Darin on What he Relies on Other AALL Members for Most
Darin K. Fox is the Associate Dean, Director of the Law Library and Professor of Law at the University of Oklahoma Law Library.
Why did you join AALL?
I was lucky to begin my career at the University of Southern California Law Library with Albert Brecht. Albert was the President of AALL in the 1980s, and he strongly believed in professional development through participation in AALL, SCALL and other professional organizations. I am grateful for his mentoring.
Why do you stay a member?
The people! Our profession is changing fast, and I rely on the expertise of my friends, colleagues, mentors, speakers, presenters, and other “movers and shakers” in AALL to help me plan projects, services, and facilities for my organization.
What one membership benefit is most valuable to you?
The Annual Meeting is the most valuable to me. Like most of us, I am far too busy to maintain my skills and develop new ideas during the normal course of business. The Annual Meeting gives me a chance to brainstorm with colleagues and mentors, attend programs to learn new skills, and give back to the profession.
What is your favorite memory associated with AALL?
I’m a geek. I really enjoyed David Pogue’s keynote speech at the Annual Meeting several years ago. Terri Gross was also fantastic. Honestly, I look forward to dinner with friends every year. That’s what I remember most.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Science and technology are my passion. I enjoy building and working on computers, and I am a huge science fiction fan. The fact that Firefly was cancelled after one season is possibly the worst tragedy in all of television. I spend a fair amount of time trying not to embarrass my 16-year-old son, but I do not succeed at that. It seems like I manage to watch Big Bang Theory every day.
What book(s) are you currently reading?
In terms of work-related books, I recently read Michelle Wu’s book, Academic Law Library Director Perspectives: Case Studies and Insights. I strongly recommend it to anyone considering a career in library administration. However, I primarily read blogs these days, especially Greg Lambert’s 3 Geeks and a Law Blog and Jean O’Grady’s Dewey B Strategic. I also work on an amateur music blog with a friend.
What’s your favorite travel/vacation destination?
I recently had a chance to teach at Oxford for two weeks, and that was a blast. Here in the States, my family really enjoys Chicago… in the summer. We travel there frequently, but we also try to pick a different city to visit every year. We love museums, trying new restaurants, and the fast pace of big cities.