Mackenzie Yanez, a graduate student at the San José State University School of Information, has been selected as the Building Strong Library and Information Science Education International Scholar. This honor reflects her commitment to global librarianship and inclusive library and information science education.

“I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Russian at California State University, Northridge, a campus which fostered a deep appreciation for cross-cultural communication, structure, and access to information,” Yanez said. While working in public service and later as an elementary school library technician, she realized that her passion lies in connecting people with the resources they need, especially in educational and youth-centered environments.

That passion led Yanez to pursue a Master of Library and Information Science degree at San José State. She said the program represents “the perfect intersection of my interests in information equity, cultural heritage, and literacy development,” especially in light of her prior work with the Critical Language Engagement Award.

Yanez’s appointment results from a partnership between the School of Information and the BSLISE working group. BSLISE is a global initiative affiliated with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, dedicated to strengthening library and information science education worldwide.

Dr. Anthony Chow, director of the School of Information, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “We designed our partnership to be a win-win-win: supporting international LIS education, strengthening BSLISE’s capacity, and offering a transformational, funded opportunity for one of our own students,” Chow said. “This collaboration reflects our belief in international engagement and preparing our students to lead in a globally connected LIS field.”

Yanez brings a distinct research focus to the position. “I’m particularly interested in rare books, youth literacy, multilingual education, and the stewardship of culturally significant and unusual materials,” she said. “I’m drawn to research that explores the intersection of material culture and information ethics, such as anthropomorphic bibliopegy, and how these topics inform public understanding of history.”

As a BSLISE International Scholar, Yanez will contribute to research and projects that intersect with her interests in multilingual engagement, historical preservation, and LIS education. “I aim to bring a unique lens shaped by my background in school librarianship, my academic interest in rare materials, and my experience as a Critical Language Engagement Award recipient,” Yanez said. “I hope to serve as a bridge between early literacy work and special collections—advocating for spaces where education and preservation meet.”

Yanez’s selection followed a competitive application process jointly reviewed by Chow and BSLISE co-leads Dr. Clara Chu and Dr. Reggie Raju. “She is bright, articulate, and deeply committed to the values of international collaboration in LIS. Her passion, professionalism, and global perspective embody exactly what we look for in a BSLISE International Scholar, “Chow said.

For Yanez, the appointment is meaningful. “Being selected as a BSLISE International Scholar is a tremendous honor that affirms my commitment to global librarianship and inclusive LIS education,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to contribute to and learn from a truly international community of scholars who value access, preservation, and representation. It means that my work and voice—especially my interest in rare books, material culture, and youth literacy—can contribute to broader conversations about how LIS education can respond to global needs.”

Chow echoed this sentiment. “Being selected as a BSLISE International Scholar is a meaningful distinction for both the student and the iSchool,” he said. “It’s not just a funded research position—it’s a chance to actively shape and contribute to the future of LIS education on a global scale.”

Chow added that the BSLISE partnership aligns closely with the iSchool’s global mission. “First and foremost, we are investing real resources to support BSLISE’s important, field-driven work focused on strengthening LIS education worldwide,” he said. “Second, we are providing a unique opportunity for our student scholar to learn and grow through engagement with an international network of LIS students and faculty—an experience that fosters cross-cultural understanding and professional development.”

For Yanez, this was an invaluable opportunity for personal growth. “This experience will expand my understanding of how information professionals around the world are addressing questions of access, preservation, and inclusion,” she said. “It will help me grow as a professional who not only works with youth and communities but also aspires to steward rare, historical, or culturally complex materials.”

Chow noted that this opportunity will allow Yanez to move “from theory to practice.” He added, “She will also develop a deeper understanding of how LIS education is structured and experienced around the world, which is invaluable for any future LIS professional with a global mindset.”

“I’m excited about any initiative that explores the ethical stewardship of rare or contested materials, particularly in multilingual or youth-centered contexts,” she said. “I’m also eager to work on projects that make LIS education more accessible to historically marginalized or underrepresented communities. Whether it’s developing inclusive outreach models, contributing to curriculum design, or participating in international heritage collaborations, I’m motivated by the potential to connect people with history in meaningful, transformative ways.”

Looking ahead, Yanez will attend the IFLA World Library and Information Congress as part of her scholarly experience, deepening her engagement with the international LIS community. “Perhaps most importantly,” Chow said, “she’ll be immersed in new places and cultures while building personal and professional connections with peers, educators, and leaders from across the globe. It’s an experience that will shape not just her career, but her worldview.”