Twelve iSchool master's students were named 2024–2025 Spectrum Scholars by the American Library Association (ALA) Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services. This “Spectrum Scholar Spotlight” series highlights the School’s scholars. MSLIS student Leslie Lopez graduated from the University of North Texas with a BA in psychology.
Why did you decide to pursue an LIS degree?
So many reasons! The main one came from my experience seeing the ways people fall prey to wrong and, at times, deceitful information about things like their bodies and legal rights. Before Roe v. Wade was overturned, I volunteered with an abortion fund and spent a lot of time addressing misinformation. I witnessed the frustration, anger, and confusion people felt when realizing they had been lied to or inadequately informed. During those moments, I did my best to share pointers on how to find accurate information related to their needs. Ultimately, this experience made me see how possessing information, media, and digital literacy skills can be lifesaving and empowering for people of all ages.
Why did you choose the iSchool at Illinois?
When I decided I wanted to go to library school, I knew I was likely going to be a virtual student but didn't want to experience an asynchronous program. After discovering the iSchool's Leep program, I connected with one of the graduate ambassadors, who spoke positively about the synchronous online instruction, variety of coursework, and ways that the degree helps students explore their options within the field. This all felt really encouraging and pushed me to apply.
What particular LIS topics interest you the most?
My current interests include all forms of literacy, censorship, community archives, and youth-centered librarianship. But I'm sure this list will continue to grow as I uncover topics I hadn't even thought about, thanks to my classes.
What do you do outside of class?
Outside of class, you can find me working full time in communications at a nonprofit. In my free time, I'm writing fiction, sending voice messages and handwritten letters to my friends, and wandering around my neighborhood while listening to a podcast—a lot of Normal Gossip and Limousine—or an audiobook of Mary Oliver's work.
What does being a Spectrum Scholar mean to you?
Being a Spectrum Scholar means being free from the heavy financial burden of continuing my education. But it also means getting to be a part of a community of other aspiring librarians and archivists, and receiving mentorship from those who came before me, in the hopes of doing the same thing for future generations of LIS workers.
What career plans or goals do you have?
I'm not entirely sure yet! I am interested in the idea of being an archivist within movement spaces or special archives. However, I also feel a calling to teen librarianship because of the unique needs and skills young people have. I'm excited to continue my journey as a student and figure it out as I go!