College of Information and Communications

2020 News Archive

iSchool 2020 year in review

As 2020 comes to a close, Director David Lankes reflects on the iSchool’s many accomplishments. These include enrollment gains in the BSIS and MLIS programs, as well as new academic programs, faculty positions, public scholarship efforts and more.

iSchool launches scholarship match program to attract top talent

Each year, the American Library Association awards dozens of scholarships to underrepresented students looking to earn a master's degree in library and information science. Now, by matching that $5,000 scholarship, the iSchool is giving students a new reason to enroll.

Introducing ‘The Skillset Podcast' with R. David Lankes and Nicole A. Cooke

Love a good podcast? Publishers Weekly has launched The Skillset Podcast with iSchool Director David Lankes and Augusta Baker Chair Nicole Cooke. The Skillset will illuminate the complex issues facing libraries and other key institutions in these unprecedented times.

Turning antiracist knowledge and education into action

In this Publisher's Weekly article, Dr. Nicole Cooke discusses how allies for social and racial justice are choosing to 'stand in the gap.'

Bird watching: UofSC literacy efforts go virtual during COVID-19

Since April, CRE's Virtual Storytime YouTube playlist has featured a line-up of guest readers, including former mascots, Miss Gamecock 2020, and even famed talk show host and University of South Carolina alumna Leeza Gibbons.

Project READY S.C. Announced

The South Carolina Center for Community Literacy, the Augusta Baker Endowed Chair for Childhood Literacy, and the South Carolina State Library announce a Learning Cohort course for Project READY (Reimagining Equity & Access for Diverse Youth) S.C.!

Leaders with helping hands

Only 50 librarians are selected each year in the ALA’s competitive Emerging Leaders Program, but several of our alumnae were chosen in recent years. We sat down with three of them to talk about their academic journeys and experiences.

Why libraries are committing to systemic change

David Lankes writes in Publishers Weekly that today's crises in public health, the economy and in racism demand we rethink everything — including what we’ve always considered virtuous institutions, like libraries, schools and publishers.

Reading Is only a step on the path to anti-racism

In this Publisher's Weekly article, Dr. Nicole Cooke suggests viewing one's anti-racist journey in three stages.

School of Information Science statement on diversity, equity and inclusion

The University of South Carolina’s School of Information Science community strongly condemns the systemic and systematic oppression of black people, indigenous people and all people of color.

Passion for profession lands SC librarians on Movers & Shakers list

Having an impact on their students and communities, being more inclusive for underserved populations and encouraging a lifelong love of reading and learning are passions shared by three alumnae who have been recognized as 2020 Movers & Shakers by Library Journal.

SLIS becomes School of Information Science

The School of Library and Information Science is now the School of Information Science, following a vote of approval by the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees at an April 24 meeting.

SC Center for Community Literacy creates resource website for parents

Are you looking for local and national resources to engage kids while learning at home? Explore the San Diego Zoo, doodle with Mo Willems, participate in a virtual storytime and hang out with Dr. Seuss.

Graphic novels help teens learn about racism, climate change and social justice – here’s a reading list

Dr. Karen Gavigan says teen activists are making headlines for their social justice advocacy, and it's being reflected in the graphic novels they are reading. Read her article in The Conversation.

Dominion Energy partners with UofSC to 'Sow the Seeds of Reading'

A new partnership between Dominion Energy and the University of South Carolina's literacy outreach program will help teach gardening and nutrition skills to elementary school students in Lexington County.

Librarians could be jailed and fined under a proposed censorship law

Dr. Nicole Cooke believes the law, if enacted, would be a potential threat to information access, intellectual freedom and the freedom to read. Read her article in The Conversation.

Civil Rights series: Augusta Baker leaves legacy in School of Library and Information Science

Storyteller-in-residence sounds like a dream job for some library science students, but for Augusta Baker, it was more than a fairy tale. Baker led a life that saw her overcome all obstacles to become one of the top 100 most important leaders of the 20th century.

Distance Education: We will come to you

With the click of a button, class registration is complete. It's that simple to register for School of Library and Information Science distance education courses.

Launching a legacy: Checking in with new Augusta Baker Chair Nicole Cooke

Last fall, SLIS welcomed Nicole Cooke as its new Augusta Baker Chair in Childhood Literacy to advance the school’s literacy efforts. Here are some highlights of what Cooke has accomplished so far and a glimpse into her next steps.

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