The School of Information (iSchool) at the USF College of Arts and Sciences marked a significant milestone, celebrating its 50th anniversary of the Library and Information Sciences (LIS) program at USF. Alumni, faculty, and students gathered for the celebration, held in November, to reflect on the program’s achievements and its future goals.
Keynote speaker, Todd Chavez presenting at the 50th anniversary event. (Photo by Corey Lepak)
The iSchool was first introduced in 1961, since then, it has been committed to better understanding the challenges individuals face in a global information society. As part of this commitment, the school strives to prepare professionals in the field with the skills they need to succeed.
Dr. Randy Borum, director of the iSchool, reflected on the progress achieved by the school over the years at the anniversary celebration. He emphasized the successful implementation of three graduate programs, three graduate certificates, and a continually expanding STEM program.
“The iSchool has allowed us to bring in cutting-edge new tools like data science, artificial intelligence, open-source intelligence analysis, and much more, allowing us to integrate those into our education and research programs in an era where technology is advancing so quickly,” Borum said.
Todd Chavez, an alumnus of the LIS program and Dean of USF Libraries, served as the keynote speaker for the evening. With nearly 30 years of service at USF, he captivated the audience with his insight.
When asked to assume the position of Dean, Chavez admitted that he faced this opportunity with much nervousness and hesitation. He shared how his experiences in the LIS program and his work within the iSchool, gave him the confidence to take on the role he has today.
He fondly recalled his time in the LIS program, where he learned tangible skills, such as exploring the foundations of the prep profession, methods of research service providers, collection management, and a surprising favorite - cataloging and indexing. Chavez also emphasized the valuable lessons learned from both professors and fellow students.
Beyond his formal education, Chavez took attendees through a visual journey sharing all the unique lessons learned, not from academia, but from his work in the profession at the iSchool. He recounted stories of dealing with issues like faulty plumbing, navigating weekly social demonstrations, and handling natural disasters such as hurricanes and sinkholes.
These anecdotes made Chavez realize that the lessons he gained from his education and professional journey provided him with the confidence to embrace the role of Dean.
Attendees listening to keynote speaker, Todd Chavez at the 50th-anniversary event. (Photo by Corey Lepak)
“My experience as a student in the School of Information prepared me for my role supporting lifelong inquiry into whatever inspires. It convinced me that libraries, and not only the buildings and the librarians who inhabit them, but also the mental construct of the library serves as a wellspring for intellectual growth and health. I am a proud and eternally grateful graduate of the USF School of Information,” Chavez said.
The event also included a presentation by Natalie Taylor, the program coordinator for the Library and Information Sciences master's degree. She awarded the Jean Key Gates Alumni Award to Dr. Wade Bishop and recognized Kyairla Davis and Gabriel Vega with the Outstanding Student Award.
To learn more about the Library and Information Sciences program, please visit the School of Information website.