Student Organizations
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!
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.
CWS membership is open to undergraduate and graduate students from all schools.
Community Workshop Series Coordinator: Shelby Kruger
smkruger@unc.edu
UNC SILS Faculty Liaison: Dr. Brian Sturm
sturm@ils.unc.edu
Contact CWS at silscommunityworkshopseries@gmail.com
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.
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.
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Current Board:
President: Ifeoma Obioha
Treasurer: Zara Zia
Contact FLUX at flux.unc@gmail.com
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.
Current Board:
Graduate President: Abbey Allred
Undergraduate President: Isabella Lynch
Vice President: Vacant
Treasurer: Vacant
Secretary and Technical Coordinator: Sarah Bernstein
Undergraduate Liaison: Arnav Sugavanam
New Student Outreach Coordinator: Abby Oldt
Community Development Co-Chair: Carley Jensen
Community Development Co-Chair: Lily Wilkerson
Contact ILSSA at ilssa@unc.edu
The Queer Library & Information Collective (QLIC)
The Queer Library & Information Collective (QLIC) is an LGBTQ+ student organization that strives to create an inclusive space for all students to excel academically and socially. Based at the UNC School of Information and Library Science, we host social events and contribute to student outreach and advocacy efforts. We value and support queer and intersectional feminist interests within our school, community, and the information and library science fields. We recognize the intersectionality of oppression and strive to work across those intersections to create a more welcoming and just environment. QLIC is open to everyone.
QLIC membership is open to undergraduate and graduate students.
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Current Board:
President: Cal Caughron
Treasurer: Leo Bautista
Administrative Officer: Sam Lipert
Communications Officer: Alexa Salvato
UNC SILS Faculty Liasison: Elliott Kuecker
Contact QLIC at qlic@unc.edu
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.”
SABL membership is open to undergraduate and graduate students.
Current Board:
President: Sydnie Martin
Vice President and Treasurer: Kemisa Kassa
Secretary: Niya Friday
Events/Programming Coordinator: Priya Dames
Media/Communications Coordinator: Chloe Leon
Contact SABL at uncsabl1@gmail.com
Student Chapter of the Society of American Archivists (SCOSAA)
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill‘s Student Chapter of the Society of American Archivists (SCOSAA) is dedicated to the professional development of its students by broadening their understanding of and exposure to issues related to the archival, museum, and cultural heritage professions. Through a series of professional speakers, topical brown bag discussions, formal and informal meetings, workshops, institutional visits, and cross-institutional event promotion, we keep our mission alive.
SCOSSA membership is only available to graduate students.
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Current Board:
President: Gabi Benedit
Vice President: Carly Jensen
Treasurer and Secretary: Summer Steven
Communications Manager: Camilla Crane
Contact SCOSAA at scosaa@unc.edu
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
Former Board:
President – Zoe Dilles
Vice President – Nadia Merritt
Secretary – Treasurer
Treasurer – Collin Drummond
Event Planner – Jenna Lloyd
Contact SLA at uncslasils@gmail.com
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.
Former Board:
President – Kelly Bullard
We work to consistently update this page with the most up-to-date information. If you are a student org representative and this page no longer reflects the most recent information about your group, please reach out to us at ilssa@unc.edu.