On May 8, 2025, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden was dismissed from office. On May 10, 2025, Shira Perlmutter, the Register of Copyrights and director of the Copyright Office, which is part of the Library of Congress, was also terminated. These unexpected decisions raise grave concerns for research libraries, including the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library, and for the national infrastructure that supports scholarship, access to knowledge, and preservation of cultural heritage.

The iSchool is proud to have served as cohost for 28 data science scholars from Kazakhstan in the 2024-2025 academic year. The scholars were part of the Bolashak International Scholarship Program, an initiative sponsored by the Kazakhstani government to facilitate academic, scientific, and cultural exchange. 

The School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is pleased to announce the publication of Research on Diversity in Youth Literature (RDYL) 6 (2). 

This issue comprises three original articles and five book reviews centered around the theme of diversity and inclusion in youth literature. 

M. Cameron Jones (PhD '10) will deliver the 2025 iSchool Convocation address on Sunday, May 18, from 1:30-3:00 p.m. at the Activities and Recreation Center. For those who would like to watch the ceremony online, live video will be available as well as archived for future viewing.

Charlei Grissom joined the iSchool on April 14 as an office support specialist. In her new role, she will provide administrative support to the admissions and records team.

Michelle Ellis joined the iSchool on April 7 as associate director of career services. In her new role, she will deliver career support to undergraduate and graduate students in the School.

The iSchool at Illinois has retained its top spot in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 ranking of graduate schools offering a master's degree in library and information studies. The iSchool has held the number one ranking for nearly three decades.

The School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is pleased to announce the publication of Library Trends 73 (1–2). Inspired by the contributions of Marcia Bates, this issue, "Design and the Philosophy of Information," highlights the cultural, social, and philosophical dimensions of information design. Ken Herold served as guest editor. 

Professor Emily Knox has been appointed to serve as interim dean of the School of Information Sciences, pending approval by the Board of Trustees. Until officially approved, her title will be interim dean designate. The appointment will begin April 1, 2025.

Angelica Townsend joined the iSchool on March 17 as an office administrator. She will serve as the primary administrative support for the interim executive associate dean and the assistant dean for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.