iServe, originally known as Friends of First Place, began in the 2002-2003 academic year, in response to a need at the library at First Place School. First Place School is for students from families who are homeless or in transition. Their small library needed a barcode scanner and barcode labels to help facilitate borrowing. Friends of First Place raised money for the scanner and gave their time to help set up the new system and reorganize the collection.

After the first successful year, leaders of the organization recognized the potential of Friends of First Place to assist other institutions and organizations. In autumn of 2003 the original co-chairs Katie Fearer and Tricia Kenealy drafted our vision statement and the organization was renamed iServe. The name plays off of the Information School's nickname "iSchool" and also avows the statement, "I Serve." iServe focuses on service opportunities where iSchool students can use their skills as information professionals to help others.