News
Dr. Okumoto Completes PhD through Gateway Program
Last fall, Dr. Richard Okumoto’s dissertation was conferred by Queensland University of Technology, the former partner of the San José State University School of Information’s Gateway PhD program. Okumoto is the 19th doctoral student to complete the program through the QUT partnership, which spanned 2008 through 2021.
Dr. Anthony Chow Appointed to the Little Free Library National Board
Dr. Anthony Chow has been elected to serve on the national board of the Little Free Library. His appointment began February 2, 2022.
Chow, who is the director of the San José State University School of Information, has helped the LFL in securing a 1.4 million dollar grant that he hopes will “address barriers to literacy and libraries for Native American children and families in five tribal communities nationally.”
iSchool Student Selected as BSLISE International Scholar
Graduate student Sabrina Gunn has been selected as the first Building Strong Library and Information Science Education International Scholar, a newly created position through a partnership with the San José State University School of Information.
Scholarships Lessen Financial Worry and Reaffirm Career Path
Spring 2022 Scholarship Winners Announced
This spring, the School of Information at San José State University awarded a total of 44 scholarships valued at $124,000 to new and continuing students enrolled in its master’s degree programs.
Student Research Journal Publishes 22nd Issue: Articles Focus on Improving User Experiences
The 22nd issue of the fully student-run Student Research Journal is now available online. The issue features an invited contribution from an instructor at the San José State University School of Information and two highly relevant book reviews by graduate students enrolled in the iSchool’s Master of Library and Information Science program.
Six iSchool Graduates Selected for ALA’s 2022 Emerging Leaders Program
The American Library Association has announced its Class of Emerging Leaders for 2022. Six graduates of the Master of Library and Information Science program at the San José State University School of Information have been chosen for this prestigious title. They are Emily Aaronson, ’15 MLIS; Bryan Duran, ’18 MLIS; Lauren Hall, ’20 MLIS; Victoria Montes de Oca Perez, ’17 MLIS; Kristin Peers, ’16 MLIS; and Patricia Zeider, ’16 MLIS.
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.