The professional associations are well-represented at Simmons GSLIS, with student chapters of ALA, SLA, SAA, ASIST, and MSLA—SG. In addition, there are two student-run groups not connected to larger organizations -- LISSA, the student association to which all students belong, and SIR, the Student International Relations group. For descriptions, current officers, and links to each group's website, see below. Updates for this page should be sent to gslisweb@simmons.edu.
- American Library Association — Student Chapter (ALASC)
- American Society for Information Science and Technology — Student Chapter (ASIST)
- Library and Information Science Student Association (LISSA)
- LISSA-West
- Massachusetts School Library Association — Student Group (MSLA-SIG)
- Panopticon (Art Librarian Interest Group)
- Progressive Librarians Guild — Student Chapter
- Simmons International Relations (SIR)
- Student Chapter of the Society of American Archivists (SCOSAA)
- Special Libraries Association — Student Chapter (SLA)
American Library Association — Student Chapter (ALASC)
Wiki: http://gslis.simmons.edu/mw/alasc
Listserv: https://lists.simmons.edu/lists/info/alasc
Description: In 1991, the Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science Student Chapter joined many of its kind to be chartered by the American Library Association. The ALA Student Chapter invites local librarians to discuss the activities and services of ALA and its local and national affiliates.
| Current Officers: | |
|---|---|
| Chapter Coordinator |
Brita Zitin |
| Resources Coordinator |
Andrew Hyland |
| Projects Coordinator |
Jaimie Fritz |
| Events Coordinator |
Keiley McGregor |
| Information Coordinator |
Kerry O'Donnell |
| Advisors |
Mary Wilkins Jordan Em Claire Knowles |
American Society for Information Science and Technology — Student Chapter (ASIST)
Website: http://gslis.simmons.edu/blogs/asist
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Asist-Simmons/140894349292112
Listserv: https://lists.simmons.edu/lists/info/asistlist
Description: The Student Chapter of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIST), chartered in 1975, seeks to promote the study of information science among the student body. The Chapter works closely with the New England Chapter of ASIST in planning regional events, providing students an opportunity to come in contact with professionals in the field of information science. The Chapter also organizes workshops on topics in information organization, dissemination, and use; and an annual prize is awarded to an outstanding information science student.
| Current Officers: | |
|---|---|
| Co-Chairs | Mark Tomko Pablo Morales Henry |
| Web Design/Publicity |
Stacy Reardon |
| Advisor | Linnea Johnson |
Library and Information Science Student Association (LISSA)
Blog: http://gslis.simmons.edu/blogs/lissa/
Description: The Library and Information Science Student Association (LISSA), founded by the students, acts as a vehicle of communication between students and faculty by representing student consensus. LISSA is responsible for social activities designated to promote good fellowship among students and between students, faculty and alumni. It sponsors and promotes educational and informational programs for the benefit of the total student body. For example, students distribute and compile evaluations of courses for student use. LISSA is an integral part of the School, and students gain experience in governance, money management, and collaborative decision-making. The Association has compiled a significant record of important contributions to the School and to its students. The student activity fee required of students each semester provides membership in the organization and supports Association activities.
LISSA Professional Reimbursement FAQs and Reimbursement Request Form are available on the LISSA Wiki at: http://gslis.simmons.edu/mw/lissa/
| Current Officers: | |
|---|---|
| President | Stephanie Bennett |
| Vice-President | Mark McMahon and Angela Kelly |
| Secretaries | Stacie Parillo Nicole Perrault |
| Treasurer | Miranda Rivers |
| Advisor | Em Claire Knowles |
LISSA-West
Blog: http://gslis.simmons.edu/blogs/lissawest/
Wiki: http://gslis.simmons.edu/mw/lissawest/Main_Page
Listserv: https://lists.simmons.edu/lists/info/gslisatmhc-l
Description: LISSA West is the student organization's branch at the Mount Holyoke campus. LISSA West meets several times per semester-typically between classes on Saturdays. Lunch is usually provided. All students are encouraged to attend these meetings. In addition, interested students have the opportunity to run for election as a LISSA officer. LISSA West maintains an eLearning space where students can find updated news and information about the program. The site also includes a directory of students and faculty, a calendar of events, a bulletin board forum, and course syllabi and evaluations. Students are strongly encouraged to check the LISSA West eLearning at least once or twice per week.
| Current Officers: | |
|---|---|
| Co-Presidents | Sarah Lucchesi Andrea Puglisi |
| Secretary | Lori Dethloff |
| Treasurer | Michelle Fredette |
| Member-at-Large | Graham Christian |
Massachusetts School Library Association — Student Group (MSLA-SIG)
Wiki: http://gslis.simmons.edu/mw/msla_sig/Main_Page
Listserv: https://lists.simmons.edu/lists/info/libraryteach
Description: In the spring of 2004, a group of students from the Simmons College School Library Teacher program along with the Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA) founded a student group to promote professional development in school librarianship.
MSLA-SIG is dedicated to the improvement of teaching and learning through the integration of school library media into the total educational process. The organization advocates, promotes and works to strengthen school library media services to students and teachers. Members of our student group meet other School Library Teacher students in a professional forum; network with dedicated school librarians; and keep up-to-date with developments in the school library field.
| Current Officers: | |
|---|---|
| Co-Chairs | Emily Sypole Alissa Rosselini |
| Secretary | Leah Lubman |
| Treasurer | Jennifer Dimmick |
| Information Coordinator |
Cressida Hanson |
| Advisor | Mary Frances Zilonis |
Panopticon (Art Librarian Interest Group)
Websites:
http://web.simmons.edu/~panopticon/
http://gslis-panopticon.tumblr.com/
Listserv: https://lists.simmons.edu/lists/info/panopticon-l
Panopticon is a GSLIS special interest group for students interested in art, cultural heritage, and visual resources in libraries, archives, and museums. Through meetings, discussions, and events we provide information to students about GSLIS course planning, jobs and internships, local and national events and conferences, relevant professional organizations, and networking opportunities. We are chaired by student leaders and work closely with Art Library Students and New Professionals (ArLISNAP), as well as Art Libraries Society of North America's New England chapter (ARLIS/NE). All GSLIS students are welcome to join.
| Current Officers: | |
|---|---|
| President | Jasmine Jones |
| Vice President | Rebecca Thomson |
| Treasurer |
Rachel Dwyer |
| Webmaster |
Rebecca Franz |
| Archivist |
Erin Smith |
| Advisor | Martha Mahard |
Progressive Librarians Guild — Student Chapter (PLG)
Wiki: http://gslis.simmons.edu/wikis/plg/
Listserv: http://lists.simmons.edu/lists/info/plg-list
Blog: http://plgatsimmons.wordpress.com/
Description: The GSLIS chapter of the Progressive Librarians Guild is a non-sectarian group committed to the ideals of progressive librarianship, and the notion that a fundamental role of libraries is to promote the free exchange of ideas and information for all people. We believe that libraries are essential to maintaining an independent and democratic society.
The student chapter at Simmons supports the PLG (http://libr.org/plg/) and its statement of principles by:
- Encouraging and providing a forum for the open exchange of radical views on library issues
- Conducting campaigns to support progressive and democratic library activities on the local, national and international level
- Promoting progressive activities, i. e. guest speakers, discussions, field trips and volunteer opportunities that enhance the professional development of its members
| Current Officers: | |
|---|---|
| Co-chairs | Joanna Breen Bryce Healy |
| Secretary | Kathleen Clifford |
| Treasurer | Brian Shetler |
| Archivist | Ana Knezevic |
| Advisor | Lisa Hussey |
Simmons International Relations (SIR)
Website: http://gslis.simmons.edu/wikis/sir/Main_Page
Listserv: http://lists.simmons.edu/lists/info/sir-list
Description: The Simmons International Relations (SIR) student group, founded in 2004-2005. The group is committed:
- To disseminate a multicultural and multinational perspective on library and information science among GSLIS and Simmons students
- To join individuals interested in international library issues
- To act as a network for Simmons GSLIS students with interests in different cultures and languages
- To bring to GSLIS speakers and presenters with international library experience to the group
- To offer a platform for GSLIS students for the discussion of ideas about international librarianship and information in multiple facets
- To promote the discussion and study of librarianship in foreign nations
- To enhance the discussion of international library issues at GSLIS
- To promote the exchange of ideas and initiatives about international librarianship
- To spread the idea of international librarianship as a key component of library and information science education in the USA
| Current Officers: | |
|---|---|
| Co-chairs | Clare Davitt David Greene Candice Kortkamp |
Student Chapter of the Society of American Archivists (SCoSAA)
Website: http://alanis.simmons.edu/blogs/scosaa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCoSAA
Twitter: @SCoSAA
Listserv: https://lists.simmons.edu/lists/info/scosaa-l
Description: The Student Chapter of the Society of American Archivists serves to introduce and integrate new archivists into the profession; enhance the educational function by providing an additional focus for students to discuss archival issues; identify with the profession and engage in professional activities; promote communication among student members; and develop leaders of tomorrow's archival profession.
| Current Officers: | |
|---|---|
| Co-chairs | Amanda Strauss Camille Torres |
| Secretary | Jasmine Jones |
| Treasurer | Sarah Funke Donovan |
| Webmaster | Alessandra Morgan |
Special Libraries Association — Student Chapter (SLA @ Simmons)
Wiki: http://gslis.simmons.edu/wikis/sla/Main_Page
Group Email: gslis-sla@simmons.edu
Listserv: http://lists.simmons.edu/lists/info/sla-list
Description: The Special Libraries Association Student Group, established in 1971 as the first student group chartered by the parent organization, hosts meetings and seminars on topics of the members' choice, helping to lead to a full understanding of special librarianship. Through these activities, and those of the Boston Chapter of the SLA, students become familiar with all aspects of SLA and have the opportunity to meet many of the local members. Activities of the Simmons SLA Student Group are open to all graduate students. Those who wish to join the Special Libraries Association may do so at a student member rate.
| Current Officers: | |
|---|---|
| President | Sophy Bishop |
| Secretary | Bridget Jeffs |
| Treasurer | Sarah Funke |
| Webmaster | Carli Spina |
| Advisor | James Matarazzo |
To update the information on this page, please contact gslisweb@simmons.edu.