Alisa Holahan, Reference Librarian, Tarlton Law Library and Jamail Center for Legal Research, The University of Texas School of Law, Austin, TX
Why did you join AALL?
I joined AALL as a student member when I was completing my Master of Science in Information Studies at the University of Texas at Austin iSchool. I was getting exceptional on-the-ground training as a Tarlton Fellow at UT’s Tarlton Law Library. Joining AALL provided another great opportunity to learn about the field and connect with law librarians.
Why do you stay a member?
Law librarianship is a dynamic profession, and it is essential to continually seek out ways to engage with other law librarians and to contribute to the field. AALL provides numerous opportunities to learn about the latest innovations in law librarianship and to work with law librarians from across the country.
What one membership benefit is most valuable to you?
I appreciate the opportunity to meet other law librarians and to learn from their experiences and expertise. AALL provides so many opportunities to meet and learn from other librarians, including events at the AALL Annual Meeting and through committee activities.
What is your favorite memory associated with AALL?
My favorite memory associated with AALL is the first Annual Meeting I attended in summer 2019 in Washington, DC. In addition to attending the main conference, I attended the Conference of Newer Law Librarians (CONELL). I cannot think of a better way to learn more about AALL and the field of law librarianship. The entire conference experience was terrific. I learned so much about recent developments and innovations in law librarianship and had numerous opportunities to connect with both newer and more experienced librarians.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy travel, reading, movies, and taking advantage of the cultural events and great food in Austin. I also took up sewing a couple of years ago and have really enjoyed this new creative outlet.
What book(s) are you currently reading?
I alternate between fiction and nonfiction. I am starting The King’s Evil, the third in a series of historical mysteries by Andrew Taylor, set around the time of the Great Fire of London. I just finished The Trial of the Chicago 7: The Official Transcript. I recently watched the new Netflix movie about the trial, and the transcript was a fascinating way to learn more about the actual trial.
What’s your favorite travel/vacation destination?
I love to travel, so it is hard to pick one place. One of the best travel experiences I have had was studying abroad in Oxford during a summer in college. Oxford is a beautiful city, and I also had the opportunity to explore England and to visit Scotland and Ireland.