David on why joining SIS’s are so worth it and why he can’t imagine life as a law librarian without AALL
David Holt is a Reference Librarian at the University of California Davis School of Law in Davis, California.
WHY DID YOU JOIN AALL?
I’ve been an AALL member since my first year as a law librarian. I was very blessed to have an amazing mentor at Santa Clara Law, Prano Amjadi, who made sure that I joined as soon as I began work as a reference librarian. I really can’t imagine life as a law librarian without the network of support, and resources, provided by AALL.
WHY DO YOU STAY A MEMBER?
That’s obvious. There is so much value we get as legal information professionals in our participation with AALL. I have built numerous professional relationships due to my connection with AALL. Apart from that, I have participated in scholarly opportunities, advocacy initiatives, and social justice campaigns all via connections made directly, or indirectly, from AALL.
WHAT ONE MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT IS MOST VALUABLE TO YOU?
I would have to say my connection with the Social Justice Responsibilities Special Interest Section (SR-SIS). This SIS is the “conscience” of our profession. It has standing committees dealing with LGBTQ issues, environmental sustainability, services to those who are neuro-atypical or have mental illness issues, and services to those who are incarcerated. It is also the SIS that organizes the book drive at the annual meeting and the carbon offset project. I have formed lifelong friendships in the SR-SIS but it has also gifted me the opportunity to work on so many engaging, and meaningful, projects. It really has shaped my life as a law librarian. I really encourage my colleagues to look at participating in the special interest sections. They are so worth it.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY ASSOCIATED WITH AALL?
I vividly remember the Westlaw party held at the Library of Congress back in 2009 during the AALL Annual Meeting. It was, of course, a gorgeous venue for a party. I recall that after we left thunderstorm formed over the city and you could see lightning strike the Capitol Building. It was a beautiful evening.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Reading, of course! I also enjoy amateur photography. It’s a good excuse to get out of the house and walk around nature. I’ve been here at Davis for a little over a year but I feel like I haven’t yet explored the area completely. I’ve been driving frequently up to Gold Country in Nevada County and walking around the old ghost towns. I also enjoy traveling. My husband and I went to Rome and London last February to celebrate my 40th birthday. It was a great trip.
WHAT BOOK(S) ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
I just finished The Undoing Project by Michael Lewis. I saw that my friend, John Joergensen at Rutgers, posted on Facebook a recommendation for The Storm Before the Storm by Mike Duncan about the end of the Roman Empire so I started reading that two nights ago. I always enjoy getting reading recommendations from friends and colleagues via Goodreads.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL/VACATION DESTINATION?
I’m very lucky to live in Northern California where there are so many places to visit. I lived in Santa Cruz for nearly 8 years and still love going over to the Central Coast. Driving through Big Sur is an experience everyone needs to do at least once in their life. About eight years ago I went to Israel/Palestine on a peace activism trip. Once I arrived in Jerusalem I couldn’t sleep due to the time difference and ended up walking around the Old City until 3am. That felt like a truly magical experience.