My Journey to Law Librarianship
This is my story of how I found my way to the career I was meant to have in law librarianship; and how the journey I took to get there helped shape and prepare me for it.
I began working at the State Law Library when I began law school. I was hired as a library clerk in public services, and my main duty was to man the reference desk. I answered telephone calls, and assisted patrons who came into the law library. Another of my responsibilities was planning the library’s Law Day activities which was always a treat for me to do. I enjoyed reaching out into our local schools and providing Law Day programs for students.
I learned quickly that this was a good job to have while in law school. I learned how to do legal research; I could study when I worked on weekends; and I was also in a good position to network and meet people who may be able to help me in my career. I enjoyed my job. I worked with good people who made the job even more enjoyable.
I worked at the law library throughout law school and after graduation. I went on to pass the bar and I began my career as an attorney with Legal Services Alabama as a staff attorney. I did not want to practice law, however, I was not aware of any jobs, at the time, where I could utilize my law degree outside of practicing law. The thought of being a law librarian never crossed my mind until I began working at the law library. As I began my legal career, it was always in the back of my mind that someday I would go back to school and get my master’s in library and information sciences.
Working for the Legal Services Alabama was actually good for me. I got the opportunity to meet some interesting people, and I was able to have experiences that I otherwise would not have had if I did not work there. Our particular field office was unique in that the staff was all black women. I took pride in that and I admired my supervisors who taught me a lot, not only about the law but about life. As for the work itself, I learned the importance of marginalized people having access to the justice system. That is something I have carried into my current position.
I enjoyed my time at Legal Services, but after eleven years of service, I was burned out. There was a round of layoffs in 2013 in the organization due to lack of funding, and I was one of many staff members who got caught up in it. Even though I was saddened that I was leaving my co-workers, I also saw this as a blessing in disguise. I was ready for my next chapter.
After surviving breast cancer in 2014, I felt like I had a new lease on life. I finally made the decision to do what I had thought about doing for years-- go back to school and get my masters in library and information sciences. I was very excited to be in the MLIS program. It had been almost twenty years since I had been in school, so I was a little nervous, but very excited to be in the cohort. I met some interesting people, and my professors were wonderful. More so, I learned what it really meant to be a librarian and what that entailed.
Coming full circle, a position became open at the State Law Library where I worked over twenty years ago. My same supervisor and director asked if I would be interested in returning. I jumped at the opportunity. I had a semester left before completing the MLIS program, and I was thrilled to have landed a job before graduation. Returning to the law library after twenty years was surreal. The library was just as I remembered. A familiar place with some of the same faces. I was excited to return as a law librarian.
In addition to serving the appellate courts, trial courts and the private bar, our library also serves the public which includes self-represented litigants. As a public services librarian, my job is to assist patrons by providing them the resources that they need and showing them how to use the resources. To assist even more, I have created handbooks and LibGuides designed to help self-represented litigants navigate the judicial system at the trial and appellate levels.
In the near future, I would like to expand access to justice beyond the walls of the law library. I would like for the law library to reach to our local public library system to see how we can work together to address access to justice issues within the community.
I have to say that my experience as a law librarian has, so far, been a pleasant one. I have been in the profession now for four years, so I am still considered a newbie, but it seems like I have been doing this for longer. Transitioning from practicing law into law librarianship has been natural for me. Even my family and friends tell me that being a librarian suits my personality very well.
I am fortunate to work with experienced librarians. My supervisor, who is a black woman, has worked as a public services librarian for forty years. Her leadership and mentorship have meant a lot to me. The State Law Librarian/Library Director, who has also been a librarian for forty years, is also very supportive of my ideas and he is very encouraging.
I must also acknowledge the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL). They have been very helpful in my development as a law librarian. Their webinars, conferences, and community groups have been invaluable to me. I am looking forward to a long and rewarding second career.
MARILYN FLOYD
is an Assistant Public Services Librarian at the Alabama Supreme Court and State Law Library in Montgomery, Alabama. Prior to becoming a librarian, she served as a staff attorney with Legal Services Alabama, where she primarily handled domestic relations/domestic violence cases.
Marilyn is married and has two children. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, listening to podcasts and watching rom-com movies.
mscott.floyd@gmail.com
(334) 201-0350
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