College of Information and Communications

2026 News

The evolution of libraries

McKenzie Lemhouse never expected to find her future in library science. Now a librarian at USC Lancaster, she combines research support, student engagement and advocacy to create a welcoming space where students feel seen, supported and connected.

Creating a third space: How Amanda Myers is redefining libraries as hubs for connection, community and service.

For Amanda Myers, libraries are about more than books — they are spaces for connection and community. Now director of events and experience at Richland Library, Myers began her career shelving books in 2007 and has spent years helping shape meaningful experiences for library visitors.

CIC researchers advance solutions for accessible course materials

CIC researchers are working to close the accessibility gap in higher education, introducing a collaborative model to ensure blind, visually impaired, and print-disabled students receive course materials without delay.

Reading between the feathers 

You may know Cocky from game day at Williams-Brice, but some of his biggest fans sit on classroom floors, not stadium seats. Behind the yellow beak are two seniors  who’ve been involved with Cocky's Reading Express for the last four years.

iSchool celebrates graduates with pride, purpose and a touch of humor

From heartfelt cheers to a memorable keynote on service and humanity, the School of Information Science's spring graduation honored 60 graduates — and even featured a lighthearted family moment that made the crowd chuckle.

Building trust, expanding access: iSchool researchers tackle Information poverty

Faculty member Kim Thompson and Ph.D. student Machiat Tabassum explore how trust in librarians shapes access to information, and how strengthening that trust can help reduce information poverty in today's complex landscape.

7th Annual Augusta Baker Lecture features author Emely Rumble

Rumble will present on her acclaimed book Bibliotherapy in the Bronx, a powerful exploration of how literature can serve as a tool for healing within marginalized communities. The lecture will be Friday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Richland Library Main,

Two universities, separated by an ocean, partner to improve outcomes

The new CIC partnership with Makerere University in Uganda engages them in global learning and supports international scholarly endeavors — both core aspects of Global Carolina.

Valerie Byrd Fort receives coveted I Love My Librarian Award

The American Library Association's award honors 10 exceptional librarians from academic, public and school libraries for expertise, dedication and profound impact on the people in their communities. Byrd Fort receives a $5,000 cash prize

Linda Lucas Walling keynotes the annual Deans' and Directors' Lecture and Awards ceremony

It was a night of both cheerful celebration and deep reflection at the annual event. Walling specialized in inclusive library services, especially for people with disabilities; her book The Disabled Child in the Library earned presidential recognition.

Story time

Cocky’s Reading Express has been promoting childhood literacy for 20 years. The folks behind the popular program revisit the journey.

University Libraries appoints Valerie Vera as research impact librarian

Vera, who earned her Ph.D. in 2025 from the School of Information Science, will partner with USC’s researchers to help showcase their work, be more competitive on grant applications and demonstrate the value of their work both within academia and beyond.

Exploring how artificial intelligence shapes human thinking

At the CIC, Alamir Novin is examining one of the most pressing questions of the digital age: how artificial intelligence shapes the way people think, decide and learn.

Librarians facing workplace trauma find support from CIC professor

A rise in troubling and sometimes aggressive incidents at public libraries highlights the growing challenges faced by librarians and staff. Nearly 70% of urban library workers report experiencing violent or aggressive behavior from patrons, according to a recent study.

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