José Aguiñaga studies the intersection of reference services; organizational culture; and equity, diversity, and inclusion. What prepared Aguiñaga to join the iSchool at SJSU was his breadth of experiences on his lifelong learning pathway.

It all began with his college preparation at the University of San Diego. As a first-generation college student, he earned his BA in International Relations and a minor in Italian. Four years later, he sought his second degree, which was his MLS from the University of Arizona. This degree began his academic librarian career. He was at various university libraries for the first 10 years of his career before transitioning to community colleges, mainly in Arizona and his home state of California. Aguiñaga also completed an MPA with California State University Long Beach. Years later, he earned his educational leadership doctorate from Northern Arizona University.

Aguiñaga looks forward to future research, collaboration, and publication opportunities to inspire others to become librarians and increase the number of librarians of color across the nation. In Aguiñaga’s spare time, he enjoys concerts and attending sporting events.