Award Given at OU 2008 SLISebration

Each year members of the OU SLIS faculty nominate graduate students who they believe “best reflect the scholarship, dedication, and professionalism of David Ross Boyd Professor Emerita Tomberlin.” To remain in contention, nominees must submit a one-page statement and vita.

Here’s the essay submitted by this year’s winner:

Tomberlin Scholarship Statement

My primary intention in becoming a member of the library profession is to serve those who seek knowledge and information; it truly is as simple as that.

My aspirations in becoming a library professional, on the other hand, are multifaceted and ever-evolving, much like the profession itself. For one thing, I am highly interested in mentoring and teaching because I truly believe the ability to share what one learns is one of the greatest gifts. Another of my aspirations is to enhance the information seeking process by performing research and sharing the results through publication. I would also like to publish works on life as it is in the library profession, both for those who work in the library profession as well as for those considering doing so. Another of my aspirations is to serve at both the state and national level library associations in order to work with those who enhance information access for all. Lastly, I am interested in serving as the head of a department or as the director of a library. To me, the prospect of listening to and leading a collective of highly intelligent information professionals is not only intriguing, but virtually limitless in the possibilities of what can be accomplished.

My association with libraries up to this point has been both personal and professional. The personal aspect, likely similar to that of other information professionals, includes many childhood summers spent searching the shelves of the small branch library near my home for adventures yet to be taken and information yet to be discovered. This childhood experience was followed years later by many adult summers spent sharing a similar experience with my children.

The professional aspect of my association with libraries includes several years serving as a volunteer at the elementary school near my home. The librarian at this school generously mentored and instructed me in virtually every aspect of maintaining a K-12 library. Ultimately, it was her aptitude, optimism, and encouragement that inspired me to return to school in order to enter the information profession.

My most recent professional affiliation with libraries began with an internship at an academic library that quickly evolved into a full-time paraprofessional position. Similar to my volunteer experience, my present position allows me to participate in multiple aspects of librarianship, from reference and instruction to acquisitions and outreach. Also as with my volunteer experience, I find that I am surrounded by generous and highly knowledgeable individuals who willingly teach, encourage, and inspire. Ultimately, it is when I serve with these professional mentors and teachers that I am most grateful I have chosen to become a member of the library profession.

Given my personal experience, a general definition of librarianship as I view it is a profession that ensures access to all kinds of information for all types of individuals, regardless of ability or affluence. Moreover, librarianship is about providing an atmosphere that is both welcoming and intellectually stimulating.

Thank you to all committee members for taking the time to consider me for such a prestigious award as the Irma Rayne Tomberlin Scholarship. To even be considered is truly an honor.

Here’s the award:

*[No one is more surprised (or humbled) than I.]