wellness in librarianship, bringing her on board as the iSchool’s first health and wellness advisor. Garcia-Febo is past-president of the American Library Association, among other noteworthy positions. In this new role at the iSchool, she will bring a variety of resources about mental health and wellness.
iSchool Director and Two Alumni on Ballot for CLA Board of Directors
The California Library Association has announced the roster of candidates for the Board of Directors. Continuing a strong representation of leaders from the San José State University School of Information, the 2022 CLA ballot includes the iSchool’s director and two alumni.
MLIS Degree Program Fully Re-accredited by American Library Association
The American Library Association has re-accredited San José State University’s Master in Library and Information Science degree program for another seven years. The ALA has continually accredited the MLIS program, one of three master’s degrees offered at the SJSU School of Information, since 1969.
Graduation Speakers Announced for iSchool’s Virtual Convocation
ALA President Patty Wong and Air Force Chief Data Officer Eileen M. Vidrine to Deliver Speeches
The San José State University School
of Information will be celebrating its graduating students at two
ceremonies in May. One will be virtual while the other will be
held in person. Dr. Anthony Chow, director of the School on
Information, commented on the ceremonies as a “wonderful time to
celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates and we are
extremely proud of all of them.”
iSchool’s Hispanic Heritage Month Programming Provides Long-term EDI Resources
The School of Information at San José State University celebrated Hispanic Heritage month in October by gathering a stellar mix of iSchool students, professors and notable guests for a series of enthusiastic discussions across two online events, both exploring how libraries can better serve their Hispanic/Latinx communities.
iSchool and Partners Win IMLS Grant to Support Indigenous Librarianship
A project aimed at increasing diversity of the library profession is coming to fruition. The San José State University School of Information, American Indian Library Association, the Alaska State Library are partners on a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant worth over $700,000 awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Alaska Library Network. The grant will fund Bridging Knowledge: Supporting Indigenous Scholars in the Field of Librarianship.
New Director Appointed for SJSU School of Information
Dr. Anthony Chow to Lead the iSchool
With deep roots in the Bay Area, Dr. Anthony Chow is eager to bring his leadership, academic, professional, and personal experience and background to the San José State University School of Information as its new director. Chow makes his way to the #1 Most Transformative University from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he was an associate professor in the Department of Library and Information Science. His appointment as the iSchool’s director officially begins July 20, 2021, filling the open position previously held by Dr.
‘Transformational Learning Space’ Project Wins Grant Funding
New Digital Humanities Center in King Library Set to Open in 2026
Two alumnae of the School of Information at San José State University, who are also current faculty members, helped win the university a major grant to fund a Digital Humanities Center at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library. Ann Agee, interim dean for the King Library, and Christina Mune, associate dean of innovation and resource management for the King Library, are co-directors of the project with Shannon Miller, dean of the College of Humanities.
New Staff Members Support iSchool Students Behind the Scenes
Two new staff members joined the School of Information at San José State University at the beginning of the spring 2021 semester. Taryn Reiner started as student support specialist January 25, and Bethany Winslow arrived on February 8 as the new e-learning specialist. Winslow will take on Debbie Faires’ non-faculty responsibilities when Faires retires at the end of this semester.