The UNC School of Information and Library Science (SILS) joined a group of top iSchools in the nation to plan a summit centered on the role of iSchools in the future of the library and information science (LIS) field.

The planning committee aims to present a series of conversations that lead up to a summit for iSchools later in 2022. Brian Sturm, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and professor at SILS, and Maggie Melo, an assistant professor at SILS, serve on the planning committee for the summit.

“Dr. Melo and I are excited about being involved in this five-university endeavor to explore the skills, attitudes, and knowledge students should have when leaving LIS educational institutions and the perceptions of stakeholders in the role of LIS in iSchools of the future,” Sturm said.

LIS faculty across multiple iSchools in the country also serve on the planning committee with Sturm and Melo.

University of Illinois, School of Information Sciences

Maria Bonn Associate Professor, MS/LIS and CAS Program Director

Emily Knox Associate Professor, Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

University of Maryland, College of Information Studies

Mega Subramaniam Professor, Associate Dean for Faculty

Ana Ndumu, Assistant Professor

University of Texas, School of Information

David Lankes, Virginia and Charles Bowden Professor of Librarianship

Amelia Acker, Assistant Professor

University of North Carolina, School of Information and Library Science

Maggie Melo, Assistant Professor

Brian Sturm Professor, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

University of Washington, Information School

Cindy Aden, Professor of Practice; Distinguished Practitioner in Residence

Chris Coward, Senior Principal Research Scientist; Affiliate Associate Professor

Michelle Martin, Beverly Cleary Professor for Children and Youth Services; MLIS Program Chair

Carole Palmer, Professor; Associate Dean for Research