The American Library Association Student Chapter (ALASC) at the San Jose School of Library and Information Science was recently honored as the ALA Student Chapter of the Year for 2010 – an award it has now received two years in a row.

According to the ALA award committee, this year’s award “reflects the strength, continuity and innovation of the chapter’s leadership and members.” Commenting on the School’s transition to a fully online delivery model, the committee said, “ALASC has not only adjusted and adapted, but flourished.”

The committee was also impressed with the student chapter’s “excellent use of social networks to inform and involve members, and the variety of both in-person and virtual programs. This chapter exemplifies what an outstanding student chapter should be doing.”

According to the ALASC Faculty Advisor, Debbie Faires, “Our chapter has expanded the number of events we offer and has drawn a higher number of participants than in the previous (very successful) year. One of the new programs was an innovative pre-ALA conference event, held online, aimed at helping students learn how to navigate conferences and network effectively.” 

In addition to online events offered through web conferencing and Second Life, ALASC offers local events in a variety of locations, which provide opportunities for face-to-face networking.  ALASC also connects with students through its blog and newsletter, as well as through social networking tools such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr. 

This year’s award represents the third time that the SLIS student chapter has received the ALA Student Chapter of the Year award.  The chapter was first honored with this award in 2000, and received the award for the second time last year.

Congratulations to the 2009-2010 ALASC officers (listed below), to its faculty advisor, and to all the School’s students whose involvement and participation make ALASC the best ALA Student Chapter. 

Chair – Abby Dansiger  

Co-chair and Web Coordinator – Susie Quinn

Program Coordinator – Gayle Pellizzer

Editor – Sarah Dunne

Secretary/Archivist – Jamie Renton  

Treasurers – Rowena Weger and Amanda Grundmann

Marcia Laughrey

Receptionist

School of Library and Information Science

San Jose State University

One Washington Square

San Jose, CA 95192-0029

Ph:   408-924-2490

Fax: 408-924-2476