Library Science

[close] A book group for members of Simmons College GSLIS program to talk about their favorite books, swap recommendations, and bond over their shared bibliophilia! This group is moderated by the LISSA Webmaster. Anyone with an @simmons.edu email can join. Only group members can see the discussion board.

[close] Will is the author of twenty-two popular Kindle books in English, Spanish, and French which have gone to #1 in the USA and have sold in Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, France, Germany, India, Australia, Italy, and Japan. He is a former Columbia University/NYSPI Medical Library Chief, designer, and he is a speaker of English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Mr. Jiang's critically-acclaimed autobiography is "A Schizophrenic Will: A Story of Madness, A Story of Hope". Mr Jiang and his intense 20+ year struggle with schizophrenia is iconoclastic because he challenges us to think differently about stereotypes of mental illness. His peers would be world movers like Philip K. Dick, John Nash, and Elyn Saks. Most movies and media news paint one-dimensional, thinly drawn caricatures of mentally ill people, instilling fear. Refreshingly, words that could describe Mr. Jiang's life and work include: brilliant, passionate, artistic, profound, knowledgeable, inspirational, and even "wise teacher".

[close] Building a connected community of readers from the next generation of 21st century library science professionals.

[close] Our title is a playful nod to C.S. Lewis’s 1944 lecture, "The Inner Ring." In it, Lewis warns against the subtle temptation to chase ever‑smaller, more exclusive circles — the “in crowd” — at the cost of integrity and joy. The “Outer Ring” flips that idea on its head: we welcome the mix of familiar and unfamiliar voices, valuing curiosity, honesty, and genuine connection over status or secrecy. Here, the only ring worth joining is the one that stays open.