The Special Libraries Association, an organization that is focused on knowledge requirements and competencies for those in the field of library science, recognized the San Jose State University SLA student chapter.

SLA recognized the SJSU College of Applied Sciences and Arts School of Information Chapter for creative use of electronic resources, outstanding leadership and innovative programming.

“SLA’s student groups are the starting point for SLA’s future leaders,” said Janice Lachance, SLA CEO, in a press release. “It is our goal to get them involved early and often so they can get on the fast track before they complete their library and information science programs.”

The School of Information student group is unique in that the students are part of a completely online program that spans three continents and partners with several SLA chapters and divisions. The SOI group was recognized for its use of Blackboard Collaborate to hold virtual meetings for the group as a whole while also using other resources such as Google Hangouts, Google Drive, and Blackboard IM messaging service for smaller committee or subcommittee meetings.  The group’s membership increased from 8 members in 2013 to 66 this year.

The group was also recognized for events it hosted including a webinar on alternative career paths and a colloquia lecture on big data.

The Student Group Certificate of Merit is recommended by SLA’s Student and Academic Affairs Advisory Council.

In June 2014, the American Library Association student chapter at SOI was also recognized as chapter of the year.

For more information on the College of Applied Sciences and Arts School of Information, visit: http://ischool.sjsu.edu/