News: General
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.
iSchool Faculty Members Debbie Faires and Dr. Patricia Franks Will Deliver Dual Convocation Addresses This May
The School of Information at San José State University will celebrate graduates of its fully online programs in a virtual convocation May 20, at 5 p.m. PDT. Debbie Faires and Dr. Patricia Franks, two pillars of the iSchool faculty, both of whom are retiring at the end of the spring semester, will deliver convocation addresses. Attendees can expect rich reflections on the iSchool’s past and inspiration for graduates entering the field.
Virtual Conference Draws Record-Setting Attendance with Participants from 121 Countries
Global Participation Made for 'Fascinating Discussions'
The San José State University School of Information organized three Library 2.0 web conferences during 2020, the 10th year of the Library 2.0 Worldwide Virtual Conference series. Each of the mini-conferences focused on a specific topic addressed by experts in the information professions. The format included an opening keynote panel, concurrent crowd-sourced sessions, and a closing address. Held entirely online at no cost to participants, the 2020 conference series spanned 121 total countries with more than 5,000 registrants for each conference.
iSchool Offers First-Ever Bachelor’s Degree
BS in Information Science and Data Analytics Program Prepares Students for Careers in Big Data, Emerging Technologies and Machine Learning
The School of Information at San José State University is pleased to announce a new Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Data Analytics degree program that prepares undergraduate students for one of the fastest-growing occupation areas in the United States, according to Hanover Research.
Free Web Conference Explores ‘Sustainability in Libraries’
Call for Proposals and Registration Open
The third and final Library 2.0 mini-conference for 2020 will be held online on Wednesday, October 14, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. US-Pacific Time. This free, online and participatory conference, sponsored by the School of Information at San José State University, is an excellent opportunity to showcase research, work and thinking on sustainability in libraries.
New REFORMA Student Group Connects Students and Professionals Serving Spanish-speaking and Latino Communities
REFORMA Student and Alumni Group Announces First Officers
The San José State University School of Information is pleased to announce the formation of a new student group, REFORMA SJSU iSchool Student Group, and the nomination of the group’s first officers to its executive board.
iSchool Director Transitions to New Leadership Role at SJSU
Dr. Sandra Hirsh Accepts Associate Dean Position
The San José State University School of Information announces a change in leadership effective March 16, 2020. Dr. Sandra Hirsh is transitioning from her role as director and professor at the iSchool to associate dean for academics in the SJSU College of Professional and Global Education.
“Serving as the iSchool director over the last 10 years has been the highlight of my career! I am very proud of what we have accomplished during this period,” Hirsh stated.
2020 Diversity Webinar Series Presents Eight Free Sessions on Diverse Topics from Diverse Speakers
The San José State University School of Information’s Diversity Committee recently launched its Diversity Webinar Series as part of its commitment to support diversity and inclusivity. The series is being organized by Assistant Professor Michele Villagran, who serves as chair of the Diversity Committee.
‘Wholehearted Libraries: Soft Skills for 21st Century Information Professionals,’ First Library 2.020 Mini-conference Encourages Compassion, Empathy and Finding Balance
The first Library 2.020 mini-conference, “Wholehearted Libraries: Soft Skills for 21st Century Information Professionals,” kicks off the 10th Annual Library 2.0 Worldwide Virtual Conference—the global conference series began in 2011— embracing the idea that “soft skills are heart skills.”
‘Champion of Libraries’ Julius C. Jefferson, Jr., to Deliver Convocation Speech at iSchool’s Virtual Graduation Celebration
Julius C. Jefferson, Jr., section head of research and library services at the Library of Congress, will deliver the convocation speech to students graduating from the San José State University School of Information. The virtual graduation celebration will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
Free Professional Development and Opportunities for Collaboration at Library 2.019 Free Web Conferences
15,000 Information Professionals Worldwide Register to Attend
Library professionals, employers, graduate students, and educators gathered online at three Library 2.0 web conferences during 2019. The conferences series, offered through a partnership between Dr.
iSchool Hosts Third Library 2.019 Virtual Mini-Conference “Emerging Technology” on October 30, 2019
Registration and Call for Submissions Open
Want to keep your library on top of the latest trends and technologies that are revolutionizing the way we live and learn, get new ideas for implementation, and discuss the possibilities for the future?
King Library Liaisons Assist iSchool Students and Faculty
Three librarians from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library at San José State University have been appointed to help students and faculty members of the SJSU School of Information navigate and access information through library resources and online. Craig Simpson, Gareth Scott and DeeAnn Tran assume the library liaison role from Ann Agee who held the position for the past five years.
School of Information Student Research Journal Publishes its 17th Issue
The 17th issue of the San José State University School of Information’s Student Research Journal is now available online.
Visionary Librarian Luis Herrera to Deliver Convocation Speech at iSchool’s Virtual Graduation Celebration
Luis Herrera, city librarian emeritus at San Francisco Public Library, has been a champion of public libraries throughout his career of more than 40 years. His delivery of the convocation speech at San José State University School of Information’s virtual graduation celebration is sure to be a highlight that inspires students of the graduating class.
iSchool and LYRASIS Partner to Expand Continuing Education Courses
The San José State University School of Information and LYRASIS Learning are now offering professional development and training courses to meet the needs of information professionals.
LYRASIS Learning is an education platform for webinars on subjects, such as content solutions, leadership and emerging trends, preservation solutions and technology. iSchool instructors will be teaching courses through the partnership.
2019 iSchool Faculty and Staff Awards Highlight ‘Invaluable, Indispensable’ Efforts
The San José State University School of Information has recognized the exceptional instruction and contributions made by faculty and staff members at the 2019 awards reception.
Dr. Michelle Chen was named Outstanding Professor for her laudable teaching, publication and presentation record, according iSchool Director Dr. Sandra Hirsh.