News
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.
2020 iSchool Staff and Faculty Awards Celebrate ‘Highly Deserving’ Recipients
The San José State University School of Information recognized the exceptional contributions and instruction made by staff and faculty members at the 2020 awards reception, held on February 10, 2020 at the SJSU Student Union. Candidates were nominated by fellow iSchool staff and faculty members, and by self-nomination.
‘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.”
16th Gateway PhD Graduate Examines Social Media’s Influence in Libraries
Dr. Hongbo Zou is the 16th graduate of the Gateway PhD program, an international doctoral program offered through the San Jose State University School of Information. He celebrated the milestone by traveling to Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia to attend the graduation ceremony.
iSchool Students and Alumni Showcase Community Impact at 2019 CLA Poster Session
Poster Session Builds Presentation Skills, Confidence and Network
The San José State University School of Information sponsored its fourth community poster session featuring alumni and student presenters during the California Library Association’s annual conference, held in October 2019. A gallery of the poster presentations from the CLA session and past sessions highlights the important work iSchool alumni and students are doing in their communities.
iSchool Alumni, Student Chosen for 2020 ALA Emerging Leaders Program
Two alumni and one student from the San José State University School of Information are among the 50 people selected by the American Library Association to participate in its Emerging Leaders Program in 2020.
iSchool Awards Scholarships to 27 Students for Spring
San José State University School of Information has awarded scholarships to 27 incoming and continuing students for spring 2020, totaling $38,394, to assist them as they pursue graduate degrees. Each award is valued at $1,422.
SJSU Alumna Wins ALA’s I Love My Librarian Award for Outstanding Contributions to Public Librarianship
Congratulations to Maria Papanastassiou!
San José State University alumna Maria Papanastassiou, who completed her Master of Library and Information Science degree in 2013, is the latest SJSU Spartan to win the I Love My Librarian Award, conferred annually by the American Library Association. The Kids’ World Assistant Manager at Arlington Heights (Ill.) Memorial Library, Papanastassiou was one of 10 winners announced on December 10, 2019, which included three academic, three public, and four school librarians.
iSchool’s Student Research Journal Publishes 18th Issue: ‘Bigger and Better Than Ever’ Says Editor-In-Chief
The 18th issue of the fully student-run Student Research Journal is now available online. Featuring an invited contribution from Assistant Professor Deborah Hicks and articles written by current students and recent graduates representing three distinguished universities, the San José State University School of Information’s research publication explores a vast array of topics.
‘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.
Blockchain Explores Groundbreaking Technology Use in Libraries
Two faculty members at San José State University’s School of Information, Drs. Sandra Hirsh and Susan Alman, have published Blockchain, the newest book in a series from the American Library Association’s Center for the Future of Libraries.