iStudent Blog
iStudent Blog
Students in all of our programs, as well as applicants, will find the iStudent Blog a gold mine. Written by a current student, this blog provides important information and resources and useful advice, including posts about courses, career pathways, online learning, time management, student groups, conferences, and financial aid.
How to Find a Mentor in Graduate School
Published: November 30, 2020 by Leslie Parry
Enrolling in the San José State University School of Information is both a thrilling step and a daunting one. With so many pathways possible in the information science field – and any number of courses and specialties to choose from – how can you be sure you’re making the best decisions for your future career? Who can you turn to with your carefully considered ideas and random, panicked questions? Luckily, no matter your needs or interests, the iSchool can help you find a mentor. Whether they’re seasoned professionals, recent alumni or even senior students, mentors can offer anything from academic recommendations to career advice; they can suggest networking opportunities as well as skills to hone for your résumé. No matter if it’s a formal mentorship sponsored by a professional association or a more informal connection made through the iSchool – having a mentor is critical to professional growth. To find a mentorship opportunity that’s right for you, check out the resources below.
Spotlight on: REFORMA Student & Alumni Group
Published: November 16, 2020 by Leslie Parry
The newest student group at the San José State University School of Information, REFORMA Student & Alumni Group, is only a few months old but already boasts a strong membership base, a busy event calendar and a vibrant presence in the iSchool community. The brainchild of Assistant Professor Dr. Michele Villagran, who serves as faculty advisor, the group seeks to connect students and graduates who are interested in working with Latinx and Spanish-speaking communities. Drawing on resources from the national REFORMA association as well as from local REFORMA chapters, the Student & Alumni Group is focused on building a supportive community and positioning students to be well-connected, culturally competent professionals upon graduation. MLIS student Rosa Rodriguez, who serves as president, highlights the group’s unique initiatives and opportunities.
Ask an Archivist: Craig Simpson, MARA Liaison Librarian
Published: November 9, 2020 by Leslie Parry
October was American Archives Month, and to celebrate I had the chance to talk to Craig Simpson, director of Special Collections & Archives at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library and liaison librarian for the Master of Archives and Records Administration (MARA) program. As a certified archivist and SC&A director, he leads all the operations in his department, from reference services to digital projects. As the liaison to the MARA program, he curates LibGuides, creates tutorials and assists with research across disciplines.
A Look at the iSchool Advising Toolkit
Published: October 25, 2020 by Leslie Parry
Of all the resources available to iSchool students, the advising toolkit is one of the most valuable. No matter where you are in your program, the toolkit can help you plan classes, choose an advisor, track your academic progress and get ready for graduation. With new tools and features just added, it’s worth examining at any (and every!) stage of your iSchool career. You’ll find general information at the top and program-specific links toward the bottom. (You can also click on the Getting Started tab to access toolkits related to policies and procedures, career plans, and student wellness and success.)
Mental Health for iSchool Students
Published: October 18, 2020 by Leslie Parry
The pandemic drags on, wildfires are burning and a high-stakes election looms. Meanwhile iSchool students are working hard to meet everyday challenges, balancing classes with jobs, families and other commitments. As members of the information community, we are likely drawn to systems, service and structure, which can all seem a little tenuous right now. How do we take care of ourselves during a time of anxiety and uncertainty? One valuable, free and currently virtual resource at San José State University is CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services). CAPS offers a variety of mental health and wellness services, including counseling, support groups, workshops and referrals. I asked Cat Fillmore, a faculty counselor and case manager, what resources she recommends for graduate students during this time.
Don’t Miss: The SJSU iSchool’s Diversity Webcast Series
Published: October 12, 2020 by Leslie Parry
The fantastic 2020 diversity webcast series continues its run through the fall. If you haven’t already, you can check out past episodes through the SJSU iSchool Podcast Feed via Apple Podcasts, SJSU iSchool YouTube Channel and iSchool On-Demand Webcasts Portal. Under the direction of Dr. Michele Villagran, Chair of the Diversity Committee for the SJSU School of Information, the eight-part series features a variety of speakers discussing equity, social justice, cultural competency and other issues as they relate to information service.
Alumna Havilah Joy-Steinman Bakken Highlights Top 5 Resources for iSchool Students
Published: September 27, 2020 by Leslie Parry
Hello readers! I’m Leslie Parry, a MLIS student from Los Angeles. I’m thrilled to be taking the helm of the iStudent blog. I recently had a chance to talk to my predecessor and iSchool alumna, Havilah Joy-Steinman Bakken (‘20 MLIS), about her time in the program. As a student, Havilah took advantage of as many resources as she could, not only because they strengthened her résumé and allowed her to network, but because they helped her develop skills that can’t always be mastered in the classroom. Now a reference librarian at the San Diego Law Library, she describes the resources that best prepared her for life after iSchool.
Library Conferences Go Virtual
Published: September 16, 2020 by Havilah Joy-Steinman Bakken
Each incoming student at the iSchool at San José State University has the opportunity to join one professional association free of cost for one year. This perk of enrollment in the program offers returns in spades depending on the level of involvement each particular student chooses to dedicate to their chosen association. During my first semester in the MLIS program at the iSchool, I chose to join the American Library Association (ALA), and have remained a member since. Founded on October 6, 1876, during the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, ALA is a pillar of librarianship ethics and best practices and remains on the cutting edge of information technology. This has never been more true now during the time of the pandemic when ALA seamlessly moved their annual conference online.
SJSU iSchool Highlights Student Wellness
Published: July 26, 2020 by Havilah Joy-Steinman Bakken
It’s been quite the summer at the iSchool at San José State University. Fall classes are right around the corner and summer classes are well underway. While all of the programs, including MLIS, MARA and MS in Informatics, are delivered 100% online, this has not been a normal season. With the threat of the pandemic growing at varying rates throughout the world, finding wellness and joyful moments has proved to be even more difficult. In light of this, please review the excellent free resources below available to all SJSU iSchool students.
Ask Me Anything with Dr. Sandy Hirsh
Published: June 18, 2020 by Havilah Joy-Steinman Bakken
Dr. Sandy Hirsh hosted one of her final Ask Me Anything sessions before she transitioned to her new position as associate dean for academics in the SJSU College of Professional and Global Education. Hirsh served in the role of Director of the iSchool for over ten years and you can read more about her excellent service and leadership here. I had the opportunity to attend the session and have chosen a few questions to highlight for you all below (click here to view the recording). As new safety measures with Zoom are implemented, check your email for the recording password. The subject line of the email is “[Event] Recording of Director’s “Ask Me Anything” Session”
Equip Yourself for a Successful Summer!
Published: June 12, 2020 by Havilah Joy-Steinman Bakken
Summer is here, and while it may look different from what we expect, this is an excellent time to get equipped for a fabulous library and information science career. Whether you’re just starting summer classes, getting geared up for the e-Portfolio or about to start classes in the fall, check out this roundup of virtual events and resources below to jump start, or continue to evolve, your experience in the library and information science profession!
The e-Portfolio: Myths and Truths
Published: May 31, 2020 by Havilah Joy-Steinman Bakken
The e-Portfolio is a capstone experience the majority of iSchool students at San José State University will plan for, experience and benefit from. This large, scholastic decathlon represents not only your upcoming freedom from school, but also your newly garnered skills and brilliance in the library and information profession field. Each student has their own unique perspective and experience working through it, but the majority of us experience at least some amount of anxiety while it looms ahead of us. I had the opportunity to complete the e-Portfolio amidst the craziness of life, and I hope what I discovered from my own personal experience, and chatting with my fellow students, is helpful to you!
Internet Me Is Doing Great by ALASC
Published: May 1, 2020 by Havilah Steinman
With the majority of people at home during the pandemic, social media has become even more pervasive in the way we interact, build community and job search. San José State University iSchool’s American Library Association Student Chapter (ALASC) recently hosted the live virtual webinar, Internet Me Is Doing Great, and the recording is now viewable on their YouTube channel. See below for highlights of this timely and informative event!
What is Mindfulness, Anyway?
Published: April 24, 2020 by Havilah Steinman
Diversity is an important value of faculty and administration at San José State University iSchool. One of the projects the iSchool’s diversity committee works towards is creating engaging content that fosters that value. Recently, a diversity webinar series took a long look at mindfulness, and it’s role in the corporate world. See below for highlights of the recorded webinar What is Mindfulness, Anyway? by speaker Jamie Lin. Hopefully, this timely topic offers insight during a time of such stress and uncertainty in our country. For more engaging content, check out SJSU iSchool Podcast Feed via Apple Podcasts, SJSU iSchool YouTube Channel and iSchool On-Demand Webcasts Portal.
Looking for a Job? Check out the Career Blog!
Published: April 19, 2020 by Havilah Steinman
San José State University’s iSchool has an incredible set of career resources for alumni and current students to access. Being in an online program does not mean you’re completely on your own when looking for internships, volunteer opportunities or jobs. In fact, it actually means you are at an advantage because you have access to incredible career resources at the touch of a button. Of those resources, the career blog is one of the best. Written and curated by the Student Research Journal’s Editor-in-Chief Greta Synder, the resource is full of information from the perspective of this recently graduated student!
ASIS&T Hosts Distance Medical Librarian Webinar
Published: April 16, 2020 by Havilah Steinman
Student chapters of professional associations at San José State University iSchool are a catalyst for real-world experience and connecting theory to practical application. San José State University Chapter of the Association for Information Science & Technology is no exception, and works hard to bring in speakers to host live webinars for the student body. Their mission to connect students with current professionals in the information field is exemplified by one of their recent events, Distance Medical Librarian Webinar! This live event was recorded and is now viewable on their Youtube Channel. See below for a roundup of helpful insight from their fantastic webinar.
iSchool Life During the Pandemic
Published: April 7, 2020 by Havilah Steinman
While the iSchool at San José State University is a fully online school, COVID-19 has a drastic effect on the LIS community. Our classes are not affected, but everyone is dealing with the effects this global pandemic has on their respective communities and personal lives. Below is a roundup of resources that may be helpful in this difficult time.
MARA Student Vida Barone Shares Her Insight
Published: March 24, 2020 by Havilah Steinman
Wondering what current students of the Masters of Archives and Records Administration at San José State University’s iSchool are up to? Vida Barone has worked in local government for 25 years, and shared that she still learns something new every week. Barone founded her own company 13 years ago, City Clerk Management Services, Inc. She started at the MARA program in summer 2018, and made the decision to enroll so she could show her credibility in information governance.
Free Library 2.0 Conference on March 10th
Published: March 1, 2019 by Havilah Steinman
Conferences are paramount for information professionals to keep up with current trends, but they can also be costly and time-consuming. As a founding member of Library 2.0, the San José State University iSchool thinks outside the box to bring professional enrichment to not only their students and alum, but to librarians all over the world. The highly-attended mini-conference series, Library 2.019 Emerging Technology, offered attendees fantastic insight, and all of the content is available for free on the Library 2.0 website.
MLIS Semester Picks Up Steam
Published: February 16, 2020 by Havilah Steinman
The semester is picking up steam here at San José State University’s iSchool. Recently, the iSchool hosted an open house for the Masters of Library and Information Science program, which is accredited by the American Library Association. Whether you’re considering pursuing your MLIS, have just started your degree or are about to graduate, this event is full of important information to guide your academic and professional journey. I share some of these highlights below, and the recording of the open house is readily available here.