iStudent Blog

Rolling Libraries, Real Connections: A Conversation with ECHO Mobile Library in Greece

Nicole Purviance — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 01:33:00 +0000

Information Gone Wild Blog: Episode 11

Published: April 15, 2025

What happens when you combine a van full of books, a passion for literacy, and a mission to connect people across cultures and borders? You get ECHO Mobile Library, a grassroots mobile library serving refugee communities around Athens, Greece.

Information Gone Wild: Conversations from the Field

From Retail to the Library

Gabe Farmer — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 23:08:00 +0000

Published: April 10, 2025 by Gabe Farmer

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While some iSchool students begin their journey shortly after completing their undergraduate degrees, many of us (myself included) have returned to the classroom after a decade or more, eager to forge a new path. Because online learning can be so isolating, a goal of mine is for this blog is to share stories of iSchool students from all backgrounds and walks of life, highlighting that no matter your circumstances, you’re not alone.

Mirna Gutierrez’s journey from a 15-year career at Target to becoming the sole library tech at a junior high school perfectly represents the new paths many of us are forging. In our conversation, she shared how a simple job tip evolved into a lifelong calling and how she’s balancing full-time work while pursuing her master’s degree in library science.

Making the Most of Spring Recess

Gabe Farmer — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 16:31:00 +0000

Published: March 31, 2025 by Gabe Farmer

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We’re officially more than halfway through the semester, and if you’re anything like me, you might be surprised by how fast (and somehow also slow?) that milestone arrived. Whether you’re feeling ahead of the game, barely hanging on or somewhere in between, spring recess offers us something precious: time.

Exploring Informatics: Ronna Del Rosario’s Path at the Intersection of Healthcare and Technology

Gabe Farmer — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 16:25:00 +0000

Published: March 25, 2025 by Gabe Farmer

Embarking on a new academic and professional path is both challenging and rewarding. For iSchool student Ronna Del Rosario, this journey led her from a career in nursing to the field of informatics, where she integrates her healthcare experience with her interest in user design and coding.

Information Gone Wild Blog: Episode 10

Nicole Purviance — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 16:30:00 +0000

Interview with Nick Higgins: Chief Librarian of the Brooklyn Public Library

Published: March 17, 2025

Nick Higgins, Chief Librarian of Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), was named to the 2023 TIME100 Next list for his leadership in fighting censorship and book banning. He is the driving force behind BPL’s Books Unbanned initiative, which provides teens nationwide access to the library’s digital collection, and has inspired other libraries to join the movement for intellectual freedom.

The following is an excerpt from our recent Information Gone Wild podcast with Nick.

Information Gone Wild: Conversations from the Field

Women Empowerment: Leading & Thriving in LIS and Libraries

matsuko.friedland@sjsu.edu — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 19:10:00 +0000

iSchool Presents Free Online EDI Symposium March 27, 2025

Published: March 7, 2025 by Matsuko Friedland

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Please join the SJSU iSchool in celebrating Women’s History Month as we honor the achievements of women in LIS.

First Gen Symposium

matsuko.friedland@sjsu.edu — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 18:52:00 +0000

iSchool Presents Online Symposium March 14

Published: March 7, 2025 by Matsuko Friedland

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Please join the SJSU iSchool in celebrating our First Generation community, hosted in collaboration with the SJSU iSchool’s First Generation Student Group (FGS).

Ace Your Next Interview

Gabe Farmer — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 16:20:00 +0000

Insights from REFORMA LA

Published: March 6, 2025 by Gabe Farmer

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If you’re an MLIS student gearing up for job hunting, these tips from the latest REFORMA Los Angeles meeting are a great resource. The segment on interview questions and best practices was so packed with excellent advice that I couldn’t help but share a few highlights here.

From Rope Tricks to Reading Lists

Gabe Farmer — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 17:22:00 +0000

Karen's Quest to Lasso Lifelong Learning

Published: February 25, 2025 by Gabe Farmer

iSchool Alum Karen Quest has been roping in audiences for most of her life and still incorporates her cowgirl act into her work with library outreach. Her show, Cowgirl Tricks, features trick roping, whip cracking and what she laughingly calls “kooky cowgirl shenanigans perfect for the whole family.” Karen has performed for corporate events, private parties, fairs and festivals nationwide. Yet, in 2011, she stepped into a new performance arena: libraries. At a children’s librarian showcase, she found an intriguing new audience. “As I continued to get booked at libraries, I noticed that librarians were funny and they were smart and they get it,” she explains. “And very different from the other clients that I did business with. And I started getting library curious.”

ALASC Presents: American Library Association 2026-2027 Presidential Campaign Event

Gabe Farmer — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 18:47:00 +0000

Published: February 19, 2025 by Gabe Farmer

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Being an active member of the American Library Association (ALA) means not just staying informed but also taking part in shaping the future of our profession. That’s why the upcoming 2026–2027 ALA Presidential Candidates Speaker Panel is such an exciting opportunity for iSchool students.

Information Gone Wild Blog: Episode 9

Nicole Purviance — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 16:56:00 +0000

Elizabeth Ruane: The Emotional and Practical Challenges of Library Closures

Published: February 17, 2025

[image:24991, image left]Elizabeth Ruane is the former library director at Marlboro College in Vermont, which closed in June 2020. Elizabeth co-edited the book Closing a College Library, which explores the challenges and emotional impact of library closures, and offers practical advice for navigating these difficult times.

Information Gone Wild: Conversations from the Field

From Education to Libraries: Jackie’s Journey of Career Transition and Balance

Gabe Farmer — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 18:22:00 +0000

Published: February 11, 2025 by Gabe Farmer

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Making a career change can be stressful enough, but working on your second master’s degree while balancing a full-time job really ups the pressure! iSchool student Jackie Roussin is meeting the challenge with determination and enthusiasm. Jackie, a former educator, made the leap into librarianship in 2022 and now works as a children’s programming librarian while pursuing her MLIS degree.

What’s a Black Job? The Evolution of Black Librarians

matsuko.friedland@sjsu.edu — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 17:31:00 +0000

iSchool Presents Online Symposium February 25

Published: January 28, 2025 by Matsuko Friedland

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Please join the SJSU iSchool, California Librarians Black Caucus, and the SJSU Black Student Library Collective in celebrating Black History Month as we honor the achievements of our Black community members.

Information Gone Wild Blog: Episode 8

Nicole Purviance — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 03:47:00 +0000

Amanda Jones: Advocacy and Activism in the Library World

Published: January 25, 2025

Amanda Jones is a passionate school librarian and author, widely recognized for her advocacy in the fight against book banning and censorship. Her new book, That Librarian, chronicles her personal journey through the challenges of standing up for libraries, navigating harassment, and advocating for the right to read. Through her powerful storytelling, Amanda highlights the importance of libraries in preserving democracy and the freedom to read. In this interview, Amanda shares insights into her activism, the role of professional networks, and the importance of speaking out for what you believe in.

Information Gone Wild: Conversations from the Field

Spotlight on iSchool Student Organizations

Gabe Farmer — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 17:52:00 +0000

Why You Should Join One This Year

Published: January 14, 2025 by Gabe Farmer

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The start of a new year and the beginning of a fresh semester is the perfect time to explore opportunities to connect with fellow iSchool students and build your professional network. Joining a student organization at SJSU iSchool helps you form connections and adds valuable experience to your resume. With various groups tailored to different interests, you’re bound to find one that aligns with your passions and career goals. Here’s a closer look at the incredible student organizations you can get involved in this year.

New Year, New Habits: Streamlining Your iSchool Life in 2025

Gabe Farmer — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:46:00 +0000

Published: January 7, 2025 by Gabe Farmer

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Implications of AI for Moving Image Archivists Hot Topic at AMIA Conference

Nicole Purviance — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 01:09:00 +0000

Published: January 6, 2025 by Joshua Insel

This December, I attended the 2024 Association of Moving Image Archivists (AMIA) conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a travel grant from the iSchool. I am currently in my second year of the MLIS program and my chosen career pathway is archives and preservation. Moving image (i.e. film, television) archives are one area that I am particularly interested in. I am passionate about film history and often attend screenings of classic films in Los Angeles. Many of these screenings are of film prints in various formats, both in terms of film size and sound, so I have gained much familiarity with the technical aspects of film. I am also fascinated by restoration projects and the complex work that goes into them. I decided to attend the AMIA conference to learn more about the work of moving image archives and get to know professionals in the field.

Winter Break Reads: Cozy Up with These Page-Turners

Gabe Farmer — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 17:24:00 +0000

Published: December 28, 2024 by Gabe Farmer

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Winter break is here, and whether you’re curling up by the fire or hiding from the cold under a pile of blankets, there’s no better time to lose yourself in a great book. Instead of swiping through endless Netflix options or doomscrolling social media, why not swipe right on your next favorite read? To help you make the perfect match, I’ve put together “book profiles” for a few standout titles, each with its own unique vibe. From laugh-out-loud rom-coms to awe-inspiring sci-fi, these reads will keep you company when the sun begins to set at 4 pm. There’s something here for everyone, so grab a cup of cocoa and pick your next favorite escape!

Stay Connected: Building Your iSchool and IDS Network

Gabe Farmer — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 19:22:00 +0000

Published: December 17, 2024 by Gabe Farmer

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As information students and professionals, staying up-to-date with constantly evolving trends and developments is more important than ever. Fortunately, the College of Information, Data and Society (IDS) and the School of Information (iSchool) provide a wealth of opportunities to help us stay informed and connected.

Decompress and Recharge: Tips for Making the Most of Your Winter Break

Gabe Farmer — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 17:29:00 +0000

Published: December 12, 2024 by Gabe Farmer

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You did it! The fall semester has come to an end, and it’s time to unwind, relax and recharge over the winter break. After weeks of assignments, readings, research and perhaps a little too much caffeine, you’ve earned this pause.