AYOKANMBI Moradeke Abosede

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

I knew little about Library and Information Science until I started seeking for undergraduate
admission and my attention was drawn to the discipline in 2015. Now, I can’t think of any other
profession that suits me better. As an undergraduate, I learnt that Library Science is much more
than “arranging books on the shelves”. I came to the realization that even with tremendous growth
in technology, libraries are essential and indispensable, hence, the discipline trains individuals to
be effective information architects, information officers, knowledge management specialists etc.
to mention but a few.

Upon the completion of my undergraduate studies where I graduated with a Second Class Honours
(Upper Division), I sought for opportunity in the area of Academic Librarianship and have worked
on different roles, across several units/sections of the library, from collections department
(acquisitions) to the Electronic library unit, Cataloging and Classifications unit as well as the
circulation unit where I assist library patrons/users with developing needful information by
answering questions, identifying potential information sources, recommending specific items,
materials or sources as well as referring them to other appropriate assistance resources such as;
reference specialists, automated information or resource databases. The invaluable experiences
gained on these roles have helped to sharpen my critical thinking, research, knowledge
management skills as well as my information literacy.

I have come to learn that library and information science professionals have the unique
responsibility of not only protecting the library’s resources, but also guiding people towards the
knowledge they are seeking. Librarians understand knowledge formation in the 21st century as
well as what, when and how it should be delivered to the appropriate users. The methodology
behind knowledge creation, dissemination continues to grow rapidly. As a matter of fact, the digital
environment has changed the functions and duties of LIS professionals as they are wholly
responsible not only to provide traditional library and information services but also to deliver
online information services according to actual needs of users. LIS professionals are information
resource specialists that provides precise solutions rather than volumes of ambiguous literatures.
Therefore, LIS professionals act as intermediary because they function between the end user and
an Information retrieval system to assist in information retrieval.
As a discipline, I am passionately intrigued by the different professional fields I can diversify into
after the completion of my Master’s Degree. I want to be a part of a system that not only supplies
the information, but joins the ongoing dialogue of access and information freedom. By exploring
ways to further expand accessibility to information through technology, I want to be part of the
enormous shift that had already begun from printed word to electronic media, and through all this,
I aim to maintain sight of the integrity as well as value of the physical word, a physical place to
seek and absorb information. I want to be one of the Librarians that bridge the gap between people
and information technology, by creating advisory resources that will be leveraged on by users to
develop a lifelong love for reading and learning as well as satisfying their information needs.

During my quest of seeking for an institution to further pursue my dreams, the University of South
Carolina MLIS caught my eye due to its academic prestige, ranking, support for international
student, its variety of courses offered that will ensure I have a well-rounded knowledge in all
aspects of librarianship and most especially, the opportunity for funding/scholarship which I am
very much interested in. It promises an enriching and collaborative learning environment that will
further deepen my knowledge of information technologies and innovative ideas that are helpful in
providing the opportunity to create lifelong partnerships between the academic and information
realms. The communal proponent of USC’S MLIS program will push me to better understand the
users of the information systems as well as their background. By working diverse disciplines, I
will learn skills essential to helping researchers in many fields as I want to be known for my ability
to guide others through all types of media in their search for information. Completing an MLIS at
the University of South Carolina will give me the opportunity to enter into the world of
librarianship with the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities to excel in the field.

Upon graduation, I aim to foster a new thought process to the library and information science field.
Once I have established myself as an effective librarian, I will seek leadership opportunities so I
can pass on to others what I have learned. To achieve the earlier mentioned, it is imperative to
grow to the point of having the opportunity to supervise a team of library professionals that will
work together to positively impact the society. I strongly believe in linking the society and the
schools with the library as a contribution to the profession. This link will help in educating people
of all ages, showing them that there are variety of vast sources for information.
Finally, while I currently plan on applying the skills to be acquired in the MSLS programme to an
academic or professional library setting, I understand that USC’s MLIS programme will as well
enlighten me about the many different opportunities available in Librarianship. Regardless of
where my place of employment ends up being, my major goal is to make a difference in the lives
of others and communities through literacy and access to information through modern ICT tools.
I certainly believe that USC’s MLIS program is the perfect environment where I can cultivate a
deeper knowledge and understanding of the complexity of information access and library services.
USC’s program is unique because it will help me covet my love for Library Science as a discipline
into a career that will make a difference and develop me to be a resource person in diversified
fields.

I eagerly look forward to a positive response from the University.