School of Library and Information Science Alumnae/i
Our alumni have a passion for life-long learning, discovery and helping others.
Simmons SLIS graduates become part of a professional community that stretches across the globe. SLIS alumni are in libraries, schools, museums, technology, higher education, government, corporate libraries, and special collections, among many other institutions.
Our alums are innovators, challengers of the status quo, and champions of the right to information. As such, SLIS alumni are our most powerful ambassadors in the world of LIS.
SLIS Alumnae/i in the News
Gregory Maguire ’78MA Defying Gravity
Gregory Maguire '78MA, best-selling author of Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, reflects on his time as one of the first graduates of the Master of Arts in Children’s Literature program at Simmons, now celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Archivist Cherishes Communal Essence of Libraries
National Library Lovers’ Month is, according to the Boston Public Library, “a time to recognize the value of libraries and all the special things we love about them.” To celebrate National Library Lovers’ Month, we spoke with University Archivist Kelsey Kolbet ’21MS/MA about her love of archives and women’s history, and why she chose Simmons.
Alumnae/i Receive Awards from American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) announced winners of the 2025 Youth Media Awards, including Breanna J. McDaniel ’14MA, Gabe Cole Novoa ’19MFA, Stephanie Seales ’09MA, and Sacha Lamb ’20MS/MA.
Blowing the Horn for Children’s Literature: One Hundred Years of The Horn Book Magazine
In October of 1924, the first issue of The Horn Book magazine appeared. It began as a newsletter from the Bookshop for Boys and Girls, one of the first children’s book shops in the United States, established in 1916 by...
Simmons Alum Mentors MFA Students in Children’s Publishing
Emily Feinberg ’11, who earned dual Master’s degrees in Children’s Literature and English Literature at Simmons, is now the Executive Editor at Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group.
Literary Agent Alumna Shares Passion for Children’s Literature
Paige Terlip ’18MA/MFA reflects on how Simmons prepared her to shepherd authors through the publishing process — and how it felt to get one of those books on the New York Times Bestsellers list.
From Mock Printz to the Real Deal: Simmons Dual Degree Student Shares Her Awards Committee Experience
Elena McVicar ’11MA/MS shares her experience serving on the 2021 Printz Award Committee, and how her Simmons studies uniquely prepared her to work in the Children's Literature field.
Archives Management Alumna Preserves Behind the Scenes Life at the White House
Leslie Calderone '11MS is the Director of the Digital Library for the White House Historical Association, a small non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of the White House. Calderone shares some of her favorite images of life in the White House, both formal and behind the scenes.
Accomplished Alums
Simmons SLIS is proud to boast some leaders in the LIS field among our graduates, including David Ferriero '74MS, 10th Archivist of the United States, Robert Hudson '77MS, Boston University Librarian, and Sarah Thomas '73MS, Director of the Harvard Libraries.
The SLIS Alumni board sponsors awards for outstanding alums in the Library and Information Science and the Children's Literature Programs. The most recent recipients of the Simmons Alumni Achievement Award include:
- 2018: Jane Sánchez '76LS, 25th Law Librarian of Congress, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
- 2017 Tom Blake '06MS, Content Discovery Manager, Boston Public Library; received MBLC award, 2015.
- 2016: Courtney Young '07MS, then-Head Librarian and Professor of Women's Studies at Pennsylvania State University; currently University Librarian at Colgate University. President of the American Library Association, 2014-2015. Recipient of the 2016 Simmons Alumni Achievement Award for Outstanding Achievement and Excellence in Library and Information Professional Endeavors
- 2016, Award for Outstanding Achievement and Excellence in the Field of Children's Literature: Victoria Smith '03GS, Kirkus editor, Simmons Adjunct; Smith has served on award committees for the Newbery, Caldecott, and Printz.
- 2015: Toby Pearlstein '77MS '87DA retired Director of Global Services for Bain & Company; co-author (with James Matarazzo, Dean and Professor Emeritus) of numerous articles about corporate and special libraries.
- 2014: Linda Watkins '82MS, retired librarian from Simmons SLIS.
- 2013: Artemis Kirk '75MS, University Librarian, Georgetown University in Washington, DC (retired in 2017).
- 2012: Jo Cates '84MS, then-Associate Vice President for Academic Research and Dean of the Library, Columbia College, Chicago; currently Library Director at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
- 2011: Maura Marx '04MS, then-Deputy Director, Institute of Museum and Library Services, Washington, DC. Currently President of Fidelity Foundations in Salem, New Hampshire.
Get Involved as a SLIS Alum
Donate
Consider donating to a specific scholarship or fellowship for SLIS and know that your support will resonate with future LIS professionals.
Share Your News
We are proud of the accomplishments of our alumni and want to promote your work. Have you received a promotion, been hired for a new position, engaged in meaningful volunteer work, published an article or book chapter, or received an award? Please let us know! For inclusion on the SLIS News page and SLIS social media, please submit your news.
Join the Board
Our Alumni Association Board is dedicated to providing support to the SLIS community and sponsors several events per year. Contact Jean Scanlan to get involved.
Join the Honors Society
The Beta Beta Chapter of Beta Phi Mu invites eligible graduates each year to join the official LIS honor society, which is devoted to ideals of scholarship and service. Members can connect on Facebook.
Become an Alumnae/i Ambassador
Alumni Ambassadors can get involved in many ways, including speaking on an alumni panel at monthly information sessions and representing Simmons at off-campus recruiting fairs. For more information, reach out to SLIS Admissions.
Become a Mentor
The mentoring program assists students by providing insights into competencies required in various professional areas. For more information, reach out to SLIS ssistant Director.