SJSU ASIS&T | June 2025 Newsletter

☀️Summer is here.☀️

Jun 02, 2025

Dear Readers,

I want to wish you all a happy June, summer is finally here!! For those taking summer courses, I applaud your dedication and time management skills. For those who have the opportunity to intern or are headed onto a new position, congratulations, keep it up and you will stand out. And for those who are unsure what’s your next step are this summer, keep reading for some great ideas on how to get involved.

Thank you to those who joined us for our AI Scavenger Hunt! This event was not recorded last month. However, we will have another opportunity in August to those who missed it; more details to come so keep an eye out.

We want to be mindful that many have a lot going on and might not have much time available to join our events however, our parent organization has events going on this month. You can check them out below.

On May 23rd, it was announced that ASIS&T and the Special Libraries Association have entered merger negotiations– an exciting development for the information science community. Earlier this year, SLA shared the surprising news that it would be dissolving after 116 years of service. While initially unexpected, the decision to join forces with ASIS&T feels like a positive step forward. Both organizations share a strong commitment to supporting information professionals and common goals across all sectors. This merger promises to carry that mission into the future with an even greater impact.

If there is more you would like to see from us, feel free to message us on any platform. We would love to hear from you and any input you may have.

“When opportunity presents itself, grab it. Hold on tight and don’t let go.” -Celia Cruz

Tatiana Gutierrez

Editor | ASIS&T SC @ SJSU

Not taking classes this summer, but looking for ways to keep in the groove? Here are five options to boost your knowledge, connections, and resume.

Work on a Professional Certificate

As an iSchool student we have access to some neat online tools and courses. Why not check out your complimentary access to courses and certificates via LinkedIn Learning or Coursera.

Some options include:

Personal Project

Expand on the knowledge you already have from the classes you’ve taken so far and try a personal project. This could be an extension or spin off of a past class project or something you saw in a presentation that you’d like to try your hand at.

This could look like creating an online exhibit or small online collection via a program like Omeka, Perservica, or GoogleSites; practice writing a grant proposal or collection policy; research a collection or institution and create an event plan; or if you have the technical chops build a small database or website.

Get Published

Did you have a writing assessment this past semester that you were particularly proud of? Did you learn about an amazing archive, library, or technology you think others should know about? Getting published is within your reach. The Student Research Journal (SRJ), ARCHEOTA, and all the Student Group Blogs are always looking for students to submit their writing; including ASIS&T SC blog!

To learn more about the SRJ and ARCHEOTA you can go to their websites or check out the Meet the Editors event from last year where we talked with the Editors about their publications. Working with any of the school's publications is a great way to get your first publication while in a supportive environment.

Connect with Others

Whether you need to learn more about a particular job or find a group interested in niche subject areas, connecting with others can be an important part of your professional journey.

An informational interview is a common practice within the LIS field that allows students to interact with professionals in the jobs, fields, or institutions that they’re interested in working in. You can ask questions and learn about how they ended up in their current positions. Additionally, joining local or online groups can help you find professionals with similar interests. The MLIS Discord server; Bay Area Young Adult Librarians; or ASIS&T Special Interest Groups are a few examples of what is out there!

Volunteer

If you need some hands-on experience in an organization, but weren’t able to secure an internship, look into volunteer opportunities with local organizations. Public libraries and museums will have information about volunteering on their website. If the institution you’re interested in volunteering with doesn’t have information readily available, a polite email introducing yourself and your interests could work.

Chris Reynolds

Outgoing Chair | ASIS&T SC