SJSU College of Information, Data and Society

The College of IDS is proud to see the CCRLIS team sharing their innovative work with librarians and information professionals from across the country at the 2026 American Library Association Annual Conference!

Associate Professor Dr. Michele A. L. Villagran, graduate student Jennifer Perez Lara, MLIS alum Kristie Barlas, and graduate student Ashley Flores will present:

📚 From Research to Practice: Translating Culturally Competent Research into Everyday Library Work

The session will showcase findings from the Culturally Competent Research in Library and Information Science (CCRLIS) project, exploring how culturally informed research practices can strengthen library services, community engagement, and professional practice.

📍 ALA Annual Conference
📅 June 27, 2026
📍 Chicago, Illinois

Read more here: https://bit.ly/4xLb7Rq

Innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact were on display at the inaugural Spring 2026 Capstone Expo hosted by SJSU's Department of Applied Data Science.

Graduating students showcased AI and data science solutions developed through their capstone experience, demonstrating how emerging technologies can address complex challenges across industries and communities.

Congratulations to Team 6 for earning first place with their project, AI Native SaaS Platform for Human Resource Management!

Learn more about how SJSU students are applying data science and AI to drive responsible innovation and meaningful human impact.

Visit:

SJSU Department of Applied Data Science Showcases Innovation at Inaugural Spring 2026 Capstone Expo | College of Information, Data and Society News | SJSU SAN JOSÉ, Calif. — The San José State University Department of Applied Data Science (ADS) celebrated student innovation, collaboration, and industry-connected learning during its inaugural Spring 2026 Capstone Project Expo held May 15, 2026. The event brought together graduating students, alumni...

We’re proud to share that iSchool faculty member Dr. Michele A. L. Villagran will be presenting at the InSciTS 2026 Annual Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia!

Her talk, “Enhancing LIS Research Outcomes through Culturally Competent Team Practices,” explores how team dynamics, cultural competence, and collaboration shape stronger, more equitable research in Library and Information Science.

🗓 May 9
⏰ 8:30 – 8:45 AM (Pacific Time)

This session highlights the importance of culturally responsive teamwork in building impactful research and advancing the field.

🔗 Learn more: https://julnet.swoogo.com/scits26/oral-schedule

Interested in cybersecurity, platform engineering, or tech careers?

Join us for an engaging conversation with Noam Rimon, an engineering leader whose experience spans Cloudflare, Sony Interactive Entertainment, cybersecurity, immersive technology, and large-scale platforms.

This interactive session will feature:
• Real cybersecurity stories from industry experience
• Insights into the current hiring landscape
• Career advice and live Q&A

📍 ISB 842
📅 May 7
⏰ 2 PM

Students interested in cybersecurity, engineering, cloud technologies, and emerging tech are especially encouraged to attend.

College of IDS and iSchool alum Mychal Threets () is officially a published author! His new book, I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy, is out now, and he is taking his message of library joy on tour.

From his work with PBS to his recognition by the American Library Association, Mychal continues to inspire millions through his advocacy for literacy, mental health, and the power of libraries.

Join us in celebrating this incredible milestone and cheering him on as he shares his story across the country 🎉✨

The College of Information, Data and Society had a great time connecting with students at the Oregon State University Grad School Exploration Fair 2026! Held at the Memorial Union in Corvallis, Oregon, the event brought together future scholars eager to explore what’s next in their academic journey.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat with us. We loved being part of your next step!

Join the Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) SJSU Student Chapter for a special event designed to welcome and inspire newly admitted Spartans exploring careers in technology.

📅 April 20, 2026
🕛 12:00–1:00 PM
🏦ISB 842

This interactive session includes:
✨ Introduction to the club
✨ Icebreaker activity
✨ Guest speaker session
✨ Live Q&A

We’re excited to welcome Aiswarya Venkitesh, Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft, who will share insights on AI, cloud architecture, and turning ideas into real-world impact.

Whether you’re just starting your journey or curious about where technology can take you, this is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and feel inspired in a supportive community.

💡 Come explore what’s possible—no experience required.

Visit:https://www.sjsu.edu/information-data-society/centers-labs/bdcc/student-resources/index.php

In the newly released CodeSignal’s 2026 University Ranking Report, San José State is ranked #2 in the nation.

Mehrdad Aliasgari, dean of the College of IDS, notes: “This reflects steady investment over time. At SJSU, we’ve built programs that combine technical depth with applied, real-world problem solving. Our programs emphasize technical skills, hands-on learning and responsible computing, giving students industry-connected experiences in computing and data.”

Read full story at: https://blogs.sjsu.edu/newsroom/2026/codesignalrankings-no2/

CodeSignal's 2026 University Ranking report: https://codesignal.com/university-ranking/2026

How ready are librarians for AI?

Alison Throckmorton (MLIS ’26) explored this question in her research on public librarians’ AI readiness, presented at the College of IDS Online Student Research Conference. Her findings highlight a profession deeply committed to ethical, values-driven AI engagement—while still building technical confidence.

From AI literacy fellow to researcher, Alison’s journey reflects the evolving role of librarians as guides in an increasingly complex information landscape.

Read full story: https://blogs.sjsu.edu/idsprofiles/2026/03/25/cids-conference-winner-alison-throckmorton-explores-how-public-librarians-are-navigating-ai/

Students at San José State University’s School of Information are discovering how archives can connect people, preserve history, and support social movements.

In this new community profile, learn how iSchool students are engaging with social movement archives to document stories, amplify underrepresented voices, and build meaningful connections through their work in archives and information spaces.

✨ Explore how archival work can empower communities and preserve important histories.

🔗 Read the full story: https://blogs.sjsu.edu/idsprofiles/2026/03/08/ischool-students-find-community-through-social-movement-archives/