"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.

From downloading ebooks to applying for jobs online, the patrons of the Gail Borden Public Library have a helping hand in technology librarian Phillip Schneider. Schneider and his colleagues also share their expertise with fellow librarians at other institutions through the online toolkit they’ve created.  

As a GSLIS student, Kirsten Y. Howley focused on government and business information. Now she puts those skills to work daily in a role that facilitates information sharing and more at a large technology company. Where do you work and what is your role? I am a senior business analyst with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), a technology integrator in technical,…

Lisa Abbott fields a range of research questions and information challenges at the Kellogg Company, but no matter what comes her way, she’s ready to tackle it. “I know my business, and my business is whatever the day asks of me. Fortunately, I have one heck of a toolbox helping me out,” she said. Where do you work, and what is your role? I manage the information center for the Kellogg…

Alea Perez is passionate about reading and librarianship, especially when it comes to teen services. On top of completing her master's studies this August, she manages her own YA lit website and recently started a new job as the head of youth services at the Westmont (IL) Public Library. Why did you decide to pursue an LIS degree? As a child, I was constantly surrounded by books thanks to…

Jason Driver is looking out for the little guys—literally. As an early literacy specialist for Chicago Public Library’s seventy-nine branches, he works with fellow children’s librarians to create programs that support young readers and their families. For more about his professional insights and interests, check out Jason's blog.

It’s no surprise that MS student Flannery Crump chose GSLIS when she decided to pursue a career in LIS. The program was recommended to her by a reliable source—her mother, Amy Crump. She’s following in her mother’s footsteps toward a career in public librarianship. Flannery Crump Why did you decide to pursue an LIS degree? All throughout my childhood, my parents would take me to the…

Throughout her career at the Illinois State Library, alumna Gwen Harrison has embraced leadership roles that have allowed her to make a difference in the working lives of librarians across the state and in the lives of their patrons. She was recognized for her contributions to the state in 2013, when she received the Secretary of State’s Employee of the Year award. Where do you work and what…

Look beyond the classroom walls, says Eric Phetteplace, and you’ll find there are lots of ways to expand your educational experience (and you might even get a job while you’re at it). Practicum and work experiences, attending conferences, networking, and getting involved in professional organizations are all great ways to do that. For more tips on working in LIS tech, look for posts by…

Becky Hodson (MS '13) recently returned to her alma mater, joining the GSLIS staff as visiting career services coordinator. In this new role, Hodson works with students to explore potential career paths in LIS, manages the GSLIS Job Board (I-Link), and assists students with navigating experiential learning opportunities such as practicum. Her previous experience includes academic reference…

Ruth Riley "instinctively knew" that she was meant to work in medical librarianship. She's built a successful career in academic medical libraries and is now an administrator looking ahead to the changing information needs of medical students and practitioners. Where do you work and what is your role? I work at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, South Carolina…

GSLIS alumna Daylily Alvarez is confident in taking on any challenges that stand between her and her career goals. She recently completed a second master's degree—this one in nonprofit management—while working as an outreach librarian. She plans to continue working closely with community members while advancing to a leadership role. Where do you work and what is your role? I am currently a…

What do macaroni and cheese, floral design, and corporate librarianship have in common? GSLIS alumnus Ozzie Meza has found a common thread throughout his career as a librarian and entrepreneur in his strong creative energy, a knack for building relationships, and the courage to take on new challenges. Where do you work and what is your role? I am an entrepreneur. This is the first time I…

A sense of inquiry and enterprising approach to her work makes every day interesting for taxonomist Jenny Benevento. She's found success in her field, working on a contract basis and using her time in between jobs to learn new things and see the world. Where do you work and what is your role? I am a taxonomist. I've worked fulltime as an employee of corporations (Sears/Kmart) and…

[image1-right]As a master’s student at GSLIS, Brian Wu worked as a data analysis intern at Neustar, Inc. at the University of Illinois Research Park. Since graduating and moving into and associate data analyst position he’s enjoyed the variety of tasks that come with work in a corporate data analysis setting. He hopes to use what he’s learned at GSLIS and Neustar as he begins to further…

[image1-right]Jennifer Borchardt built on a strong background in user experience design and strategy with a master’s degree from GSLIS. Now Borchardt is a VP at a major bank and speaks professionally to peer groups and graduate students.Where do you work and what is your role?I am a group lead and vice president in the online customer experience team at Wells Fargo, one of the largest banks in…

[image1-right]Former ALA Spectrum Scholar and LEEP graduate, Sally Ma has held a variety of jobs in the information professions since completing her MS. She now enjoys tackling new challenges and learning new things as the lead technical librarian at BAE Systems.Where do you work and what is your role?I work at BAE Systems, a global defense, security, and aerospace company, as the lead technical…

[image1-right]The research and organizational skills Alana Callender developed at GSLIS have contributed to her success in several departments of the college where she has made a career for more than three decades.Where do you work and what is your role?I work for the Palmer College of Chiropractic. It is the first chiropractic school in the world, and I am developing their museum. I also run the…

[image1-right]Before she had even graduated, GSLIS's Instructional Technology and Design Office hired Aisha Conner-Gaten to join their team. Now she's putting the skills she learned as a GSLIS student to work in support of current students and faculty who connect via the LEEP program and the Moodle course management system. Where do you work and what is your role? I work in the GSLIS…

An assistantship with John Deere during his time at GSLIS helped Derek Riddle redirect his career path to the business information field. Now the senior business information analyst at John Deere’s Research Park office, Riddle enjoys working in a variety of research areas and stays connected to GSLIS by supervising current students who gain work experience at John Deere.