Student Organizations
We are in the process of updating this page. If you are a student org representative, reach out to us to update your org's information.
While ILSSA works to represent the entire student body at the UNC School of Information & Library Science, numerous other student organizations provide opportunities for professional development in a variety of areas. Below is an unofficial list of student organizations at SILS (in alphabetical order). See the SILS Student Organization page for more information!
Art and Museum Library and Information Student Society (AMLISS)
AMLISS aims to provide students at UNC Chapel Hill with the opportunity to explore art, museum and visual resources librarianship and records management. Through lectures, workshops, special events and visits to museum and art libraries, AMLISS will promote these areas of specialization within the field of library and information science and records management to any interested students.
Current Board:
President – Callie Beattie (cbeattie@unc.edu)
Vice President & Treasurer – Margaret Steitz (msteitz@unc.edu)
Secretary – Hannah Southern (hsouthern@unc.edu)
CheckedOut: SILS LGBTQIA+ Alliance
CheckedOut is an LGBTQIA+ student organization that works to promote equity, inclusion, and social justice in information and library science. Based at the UNC School of Information and Library Science, we advance queer and feminist interests within our school, campus, communities, and the field at-large. We recognize the intersectionality of oppression and strive to work across those intersections to create a more welcoming and just environment for everyone. All are welcome, and commitment can be as casual as folks would like it to be.
CheckedOut Website | Facebook | Twitter
Current board:
Co-Presidents – Hope Riffee & Caroline Vaverek
Contact CheckedOut at checkedout@unc.edu
Community Workshop Series (CWS)
CWS is a digital literacy initiative based in the School of Information and Library Science. As part of our mission, we teach digital literacy classes with partner libraries in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham; create digital resources, and advocate for diversity in digital literacy. This is a great opportunity to give back to the Triangle community and make a difference among patrons of all different ages and backgrounds.
Current Board:
Rachael Brittain – Community Workshop Series Coordinator
Doctoral Students Association (DSA)
The DSA is the official organization for SILS PhD students. All doctoral students are automatically members of the DSA. The organization works towards improving communication among doctoral students, MS students, and faculty by participating in SILS governance and sending representatives to most SILS committees. They elect officers organically and have no set term limits and highly encourage 2nd and 3rd year PhD students to participate.
Current Board:
Aashka Dave
Bogeum Choi
Robert Manzo
Future Leaders of User Experience (FLUX)
An organization for graduates and undergraduates aiming to engage in conversation and build skills and a community based on a shared passion of user experience.
Acting President: Patrick Conway
Information and Library Science Student Association (ILSSA)
ILSSA officers are liaisons between SILS students, faculty, alums, and the Graduate & Professional Student Government. The organization provides a forum for discussion and action relating to school policies and issues and plans social events and career investigation opportunities. They inform students and faculty of current activities and issues. All SILS students are automatically ILSSA members.
ILSSA Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Current Board:
Graduate President – Rolando Rodriguez
Undergraduate President – Aaliyah Wynn
Vice President – Andrew Price
Treasurer – Jaycee Samson
Secretary and Technical Coordinator – Hagen Mendrykowski
New Student Outreach Coordinator – Claudia Batts
Social Chairs – Mya McCoy & Zoe Dilles
Contact ILSSA at ilssa@unc.edu
Society for the Study of Incunabula, Manuscripts, and Rare Books (SSIMR)
SSIMR is a student group founded at UNC-Chapel Hill to support scholarship and professional skills pertaining to the collection and study of rare books and documents, and special collections librarianship.
Current Board:
President – Kelly Bullard
Special Libraries Association (SLA)
A special library is an information agency sponsored by a private company, government agency, a not-for-profit organization, or a professional association. The student chapter of the SLA educates and involves students in special information and library center work environments and sponsors speakers from the professional community and frequent tours to area special libraries. Membership in a student chapter of the SLA helps to establish a close relationship between the individual and the state and national organization.
Current Board:
President – Zoe Dilles
Vice President – Nadia Merritt
Secretary – Treasurer
Treasurer – Collin Drummond
Event Planner – Jenna Lloyd
Contact SLA at uncslasils@gmail.com
Student Association for Black Librarians (SABL)
The Student Association of Black Librarians (S.A.B.L) aims to create a space for community, professional development, and camaraderie between black Library and Information Science students. We strive to be a safe and welcoming place for all members to share experiences, ideas, and connections.”
Current Board:
President – Mya McCoy
Vice President – Lyric Grimes
Student Chapter of the Society of American Archivists (SCOSAA)
Current Board:
Acting President: Kimmi Kresica (kkresica@live.unc.edu)
Contact SCOSAA at scosaa.unc@gmail.com
Other Organizations
Besides student-run organizations, there are opportunities to get involved directly with SILS and UNC Libraries groups.
Library Association at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (LAUNC-CH)
LAUNC-CH is a professional development organization for library workers in the Research Triangle. SILS Students are eligible to join the association and also to participate in any events, professional networking, and the annual day-long LAUNC-CH conference. In addition to being part of the organization, SILS students are also welcome to join LAUNC-CH committees, such as the communications, conference, professional development, professional welfare, and programs committees. Reach out to the current chair of the committee or the current president of LAUNC-CH for more information!
SILS Committee Representative
Students serve on various official committees within the School of Information and Library Science and the University. If you have concerns that relate to a certain topic, please reach out to SILS staff to find a position that matches your interests.
Currently Inactive Organizations
The following list contains student organizations that are not currently active. If you are interested in reviving one of these, reach out to the SILS administration!
Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T)
ASIS&T, the Association for Information Science & Technology, is dedicated to fostering intellectual discourse and career development for information professionals worldwide. Our student chapter advances those goals at the local level, by sponsoring lectures, panel discussions, field trips, and other activities.
Coalition of Youth Librarians (COYL)
The Coalition of Youth Librarians (COYL) provides academic support, professional development, and socialization for SILS students pursuing School Media and Youth Services Librarianship.
Flourish
Flourish is a student group intended to enhance community, networking, and support for students of color and international students at SILS.
Student Chapter of the American Library Association (SCALA)
This organization is a student chapter of the American Library Association (ALA) and is affiliated with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) School of Information and Library Science (SILS). SCALA works toward the professional development of its student members. The student chapter facilitates and encourages participation in the ALA and works to increase awareness and use of ALA resources. SCALA also runs the annual SILS Book Sale in the spring, the major student fundraising event of the year.
Former Board:
President – Lidia Morris
Vice President – Gillian McCuiston
Secretary – Criss Guy
Treasurer – Iliana Burgos
Webmaster – Erin Wallace