Graduation is approaching, and at this time of the year, we reflect on those individuals who have made a difference in our lives. New graduates and alumni are encouraged to honor GSLIS faculty and/or staff through the LSAA Tassel Project, which was established in 2011 by the Library School Alumni Association (LSAA) to support the creation of an endowed professorship in the School.

GSLIS alumna Erin Prentiss (MS ’12) is the recipient of the 2016 Professional Development Grant sponsored by the American Libraries Association (ALA) New Members Round Table (NMRT).

A new book edited by GSLIS alumna Safiya Noble (MS '09, PhD '12) explores the underlying social relationships and power structures of the internet and their implications. The Intersectional Internet: Race, Sex, Class, and Culture Online was published in March 2016.

Jarrett Dapier (MS '15) has been selected by the Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) of the American Library Association (ALA) to receive the 2016 John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award for defending the principles of intellectual freedom.

When I saw the ad for the director of library and archives position at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in 2008, I jumped at it. At the time, I had a terrific job as a librarian and archivist at the Center for Black Music Research at Columbia College in Chicago. Because my area of expertise is American popular music, I was confident I would at least get an interview. But things worked out better than expected.

It’s no surprise that a digital learning librarian doesn’t work within the boundaries of a physical library. In this role at Latin School of Chicago, William Langston isn’t even confined to the walls of the school building. In addition to working with students and faculty in person and virtually, Langston leads field trips, collaborates with Chicago-area colleges, and supports external research initiatives with ties to Chicago’s historic Old Town neighborhood.

Library Journal’s annual “Movers & Shakers” list recognizes professionals who are shaping the future of libraries in a variety of ways. GSLIS alumna Amita Lonial (MS ’09) is among the 2016 class of Movers & Shakers in the “Advocates” category. Lonial is the learning experiences manager at Skokie (IL) Public Library.

The History Section of the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) has selected two GSLIS alumni as the winners of its achievement awards honoring librarians and their contributions to the fields of genealogical and historical research and services.

"How do you want to contribute?" Alumna Liza Booker poses this question to GSLIS students. Find your answer, she says, and then use your education to help you make a difference in the world. As a UX analyst, Booker uses her skills to support research that addresses scientific and societal challenges facing the nation.

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) 2016 National Committee has awarded fellowships to nearly two hundred LIS professionals and students from around the world, including two GSLIS students and several alumni.