It is an active organization that offers information pertaining to the major by sponsoring workshops, speakers, and presentations. Undergrads are given a chance to develop leadership abilities to show initiative to potential employers. It lays the foundations for possible awards and scholarships for students with academic integrity and leadership qualities. The student chapter is one of two national student chapters affiliated with the Society of American Archivists , the flagship of professional organizations in the archives field. The student SAA chapter will integrate a knowledge of archives, preservation and the book arts into the LIS environment by sponsoring events and speakers throughout the academic year, holding special programs, encouraging participation in national SAA and other archival conferences, and initiating efforts to implement a network-based archival information and communications link among SIS students and other universities.
Participation is optional.
The student chapter of the Special Libraries Association was formally reactivated in the Spring of 1988. Members also belong to the Pittsburgh Chapter of SLA which meets monthly in different places in the Pittsburgh area for dinner and a program that usually includes a speaker of interest to Chapter members. The networking and the opportunity to meet and talk with experienced information professionals at these meetings are invaluable. In addition to activities sponsored by the Pittsburgh Chapter, the Student Group has its own activities, which in the past have included sponsoring speakers at SIS and tours of local area special libraries.