The first four of the 15 Bridging Knowledge scholars have completed their Master of Library and Information Science degree requirements from the San José State University School of Information in May 2024. This milestone marks a significant achievement for Marcus Ortiz, Brandon Castle, Taylor Hummel, and Diana Terrazas.

The three-year Bridging Knowledge: Supporting Indigenous Scholars into the Field of Librarianship project was funded by a $728,027 Institute of Museum and Library Services grant to provide financial support and educational opportunities for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian graduate students. The Alaska Library Network partnered with the American Indian Library Association, the Alaska State Library and the SJSU School of Information for this grant project that fosters a new generation of librarians dedicated to serving Indigenous communities.

With an MLIS degree proudly listed on his resume, Ortiz recently accepted an academic library fellowship with a university in his area. “I’ll have the opportunity to learn more about academic librarianship and continue to build my skills in supporting student services and research,” he said. Looking ahead, Ortiz hopes to begin his second MA in Indigenous Education through Arizona State University in the fall, with plans to pursue a PhD in Information Studies. “Perhaps that will be through the iSchool/Manchester Met as well!” he added. Reflecting on his time in the program, Ortiz noted, “My experience in this program has been very positive, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to work with the faculty again.”

Newly minted MLIS graduate Castle expressed gratitude for the Bridging Knowledge project, emphasizing its financial and communal benefits. “Receiving the scholarship was an immense help, not only financially but also for the opportunity to be part of a cohort of Indigenous students while getting a library science degree at SJSU,” Castle said. He appreciated the cohort model, which provided a sense of solidarity with like-minded scholars and emerging professionals passionate about the LIS field and its role in meeting the needs of Indigenous communities.

Castle also highlighted the mentorship program included in the Bridging Knowledge project, where students were paired with Indigenous information professionals. “Meeting monthly to discuss our classes, goals, and challenges was invaluable,” Castle said. In particular, he shared that forming relationships with cohort members and faculty like Dr. Ulia Gosart significantly impacted his academic and personal journey.

An especially impactful course for Castle was INFO 281 on Indigenous Cultural Institutions and Practices of Librarianship. “It offered insights into how libraries, archives, and museums might pursue reparative justice for Indigenous Peoples through laws, policies, and relationship building,” he said. An independent study with Gosart and Keau George further deepened his understanding of Indigenous embodiments of libraries and knowledge transfer between generations. “Our research culminated in a presentation at the International Indigenous Librarians Forum in Honolulu, marking a significant achievement for our team,” Castle said. He expressed his gratitude to his professors, the Bridging Knowledge staff, advisors, and partners, concluding with, “Toyaxsuut nuusm! (Thank you in the Sm’algyax language of the Tsimshian People).”

Not all of the graduates were reachable for this story.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services RE-250081-OLS-21.