Simmons Success

Who chooses Simmons for graduate education in library and information science? People like you. For starters, we're all passionate about books, especially the ideas and ideals that books convey.

GSLIS people are explorers. As library and information professionals, they are driven to discover — and compelled by a desire to help others find answers. Moreover, a Simmons GSLIS education is guided by one of the first principles of American philosophy: that open and unfettered access to information is the bedrock of democracy. That's why alumni, faculty, and students are often on the front lines of social justice, working to defend First Amendment rights or overcome the "digital divide" that separates those with access to information from those without it.

Library and information professionals have become indispensable resources in the ever-changing social economy of the 21st century. As a result, many people are entering the profession, often moving from other careers in search of more meaningful and stimulating work. Indeed, nearly 60 percent of GSLIS students come from other disciplines.

Shelley Lyons '04 LS

Shelley Lyons wants to revolutionize the library system back home in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and her country's government thinks she can do it.

Alphonse Vinh '86 LS

Alphonse Vinh likens himself to the famed Peanuts comic character, Pig Pen. Instead of walking around in a cloud of dust, however, it's a cloud of books. "I own thousands of them," states Vinh. And, he's not exaggerating.

Raquel Ortiz '01 LS, Adjunct Faculty

Ortiz says working with students and faculty at an academic library is very rewarding. "They are so receptive to being 'taught' about how to find the information they are looking for or how to use a particular search tool."

Jonathan Lill '03 LS

"The Simmons program allowed me to draw on my background in art, and it showed me the crossover among my fields of interest," says Lill. "It then opened the doors for me to obtain practical experience at area libraries and archival organizations while I attended classes. I feel I'm well prepared for my job search."

Nancy Rossiter, Assistant Professor

For many librarians and information science professionals, building a successful career means attaining a director-level position that requires an advanced level of experience, training, and managerial skills. Professor Nancy Rossiter aims to assist her students with at least one of those qualifications.

Sarah Watkins '00 LS

"Using USS Constitution as a lens, 205 years of American history comes alive. One of the best things about my job is connecting people with history in engaging ways. The archives at the museum are an important part of the memory of USS Constitution."

Hillary Garrett '04 LS at Mount Holyoke

For Garrett, pursuing a career that involved working with people was a lifelong dream; she just didn't realize she'd do that in a library setting.

A foremost thinker