GSA

The primary purpose of the Graduate Student Association of the Department of Library and Information Science is to:

  1. Advocate LIS student interests to LIS Council, Graduate School of Education, GSA Senate, and ad-hoc University committees to voice students' questions, comments, and concerns on Departmental and University operations.
  2. Provide funding for student events, department events, and conference reimbursement. Conference reimbursement is a mechanism to allow students to gain valuable conference experience without burdening the entire cost.
  3. Host social events for its members, either through our own initiative or by supporting other organizations within the field of library science. This is achieved through parties, service activities and other sponsored events which provide the chance to network with those who will be our professional peers.

Contact

Graduate Student Association
email: lisgsa@gmail.com
web: LIS GSA Homepage
parent organization: GSA Homepage

Student ALA

The American Library Association is the major governing organization in the United States for library professionals. Their mission is:

“To provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.” (ala.org)

Membership in the organization provides you with a plethora of resources, networks, scholarship and grant opportunities, and also access to many specialty divisions. These divisions are the groups that “set policy and practice for the entire library profession.” (ala.org)

Also, the association provides employment listings to help in finding your first job. UB ALA is SUNY Buffalo’s student chapter. All student members of ALA here at UB are AUTOMATICALLY members of the Student Chapter. The chapter’s aim is to supplement your academic experience with professional development tools and information.

Contact

UB American Library Association
email: ubstudentala@gmail.com
web: Student ALA Homepage
blog: ubstudentala.wordpress.com
faculty advisor: Cindi Tysick
parent organization: American Library Association

SLA

The Special Libraries Association (SLA) seeks to support information professionals with the tools and skills necessary to compete in today’s information society. A special library is a library or information center whose needs are defined by a specific profession, topic or subject.

UB SLA, the on-campus student extension, aims to support students interested in special libraries through integrated events, seminars, and activities with local librarians. We are interested in educating our fellow students about special librarians’ niches and craftsmanship. Some of the things we do include: holding job hunt workshops; hosting panels about special libraries; integrating technology in special seminars; and visiting local special libraries.

Contact

Special Library Association
email: UBSLA2008@gmail.com
web: SLA Homepage
faculty advisor: Karen Reczek
parent organization - national: SLA Website
parent organization - state: Upstate New York SLA chapter