Guides: Information Studies: Get involved

Student-led journals

Pathfinder
Pathfinder is a student-led, open access journal dedicated to promoting the scholarly work of students and early career information professionals from across Canada.
Emerging Library & Information Perspectives (ELIP)
Open access, peer-reviewed journal led by students in the Master of Library and Information Science program from the Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS) at Western University.
Student Research Journal (SRJ)
Double-blind, peer-reviewed, open-access journal developed and led by current graduate students at San Jose State University’s School of information with the goals of empowering budding researchers, publishing relevant content of the highest quality, and building an international community of student researchers.

Conferences

This is a living list of recurring conferences and professional development events that are either local or online, and typically low-cost or free to attend. It is not an exhaustive list, as new events and conferences are hosted each year.

ABQLA Conference
Local bilingual conference for all kinds of libraries. Usually has student pricing and/or looks for volunteers.
CALM
The Conference on Academic Library Management (CALM) strives to fill a gap in the academic library professional development landscape by focusing on practical management skills and concrete practices. There is a significant focus in academic libraries on “leadership;” this conference is interested in the practical skills of management that impact the day-to-day work of departments and units within academic libraries. This is a free online conference.
Forum for Information Professionals (FIP)
The Forum for Information Professionals is an annual one-day event of presentations and discussions on current topics facing librarianship. It’s an opportunity for librarians and information professionals from all parts of Alberta and beyond to exchange ideas with library students and academics. Speakers include professional librarians as well as current and past students. Conference is online and free of charge.
OLA Superconference
Canada's biggest library conferences. Focuses on all areas of librarianship.Takes place in Toronto. It has special pricing for students as well as an affordable virtual registration.
Concordia University's Library Research Forum
Local free event. Not only great to attend but receptive to students submitting proposals.
Research Libraries UK (RLUK)
UK conference, now going virtual. Usually takes place in UK time so you may be in for some early wake up times.

Selected journals for reading

The links below provide access to lists of selected LIS scholarly journals and trade publications. They are not comprehensive lists, but rather a starting point featuring popular titles in academic and professional settings. Scholarly journals are usually peer-reviewed and written by researchers or academics. They present original research, include citations, and are intended for an academic audience. Trade publications, on the other hand, are written for professionals working in a specific field. They focus on industry news, trends, and practical information, and are usually not peer-reviewed. If you're unsure whether a journal is scholarly, you can ask a librarian or consult Ulrichsweb, a handy databse to obtain infomation about journal and other periodical publications.