On September 15, 1963, four little girls had their lives cut short in a bomb blast at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. This tragic event, which drew international attention to the civil rights movement in the U.S., is a pivotal moment in The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963, the Newbery Honor-winning book by children's author Christopher Paul Curtis. Next week, several organizations, including the iSchool's Center for Children's Books (CCB), are partnering on events for young people in Birmingham to mark the 60th anniversary of the bombing.

Former students, colleagues, and friends will gather to celebrate Professor Emerita Linda C. Smith's contributions to the field of LIS at a virtual symposium on Thursday, September 28, at 12:00 p.m. Central Time.

Seventeen iSchool master's students have been named 2023-2024 Spectrum Scholars by the American Library Association (ALA) Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services. Since 1997, the Spectrum Scholarship Program has promoted diversity among graduate-level students pursuing degrees in library and information studies through ALA-accredited programs.

Shirley Meyers joined the iSchool in July as grants and contracts coordinator. In her position, she will perform pre- and post-award administrative functions related to sponsored research projects.

Joey Kennedy joined the iSchool in July as senior IT specialist. In this position, he will supervise the Help Desk graduate assistants and provide course and general IT support for the School.

Lauren Ochs joined the iSchool in July as school librarian licensure coordinator. Her new duties include advising students about coursework and field experiences leading to school library licensure and/or endorsement; placing, supervising, and evaluating students in schools around the state in field experiences, such as practicum and student teaching; and aligning the school librarian licensure program with state and national standards.

Weslee Walton joined the iSchool in June as associate director of finance and business operations. In his new role, he will oversee the School's financial operations and guide associate and assistant deans and directors in the development of their budgets by providing specialized analysis and reports.

Adrienne Jackson joined the iSchool in June as assistant director of recruitment and admissions. In this position, she will support recruitment for all degree programs in the School, with an emphasis on the undergraduate program.

The iSchool hosted a 130th anniversary celebration on June 25 at the American Writers Museum in Chicago. The event, which was held in conjunction with the American Library Association Annual Conference, included a keynote address and presentations, along with time for guests to mingle and explore the museum.

Professor Catherine Blake has been named associate dean for academic affairs. In this new role, she provides leadership and oversight for academic programs, including program development, curriculum coordination, and continuous improvement of educational experiences.