Judy K. Davis

JUDY SHARES HER FAVORITE AALL BENEFIT ALONG WITH HER FAVORITE AALL MEMORY

Judy K. Davis is a law librarian, head of access services at the University of Southern California Law Library in Los Angeles, California.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO LAW LIBRARIANSHIP?

After practicing law for a while and deciding it was not for me, I began looking for other options. Meanwhile, my college roommate—who had taught high school for several years—also wanted a change; she went to library school, became a school librarian, and loved her life. Every time I tried something new and didn’t like it, my friend would gently say, “You know, there are law librarians, too . . .” After several career experiments, I had an epiphany one day and told my friend, “Did you know there are these people called law librarians?  They’re librarians, but they specialize in law!” To her credit, she didn’t even roll her eyes at me, and the rest is history.

WHY DID YOU JOIN AALL?

I am fortunate to work for an employer that supports professional development and growth, and it was a given that I would be part of AALL when I started my job at USC. It helped me hit the ground running.

WHY DO YOU STAY A MEMBER?

I never get tired of learning. AALL is my best source for professional education, cutting-edge technology updates, and teaching resources. Plus, the Annual Meeting is where all the cool people hang out.

WHAT ONE MEMBER BENEFIT IS MOST VALUABLE TO YOU?

The vast and diverse network of professionals who are always willing to answer questions, provide opinions, collaborate on projects, and give of their time. It was through AALL resources that I met writer Carole Levitt, who took a chance on a newbie, and we ended up writing two books together!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY ASSOCIATED WITH AALL?

Attending my first Annual Meeting. I discovered an entire field of professionals who were open, welcoming, and wanted to see me succeed. Nothing has ever changed about that.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Anything and everything outdoors. I am so lucky to live in a part of the country with beautiful weather and many opportunities to hike, camp, surf, snowboard, and more.

WHAT BOOK(S) ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. I will admit that I cheat—I listen to audiobooks because I spend a lot of time in traffic. This one is read by the masterful Tom Hanks. Both the writing and narration are outstanding. Check it out, if you haven’t already.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL/VACATION DESTINATION?

Any tropical island, but my current favorite is probably Fiji. Some places are only now reopening after 2+ years of closure because any introduction of the virus would have been devastating to the tiny villages on the remote islands. I am an avid snorkeler and free diver, and it’s amazing to see sharks, rays, octopus, and other ocean life in such abundance due to tourists having been away.