Week in the Law Library Life: Rebecca Bermudez, Research and Instructional Services Librarian
The day-to-day work of a Research and Instructional Services Librarian can vary so much, depending on the time of year or the week in the semester. So let’s rewind, and I’ll give you a day-by-day play of how I spent last week.
Monday, September 7: I was out of the library for Labor Day! I spent time with family and friends, and even got a few personal errands done. Overall, a relaxing day to hang out and enjoy the nice weather.
Tuesday, September 8: Part of my job is ensuring that all students have access to, and understand the nuances of, different legal research databases and tools that can best help them succeed, whether it is in a classroom, clinic, or externship context. I spent Tuesday at the Providence campus on Empire Street providing a guest lecture to the Immigration Clinic on legal AI tools available through our Westlaw and Lexis subscriptions, as well as on various immigration-related legal databases and resources. I also stopped by a Transactional Lawyering & Contract Drafting seminar course to show students how to access legal forms and conduct transactional legal research on both Westlaw and Lexis. If you are ever on the Providence campus, you may see me working out of a guest faculty office. Don’t be shy, and come say hi if you’re around! After work, I met up with a friend to check out a new used bookstore in town.
Wednesday, September 9: A busy day! I attended two webinars on legal AI research tools and integrating legal AI research into law school classrooms. I assisted a student with an inquiry related to recorded Rhode Island House and Senate hearing sessions available online, and showed them how to search for recordings relevant to certain House and Senate bills. When I wasn’t in a webinar or assisting students with their questions, I designed slides for future guest lecture presentations and created flyers for Law Library events. After leaving the Bristol campus, I headed to the Providence campus to give a guest lecture to students participating in Corporate Counsel and Government Externships.
Thursday, September 10: I spent Thursday morning at the Law Library Reference Desk. The desk is open Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM, and is staffed by any of the four research and reference librarians. If we're away from the desk during these hours, you can always ask for us at the circulation desk. We are probably just busy in the back, but can always come to the front to assist or answer a question. While at the reference desk, I worked on the Hispanic Heritage Month book display and guest lecture slides for both the Sea Grant Law Fellows and the Cannabis Law seminar. I asked my colleagues to provide feedback on a Lunch & Learn event (scheduled for September 24th). In the evening, I gave a guest lecture to the Reproductive Rights & Justice seminar on legal research for writing seminars. After hours, I watched the 49ers and Rams game and made chili and snacks for some friends.
Friday, September 11: I started the morning by presenting to the Sea Grant Law Fellows in the Law Library’s main computer classroom. I shared links, resources, and helpful tips on where to find relevant materials related to water law and water rights, whether at the local, state, federal, or international levels. Some students stopped by with questions after the presentation, and I did my best to assist with their inquiries. I even gave out a sticker or two! (Note: If you visit my office with a question, I will offer you a sticker.) After the presentation, I began setting up the Hispanic Heritage Month book display, which is now visible in the Law Library’s reading room. The book display also includes a QR code to an online LawGuide with further reading material suggestions, documentaries, and more related to Hispanic Heritage Month and prominent Hispanic legal figures in the United States. The LawGuide even includes links to relevant student and bar organizations! After work, I went home to get ready for The Hayley Williams Show concert at the Xfinity Center and to pack for a weekend in NYC.
So, what’s the throughline for my week in the life post? Mainly, that my job is to help you (the student)! Whether it is creating informative library displays, researching legal resources and databases for specific areas of law, showing students where to find helpful resources or information, or just talking about life beyond law school, my job is to assist you in all the ways I am able.