Dr. Sandra Hirsh, director of the School of Information at San José State University (SJSU), will be on the road in early 2015, visiting libraries across California. At each stop, she will meet with current and future information professionals to discuss the iSchool’s online educational programs and how the iSchool can help them achieve their career goals. The information sessions are free to attend and open to everyone.

“I’m looking forward to connecting in person with prospective students, current students, alumni, and other individuals who want to learn more about the range of lifelong learning options we offer at our school,” said Hirsh.

Upcoming information sessions include visits to the Los Angeles Public Library, County of Los Angeles Public Library, Sacramento Public Library, San Francisco Public Library, and UC Berkeley Doe Library. The information sessions will take place during January, February, and March. For a complete schedule of events, including locations, dates, and times, please visit the iSchool Open House web page.

During the one-hour sessions, Hirsh will describe the career pathways the school’s students pursue, the school’s award-winning online learning environment, and some of the unique features of the school’s master’s degree and certificate programs. The information sessions will include ample time for Hirsh to answer audience questions.

Attendees will learn more about the iSchool’s ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program. The MLIS program is delivered exclusively online, with flexible enrollment options to accommodate full-time or part-time students, an exciting array of electives, and a wide variety of virtual and on-site internships.

Hirsh will also describe the iSchool’s fully online Teacher Librarian program, where students complete 31 units (11 courses) to meet requirements for the California Teacher Librarian Services Credential. In addition, the iSchool offers a fully online Post-Master’s Certificate program for information professionals, providing opportunities for practitioners to update their skills and prepare for leadership positions. The school is currently accepting applications for admission in fall 2015, with classes starting in August 2015. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2015.  

The on-site information sessions are a special opportunity to get to know Hirsh a little better. She’s led the SJSU iSchool since 2010, and prior to that she leveraged her knowledge as an information professional to pursue career opportunities with leading global companies, including Microsoft and HP Labs. “I’m always thrilled to discuss my own professional journey and inspire others to think creatively about how they can tailor their career path to their unique skills and interests,” said Hirsh.

According to Hirsh, it’s also important to get involved in the professional community and expand your personal learning network. She takes her own advice to heart. In late 2014, she began her term as president of the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T), and she serves as faculty advisor for the ASIS&T Student Chapter at the SJSU iSchool. Hirsh is also a founding partner of the Library 2.0 conference series, an online, open global forum for scholars, students, and professionals to discuss the future of libraries. Hirsh also coordinates the San José Gateway PhD program, a unique international doctoral program, offered through a partnership between the SJSU iSchool and Queensland University of Technology. 

For the convenience of individuals who cannot attend the on-site iSchool information sessions being held at California libraries in early 2015, the iSchool also hosts online information sessions throughout the year. Visit the school’s website for a list of upcoming online Open House events and links to recordings of past events.

For more information regarding any of the upcoming information sessions, or the iSchool’s online educational programs, please contact the iSchool.