Rebecca Dent

REBECCA SHARES HOW SHE BECAME INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN LAW LIBRARIASHIP & WHY SHE JOINED AALL

Rebecca Dent is a Reference and Instructional Services Librarian at New York Law School in New York, New York.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO LAW LIBRARIANSHIP?

I learned through the law school grapevine that a classmate of mine had become a law librarian and I thought, “That sounds like something I would like!” So, I did a lot of research and realized academic law librarianship was the perfect combination of all of my backgrounds: law and higher education. I was fortunate enough to be working in the CUNY system and was able to obtain my MLS from Queens College for free as an employment benefit. I took a reference class to start and I was hooked.

WHY DID YOU JOIN AALL?

I learned about AALL from a professor when I told her I was interested in becoming a law librarian. She mentioned the Law Library Association of Greater New York (LLAGNY ), the local New York chapter, and AALL as important resources for me to consider. I joined as a student member right away.

WHY DO YOU STAY A MEMBER?

I enjoy the programming! I like to attend virtual coffee chats when I can as well as keep up with what is going on in the industry.

WHAT ONE MEMBER BENEFIT IS MOST VALUABLE TO YOU?

I took advantage of the AALL Mentor Program. Not only did I get paired with an exceptional and helpful mentor, I have made wonderful friends with the other mentees. It’s one of the best decisions I have ever made.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY ASSOCIATED WITH AALL?

I was fortunate enough to attend my first live Annual Meeting last month in Denver. I got to meet so many people and had a blast. I am looking forward to making more memories in the future.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I love to spin on my Peloton, hang out with my family, and read! I am also always looking for the next TV show to binge watch.

WHAT BOOK(S) ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?

I am currently reading the new Elif Batuman book Either/Or, Punch Me Up to the Gods by Brian Broome, and, for fun, Riley Sager’s Home Before Dark. I rotate through all three.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL/VACATION DESTINATION?

The best vacation I ever took was to Costa Rica back in 2012. We went to three regions, all of which were beautiful and completely different. I hope to go back someday and bring my children.