Precious Olalere, a doctoral student in information sciences, has been awarded the 2025 Helen Knoll Jira Scholarship from the Health Science Librarians of Illinois (HSLI). This award supports individuals pursuing education in library or information science in Illinois, especially those focusing on health science librarianship.
Olalere received her bachelor's in library and information science from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, and her MSLIS from the University of Illinois. While working on her master's, Olalere developed an interest in health literacy, equity, and information seeking, which led her to pursue a PhD in information sciences.
"I am passionate about the ways information can empower people to make better decisions, especially about their health and well-being," she said.
Olalere currently teaches Sociotechnical Information Systems (IS 504) and has been ranked as "Excellent" by students. Her research focuses on health information seeking, especially among older adults, and how emerging technologies and AI-driven systems can facilitate their learning, evaluation of health information, and access to care.
Looking to the future, Olalere said, "I hope to become a research scientist dedicated to developing technological interventions that promote equitable health outcomes across generations. I envision this work not only advancing scholarship in health science librarianship but also influencing how libraries serve as inclusive, trusted spaces for underserved communities."
A member of HSLI since 2023, Olalere will present her research, "Health Literacy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence," at the HSLI annual conference in November.