SOP questions

[crackerjacktiming]

Hello all,

I'm a senior looking into library programs for the Fall 2013 application cycle. I'm beginning to work on my applications and I'm not sure how to approach the statement of purpose portion. What makes a good SOP for library science? Is it necessary to mention specific Professors or classes? The non-MLS grad programs I've been looking into are research-based so I have a better idea of how to approach those.

I'm planning to discuss my work experience and my general career goals.

Any tips or suggestions would very much be appreciated. Thank you!

Edited August 28, 2012 by crackerjacktiming

[lsgchas]

When I applied for a MLIS program, the school listed topics they wanted me to address in the SOP. These were listed at the end of the online app process, so I had actually written a rough draft of my SOP before I even saw them. If I remember correctly, the topics included what skills or attributes I would bring to the profession, what I expected from the SLIS, and what I felt the role of a librarian or school media specialist was, and what relevant work experience I could claim. They did not ask me to discuss specific classes or professors.

In general, I'd recommend that you personalize your SOP as much as possible. They would like to get to know you as a person and understand what drives you toward this specific career. I found a web page with advice on writing SOP's that I found really useful. It even uses a MLIS SOP as one of its example. Hopefully it'll help you too.

http://www.uni.edu/~gotera/gradapp/stmtpurpose.htm

Good luck.