GSLIS Gateway: Resources & Student Info

Student Organizations

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.

American Library Association — Student Chapter (ALASC)page top

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.

Officers as of November 2007:

Co-Chairs Ashley Peterson and Michael Wick
Co-Vice Chairs Mackenzie Dunn and Jessica Shurlow
Communications Liaison Jessica Pindell
Treasurer Amanda Bushnell

 

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

Website: http://web.simmons.edu/~asist
ASIS&T Wiki: http://gslis.simmons.edu/mw/asist
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.

Officers as of January 2008:

Chair Ben Florin
Vice-Chair Jen Langley
Secretary/Treasurer Sally Legore
Web Editor Laura Krier
Liaisons to NEASIS&T Sally Legore and Matt Burt
Faculty Advisor Sheila Denn

 

Library and Information Science Student Association (LISSA)page top

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 $20 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/

Officers as of January 2008:

President Cheryl Kohen
Vice-President Sean Thibodeau
Secretary Ann Kardos and Barbara Raab
Treasurer Cindy Fisher
Student-Faculty Representatives Daniel Crawling Bear Harayda
Student-Curriculum Representative
Stacy Schwartz

 

LISSA-Westpage top

Website: http://my.simmons.edu/gslis/communities/mount-holyoke.shtml
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.

Officers as of May 2007:

President Adam Williams
Vice-President Michael Mannheim
Secretary Anna Duprey
Treasurer Sara Colglazier

 

Massachusetts School Library Association — Student Group (MSLA–SG)page top

MSLA–SG 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–SG 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.

Officers as of May 2007:

Co-Chairs Amy Sprung and Elisabeth Zimmer
Secretary Courtney Fredericks
Treasurer Jeane Trovato
Faculty Advisor James Baughman

 

Progressive Librarians Guild — Student Chapter (PLG)page top

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

Officers as of Sept. 2007:

Co-Chair Laura Krier
Co-Chair Jennifer Hartman
Secretary Erin Harper
Treasurer Leslie Burmeister
Event Coordinator Joyce Clifford

 

Simmons International Relations (SIR)page top

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

Officers as of September 2007:

Co-Chairs Jessica Haglund and Hannah Miller
Secretary Helen Boos
Acting Treasurer Melissa Laplante
Wiki Gardener Melissa Laplante

 

Student Chapter of the Society of American Archivists (SCoSAA) page top

Website: http://web.simmons.edu/~scosaa/home.htm
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.

Officers as of May 2007:

President open
Vice-President Andrea Medina-Smith
Secretary Joelle Burdette
Treasurer open
New England Archivists Liaison Felicia Share
ARMA Liaison open

 

Special Libraries Association — Student Chapter (SLA @ Simmons)page top

Website: http://web.simmons.edu/~slaats/?
SLA Wiki: http://gslis.simmons.edu/mw/SLA/Main_Page
Subscribe to the listserv here: 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.

Officers as of October 2007:

President Maureen Ryan
Vice President/Wiki Gardener Helen Boos
Vice President for Public Relations Hee Jung Lee
Secretary Sean Thibodeau
Treasurer Allison Benedetti
Advisors Ann Cullen and James Matarazzo

 

 

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

This page was last updated on 4/1/08.