by Neel Kant Agrawal

2012 LLOPS Grant Recipient

As a newcomer to the profession, I found the 2012 AALL Annual Meeting and Conference to be an exciting experience.  I prepared over the course of the year for a weekend of immersed learning and non-stop networking.  My primary goal at the conference was to acquire knowledge in the area of foreign, comparative, and international law librarianship (“FCIL librarianship”).  I came away with a profound appreciation for those who have paved the way in this globalized and dynamic area of law librarianship.  Needless to say, the conference exceeded my expectations.

My favorite event was the Teaching FCIL Topics Roundtable on Saturday, hosted by the AALL FCIL-SIS.  This provided the opportunity for me to interact with FCIL librarians who have taught courses on foreign and international legal research, as well as those, like myself, who will someday teach a course on this increasingly critical subject.  We discussed teaching methods, course structure, as well as content.  The intimacy of the roundtable enabled me to ask essential questions about teaching and to engage librarians who I greatly admire and respect.

On Tuesday morning, I presented my research on training in FCIL librarianship at the AALL/LexisNexis Call for Papers event.  It was an honor to speak in front of such an interested audience, comprising library directors, innovative librarians, and influential scholars.  Finally, my last event was perhaps the most memorable.  The Association Luncheon, on Tuesday, featured speeches given by some of the most prominent figures in the field.  Listening to their stories inspires me to engender positive change in areas that I feel strongly about, such as FCIL librarianship and diversity in the profession.

I look forward to returning to Seattle next year for the 2013 conference.  With the first conference under my belt, I will be even more equipped for such an intensive and enjoyable experience.