Sandra Hirsh

Preparing Veterans for Careers in
Library and Information Science

Sandra Hirsh, SJSU

School of Information,  College of Professional & Global Education
Sponsor: Institute of Museum and Library Services

“Reaching Those Who Served,” a project led by Sandra Hirsh, director of the SJSU School of Information, seeks to help more U.S. veterans pursue careers in library and information science. 

The project achieves its mission with two initiatives. The first is awarding scholarships for twelve veterans to attend library and information science graduate programs, four at each of the partner universities: SJSU, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Hawaii at Manoa. 

A second initiative surveys admissions staff and faculty in LIS programs, admitted students and librarians who are veterans. “Research on recruiting and advising practices will help attract more veterans to the information professions,” Hirsh says. Based on findings, researchers will develop new guidelines and tools for veteran recruitment and create new partnerships with local organizations that serve veterans. 

“After all that our veterans have done for our country,” Hirsh says, “it is gratifying to offer these veterans the opportunity to pursue an MLIS degree at our school with full support.”

SJSU Student Heather Canfield

"I am both honored and grateful for the veterans scholarship that is making my schooling possible. This program is doing an excellent job at helping me bring together my past experiences, including those as an officer in the U.S. Army, with the knowledge I need to make a difference as a future information professional."


Heather Canfield, ’20
Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)

SJSU Student Ryan Bankson "I'm currently a library assistant at the Carnegie-Stout Library in Dubuque, Iowa, and two of our librarians received their MLIS degree from San Jose State. They had nothing but good things to say about the program, so I decided to take their recommendation. After applying, I was contacted by the school about my candidacy for a grant called "Reaching those who Served." As a veteran and a member of the Iowa Army National Guard, this grant was an excellent opportunity and is helping me reach my MLIS goals." 

Ryan Bankson, '19
Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)

SJSU Research Foundation Annual Report 2018