Navigating a Career in Law Librarianship
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Tina Dumas; Catherine McGuire; and Holly M. Riccio
Professional development is a cornerstone of any successful career in law librarianship. It not only enhances existing knowledge and skills but also facilitates building a solid foundation for future growth. However, when undertaken successfully, it is by no means a spectator sport—legal information professionals need to play an active role in crafting individualized plans to get the most out of associations, publications, conferences, and other professional offerings and volunteer opportunities. Leveraging the broad spectrum of professional development—from venerable professional associations and publications to social media and other 21st-century technology—and finding just the right mix of information and insight can fuel a lifetime of professional success and career fulfillment.
- Understand the structure and requirements of your organization and incorporate those into your plan.
- Play an active role in constructing and re-evaluating your path.
- Reach outside the standard structure of opportunities to the full spectrum of options.
This chapter will look at professional development through a variety of lenses to illustrate differences and commonalities in both approach and application by library type—academic, private, and government. The authors will take a deep dive into various professional development types, from committee work to conference attendance, from scholarship to social media. This chapter will explain the structure of library and legal organizations and provide insight into how best to navigate the opportunities therein. Lastly, the authors will provide guidance on how to get involved, network, and make the most out of professional development.
Professional Development Perspectives
In this section, the authors will explore professional development from three different perspectives: academic, government, and private law libraries. Requirements, expectations, and opportunities can be different in each environment. Finding and justifying funding may be an issue, depending on your employer organization. Then, there is the matter of identifying the right professional development opportunities for your work environment and career goals. There are some common tactics to try to mitigate or minimize the cost of professional development opportunities, including the following:
- Take advantage of online/virtual opportunities that are either made available at no cost or have nominal registration fees.
- Look for conferences and events put on locally, by your AALL chapter, or other local organizations.
- Consider volunteering to plan or speak at a conference—while this is no guarantee of receiving funding to attend. It often helps create a stronger, more successful argument for attendance.
- Identify sources for grants to attend conferences, remembering that these can come not only from the larger entity (e.g., AALL), but also specialized subgrou