Sanda Erdelez
Dean, School of Library and Information Science
Dr. Sanda Erdelez is a Professor and Dean of the School of Library and Information Science. She received her LL.B. and LL.M degrees from the University of Osijek Law School (Croatia) and a Ph.D. in information transfer from Syracuse University. She was also a faculty member at the University of Missouri, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Osijek.
Dr. Erdelez is a former Fulbright Scholar and recipient of The Texas Excellence Teaching Award and The ALISE Pratt-Severn Faculty Innovation Award. Her research interests include human information behavior, human-computer interaction, and usability evaluation in online environments. She has been internationally recognized for her pioneering research in the areas of information encountering and opportunistic discovery of information. Her research has received funding from both corporate and government sources including Dell Inc., SBC Communication, Texas State Government, and NSF. She is an active member of the Association for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T), where she has served in numerous leadership roles including the chair of the Special Interest Group on Information Seeking and Use (SIG USE) and member of the ASIS&T Board of Directors.
In 2015, Dr. Erdelez received the Outstanding Contribution to Information Behavior Research Award from SIG USE and also became a member of the SIG USE Academy of Fellows. She currently serves as the chair of the iSchools Organization.
Sanda Erdelez in the News
Dean of SLIS Discusses Public Libraries in The Boston Globe
The Boston Globe featured commentary from Sanda Erdelez, Dean of Simmons‘ School of Library and Information Science, on the remarkable resilience of public libraries, particularly those in New England.
Simmons School of Library and Information Science Receives National Grant for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Education
Simmons School of Library and Information Science Dean Sanda Erdelez and Professor and Associate Dean Laura Saunders have been awarded a three-year Institute of Museum and Library Services National Leadership Grant of $249,510 to “implement a nationwide system to develop, audit, and share library and information science courses with an equity, diversity, and inclusion focus.”
Simmons University Brings Graduate Program to Greenfield Community College
Simmons University School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) has relocated the SLIS West program — a part-time master of science in Library and Information Science degree program in Western Massachusetts — from Mount Holyoke College to the campus of Greenfield Community College (GCC), as of Fall 2024.
SLIS Dean Sanda Erdelez Receives Croatian Women of Influence Award
The School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) Dean Sanda Erdelez was selected as a winner of the Croatian Women of Influence Award, a recognition of leadership, innovation, and community impact of Croatian women around the world.
School of Library and Information Science Director Visits University of Osijek in Croatia as Fulbright Specialist
In October of 2023, School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) Dean Sanda Erdelez traveled to her native Croatia as part of the Fulbright Specialist Program, which offers opportunities for U.S. professionals and academics to share expertise and collaborate with institutions around the world.