Shaping the Future of Information: Diana Daly Elected to iSchools Board of Directors

The College of Information Science at the University of Arizona—Arizona’s only member of the international iSchools consortium—will soon have representation on the esteemed organization’s board of directors. Associate Professor of Practice and Associate Dean for Graduate Academic Affairs Diana Daly has been elected to serve a two-year term beginning in 2026.

Her appointment marks a significant moment not only for the college but also for the university’s standing in the global information science community. The iSchools organization, a consortium of 136 leading institutions worldwide, is a cornerstone of scholarly collaboration in the information field. Representing top-tier programs in information science, data science, library studies and informatics, the consortium champions a shared mission: to understand the complex relationships between people, information and technology—and to shape a more informed and equitable future.

Leadership Rooted in Pedagogy and Practice

Dr. Daly brings to the iSchools board a distinctive blend of academic leadership, creative pedagogy and scholarly innovation. Known for turning learning into a participatory process, she is more than an award-winning educator, she is a builder of inclusive spaces for critical inquiry. Through her work in the iVoices Media Lab and the student-authored Humans R Social Media open textbook, she exemplifies the InfoSci ethos: that information is not just studied but actively shaped by learners.

Her scholarly focus—on trust in information, participatory culture and the fight against disinformation—places her at the vanguard of conversations that define the digital public sphere. That expertise is invaluable to the iSchools board of directors, which sets strategic direction for the consortium and ensures that its work remains globally relevant and locally impactful.

A Recognition of Excellence and Responsibility

Dr. Daly’s election followed a voting process that spanned October 2025 and engaged the full iSchools membership. Joining five other newly elected directors from across the U.S., China and Sweden, Dr. Daly now holds one of the select positions that help shape the future of the field.

“College representation on the iSchools board of directors affirms our leadership role as Arizona’s only iSchool,” says Interim Dean Catherine Brooks. “Dr. Daly’s work embodies the values of the iSchool mission—interdisciplinary collaboration, student empowerment and public impact. Her voice on the board ensures that our perspective, and the experiences of our students, are part of the global conversation.”

Why iSchools Matter

At its core, the iSchools consortium recognizes that information—how we access it, analyze it, protect it and trust it—shapes nearly every domain of contemporary life. From digital literacy to artificial intelligence, from community archives to cybersecurity, iSchools equip students and researchers to navigate the ethical, technical and human dimensions of a data-driven world.

For the U of A, being a member of the iSchools consortium situates the College of Information Science within an elite international network, opening doors for research collaboration and strategic partnerships. It affirms the university’s commitment to excellence in a field that is increasingly central to societal progress.

Continuing Momentum

Dr. Daly’s recent recognition underscores this momentum. In March 2025, she received the OER Architect Award from the OERizona Network, celebrating her leadership in open educational resources. This preceded her receipt of the University of Arizona Foundation Leicester and Kathryn Sherrill Creative Teaching Award, which honored her pioneering work in collaborative and inclusive pedagogy.

Asked about her new role, Daly emphasizes the collaborative spirit that defines her work. “It’s an honor to serve on the iSchools board of directors alongside visionary educators and researchers,” she says. “The heart of creative teaching and information science research is connection—linking ideas, people and possibilities. That’s what iSchools stand for and what I’ll work toward as a board member.”

As the College of Information Science looks ahead, Dr. Daly’s appointment is both a recognition and a responsibility—a chance to help shape the global trajectory of information education while continuing to champion the voices and values rooted in information science at the University of Arizona.
 

Learn more about Dr. Diana Daly on her faculty page, or explore ways you can support faculty and research at the College of Information Science.