News
iSchool Assistant Professor Michele Villagran Honored with REFORMA Award
One of two recipients of the 2021 Dr. Arnulfo D. Trejo Librarian of the Year Award, bestowed annually by REFORMA, is Dr. Michele Villagran, an assistant professor at the San José State University School of Information.
“The iSchool is so proud of and impressed with Dr. Villigran’s REFORMA’s Librarian of the Year Award,” commented iSchool Director Anthony Chow. “She is a true asset to the field and the iSchool, and we are so delighted that she continues to lead and flourish.”
iSchool Director Anthony Chow Elected to CLA Board of Directors
California Library Association
members elected Dr.
Anthony Chow, director of the School of Information at San
José State University, to the CLA Board of Directors on November
10, 2021.
Chow, who will serve a three-year term as a member-at-large, was first proposed for the position in September as part of the CLA nominating committee’s slate of candidates. Seven candidates vied for the three open member-at-large positions.
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.
American Library Association Awards Seven iSchool Students Spectrum Scholarships
Congratulations to the 2021 Spectrum Scholars!
The American Library Association awarded a total of 60 highly competitive Spectrum Scholarships this year to “exceptional students” across the U.S. and Canada who are pursuing a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science. Seven of those recipients are students enrolled in the fully online and ALA-accredited MLIS program at San José State University’s School of Information.
Two iSchool Instructors Promoted to Full-time Faculty Positions
The San José State University School of Information has promoted two of its knowledgeable instructors to full-time, non-tenure track status. The iSchool welcomed Dr. Renée Jefferson to the full-time faculty in January of 2021, while Dr. Lei Zhang began her new role in August of 2021.
New MARA Course Explores Privacy Issues in Records
Students enrolled in the Master of Archives and Records Administration program at the San José State University School of Information will see a new elective on the spring 2022 course schedule. The three-unit course will introduce students to managing privacy in records. They will explore how technology impacts the privacy of digital records and learn about privacy rights and the laws and regulations that govern privacy in records management.
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.
ALASC Wins Grant to Develop Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Programming
Book Event was a ‘Great Success’
A lot of unseen work goes into every student-created event at the San José State University School of Information; the recent book giveaway and virtual book circle organized by the American Library Association Student Chapter is a case in point. From a fortuitous discovery at the American Library Association’s summer 2020 conference to a post-event reflection video, the ALASC’s executive board brainstormed, applied for funding, and juggled the logistics needed to implement their vision.
iSchool Scholarships Support Students’ Career Dreams
This fall 76 new and continuing students enrolled in the master’s degree programs at the San José State University School of Information are starting their courses with reduced fees and affirmation that they chose the right school and career path for their goals.
Two Faculty Members Receive Full Tenure and Promotions
Two faculty members at the San José State University School of Information, Dr. Virginia Tucker and Dr. Mary Ann Harlan, will start the fall 2021 semester with full tenure and new titles of associate professor. Tucker has been teaching at the iSchool for more than 15 years, while Harlan joined the faculty in 2010.
International Doctoral Program Graduates its 18th Student
Congratulations Dr. Cherry-Ann Smart!
This June, Cherry-Ann Smart became the
18th doctoral candidate to earn her PhD through the
Gateway PhD program,
an international doctoral program at San José State University
School of Information, conferred by Queensland University of
Technology in Australia.
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.