Sophia Kingsley

SOPHIA SHARES HOW SHE GOT INTO LAW LIBRARIANSHIP & DISCUSSES HER FAVORITE MEMBER BENEFIT

Sophia Kingsley is a Graduate Student at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO LAW LIBRARIANSHIP?

I worked as a paralegal for several years while trying to decide whether or not to go to law school. Although I enjoyed some aspects of the work, such as legal research and writing, I realized that practicing law was not the best path for me. At the time, I lived very close to the Washington State Supreme Court Law Library, which prompted me to research law librarianship as a potential career. Several friends recommended the University of Arizona School of Information, which is where I am now studying, as well as interning at the Daniel F. Cracchiolo Law Library.

WHY DID YOU JOIN AALL?

My university advisor encouraged me to join AALL to learn more about my options after graduation. Although she is the general advisor for the entire MLIS program, she also happens to be a law librarian and was able to point me to specific resources, such as AALL.

WHY DO YOU STAY A MEMBER?

I like the regular updates about resources, events, and opportunities in the field. I have been working in law for a while, but I’m brand new to the librarianship side of things, so it’s interesting to learn about all the different specializations.

WHAT ONE MEMBER BENEFIT IS MOST VALUABLE TO YOU?

Having a mentor through AALL has been extremely helpful. With outside advice, I feel better prepared to choose the courses I will take for the next two years, rather than trying to guess which skills will be useful post-graduation. My mentor also passed along some great insights about working in government vs. academic vs. private law libraries, which is particularly important information for me since I have not yet decided if I should pursue a JD after finishing graduate school.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY ASSOCIATED WITH AALL?

I have only been a member for two months, so I haven’t had a chance to attend any conferences or make any big memories. However, receiving my welcome packet in the mail was a nice moment; it made the start of my studies and career feel much more official.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I love aerial acrobatics and rock climbing! My schedule is packed because I’m working and going to school full time, but I still meet up with my friends at least every other week to play Dungeons and Dragons.

WHAT BOOK(S) ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?

I’m almost done reading The Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard. It’s very nontraditional for a fantasy novel—think more “wizard on sabbatical” than “hero’s journey.” I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to take a break from the grim, dark side of the genre.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL/VACATION DESTINATION?

I spent two weeks in Mexico City in 2018 and I would happily go back for a month or year. Nothing can compare to seeing the Aztec sun stone in person, touring Frida Kahlo’s house, and attending a football game at Estadio Azteca. The food alone is reason enough to go back!