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Student Groups

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)

Blog: http://gslis.simmons.edu/blogs/alasc/
ALASC Wiki: http://gslis.simmons.edu/mw/alasc
ALASC Flickr Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alascsimmonscollege
Listserv instructions: See https://lists.simmons.edu/lists/info/alasc for instructions on how to subscribe to 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:
President Corinne Griffiths
Vice President Kate McAngus
Program and Event Coordinator Alex May
Treasurer Amanda Bushnell

American Society for Information Science and Technology — Student Chapter (ASIST)

Website: http://gslis.simmons.edu/blogs/asist
ASIS&T Wiki: http://gslis.simmons.edu/mw/asist/Main_Page
ASIS&T Flickr Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/simmons_asist
Listserv instructions: See https://lists.simmons.edu/lists/info/asistlist for instructions on how to subscribe to 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:
Chair Luke Gaudreau
Secretary/Treasurer Help Wanted
Web Editor Shannon Astolfi
Faculty Advisor Linnea Johnson

Library and Information Science Student Association (LISSA)

Wiki:

http://gslis.simmons.edu/mw/lissa

Blog:

http://gslis.simmons.edu/blogs/lissa/

Listserv instructions:

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 $30 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 Holly Erickson
Vice-President Cassandra Black
Secretaries Kate McAngus
Naomi Magnoni
Treasurer Andrea Rounds
Student-Faculty Representatives Tara Lincoln
Shanti Freundlich
Sonya Durney
Student-Faculty Representatives (Archives)
Katharine Dunn

LISSA-West

Subscribe to the listserv here: 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 David Lambert
Lexi Walters
Co-Vice-Presidents Abigail Baines
Amy Wisehart
Secretary Pam Harnois
Treasurer Seth Kershner

Massachusetts School Library Association — Student Group (MSLA—SIG)

MSLA—SIG Wiki: http://gslis.simmons.edu/mw/msla_sig/Main_Page
Listserv instructions: See https://lists.simmons.edu/lists/info/libraryteach for instructions on how to subscribe to 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 Jaime Phillips
Alissa Rosselini
Secretary TBA
Treasurer TBA
Faculty Advisor James Baughman

Progressive Librarians Guild — Student Chapter (PLG)

Listserv instructions: See http://lists.simmons.edu/lists/info/plg-list for instructions on how to subscribe to the PLG listserv.
PLG Wiki: http://gslis.simmons.edu/wikis/plg/

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 Myrna Morales
Vered Meir
Secretary and wikimaster Kathleen Keleher
Treasurer Leslie Burmeister
Events Coordinator Brandie Doyle

Simmons International Relations (SIR)

Website: http://web.simmons.edu/~sir
Subscribe to the listserv here: http://lists.simmons.edu/lists/info/sir-list

Description: The Simmons International Relations (SIR) student group, founded in 2004-2005, is supported by two dedicated Simmons professors, Patricia Oyler and Sergio Chaparro. 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 Andrea Garvey
Secretary Kate Boylan
Treasurer Melissa Hulse
Communications Officer Tierney Steele
Wiki Gardener Melissa Laplante
Event Coordinator Jessica DeAngelis

Student Chapter of the Society of American Archivists (SCoSAA)

Website: http://web.simmons.edu/~scosaa/
Listserv instructions: See https://lists.simmons.edu/lists/info/scosaa-l for instructions on how to subscribe

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 Marti Verso
Marta Crilly
Secretary Christina Thompson
Treasurer Shannon Struble
Webmaster Kevin French
ARMA Liaisons Dave Scherer
Kate Boylan

Special Libraries Association — Student Chapter (SLA @ Simmons)

SLA Wiki: http://gslis.simmons.edu/wikis/sla
Subscribe to the listserv here: http://lists.simmons.edu/lists/info/sla-list
Group Email: gslis-sla@simmons.edu

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 Andrea Davis
Co-President Elizabeth Knuth
Secretary Danny Pucci
Treasurer Shanti Freundlich
Web Director
Lis Pardi
Advisors Ann Cullen and James Matarazzo

Panopticon (Art Librarian Interest Group)

Panopticon is a GSLIS special interest group for students interested in art librarianship and visual resources. 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 the Art Libraries Society of North America's New England chapter (ARLIS/NE). All GSLIS students are welcome to join.

Website: http://gslis.simmons.edu/blogs/panopticon

Co-chairs
Alli Bjorndahl
Betsy Boyle
Treasurer Melissa Hulse
Secretary/Blogger Stephanie Maclin
Faculty Advisor
Martha Mahard

To update the information on this page, please contact gslisweb@simmons.edu.


Student Groups

This page is maintained by GSLIS Website Manager.

Last Updated: November 19, 2008 03:43 PM

Last Published: November 21, 2009 02:08 PM