Through her work at California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), Shuyi Liu (MSLIS ’19, CAS ’23) aims to bridge gaps in health literacy, especially for underserved populations. She recently developed an innovative health informatics course with Medical Library Association certification.
Where do you work, and what is your role?
I am a health sciences librarian and faculty member at Fresno State. I collaborate with departments in the College of Health and Human Services, teach health informatics, and support research and instruction initiatives. One of my most recent projects has been developing a course that offers the Consumer Health Information Specialization (CHIS) certification, which was certified by the Medical Library Association. It’s the first of its kind in California, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to improving health literacy and empowering communities through this work.
Looking back on my journey, I’m deeply grateful for the encouragement and insightful guidance I received from the professors at the iSchool at Illinois. Their teachings sparked my passion for critical and creative thinking in LIS. Now, as I develop this course at Fresno State, I’m excited to introduce the principles of LIS to the Central Valley of California—a region currently without an iSchool. I hope to foster a deeper understanding of the library’s role in advancing education, equity, and community well-being.
What do you like best about your job?
Whether it’s supporting students’ academic journeys, designing innovative programs like the CHIS course, or contributing to the community’s health literacy, I love seeing the positive impact of my work. Collaborating with colleagues and students to explore creative solutions and new ideas is incredibly energizing.
What do you see as the most important impact of your work?
I believe the most important impact is empowering individuals and communities with reliable, accessible health information. Through my work, I aim to bridge gaps in health literacy, especially for underserved populations. By incorporating emerging technologies like virtual reality, interactive media, and gamification into health education, I hope to make learning engaging and inclusive while combating misinformation.
How did the iSchool at Illinois help you get to where you are today?
The iSchool gave me a strong foundation and the confidence to explore interdisciplinary opportunities. The MSLIS program encouraged me to think creatively and equipped me with the practical skills needed to navigate real-world challenges. Through independent study, I received guidance from my mentor on my research project, and through the mentorship program, I gained valuable insights from professionals at the Main Library’s Scholarly Commons while building meaningful connections with experts in the field.
One particularly impactful experience was taking a small, discussion-based course on global health informatics. The conversational and problem-solving focus of the class created an engaging learning environment that I truly appreciated. This experience inspired me to adopt a similar small-group, interactive approach when developing my own course at Fresno State.
The iSchool faculty and staff were exceptional, offering invaluable guidance in both academics and career development. Their support was genuine—they truly considered my goals and provided the best possible guidance. That collaborative environment inspired me to push boundaries in my work, ultimately leading to opportunities like being selected for the 2024 ALA Emerging Leaders Program. I credit much of this achievement to my time at the iSchool.
What advice would you like to share with iSchool students?
Be curious and open to exploring new intersections between librarianship and other fields. Whether it’s health, technology, or social justice, libraries play a critical role in addressing today’s challenges. Take the time to connect with your classmates, professors, and advisors, and you’ll uncover endless possibilities by engaging with the iSchool community. Build relationships, embrace lifelong learning, and don’t hesitate to take risks—you never know where your passion might lead you!
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy hiking, trying out new recipes, and exploring different cultures and perspectives through travel. Immersing myself in new environments helps me broaden my worldview and gain a deeper understanding of diverse ways of life. Whether it's through food, traditions, or meeting new people, these experiences keep me inspired and bring fresh ideas into both my personal and professional life.