Aamir Abdullah

AAMIR DISCUSSES HOW HE GOT INTERESTED IN LAW LIBRARIANSHIP & SHARES HIS FAVORITE AALL BENEFIT

Aamir Abdullah is the student services & outreach law librarian at the University of Colorado Law School William. A. Wise Law Library in Boulder, Colorado.

HOW DID YOU GET INTERESTED IN LAW LIBRARIANSHIP?

One step after the other, just like any other person. In all seriousness though, the notion of transitioning to law librarianship entered my mind during a conversation with a friend and former colleague a few years ago. He shared an article with me about the upcoming shortage of law librarians. We conversed at length about how great it would be to have a job where we could research all day long and, depending on the job, have the ability to teach future generations of lawyers some tips and tricks concerning legal research. After that conversation, the idea of law librarianship wormed its way deep into my mind. Shortly thereafter, I started down the path of attaining my MLIS.

WHY DID YOU JOIN AALL?

I joined AALL at Yvonne Chandler’s suggestion, who was the director of the Law Library program for my MLIS. May she rest in peace. She was adamant that AALL was a must join organization for all new and practicing law librarians.

WHY DO YOU STAY A MEMBER?

I continue to be a member of AALL for quite a few reasons. The most important reasons are to stay up to date on topics directly impacting my profession, and to meet others with similar interests and goals.

WHAT ONE MEMBER BENEFIT IS MOST VALUABLE TO YOU?

The most valuable membership benefit to me is actually the listservs for the Special Interest Sections (SIS). People may have to pay more to be a part of an SIS, but the listservs are invaluable. Listserv topics range from asking questions relevant to the group to important dates and deadlines to job postings and anywhere in between. They are also a great way to connect and communicate with other members.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY ASSOCIATED WITH AALL?

My favorite memory associated with AALL was responding to an email from an AALL listserv regarding the possibility of teaming up to work on a presentation. I didn’t know the person who made the post. But, I chimed in, along with a few other people. Now, this group is comprised of friends, co-writers, and co-presenters and we have worked on multiple projects. Plus, spending time with them is always a highlight of my week.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I’m a bit of a workaholic. So, it’s hard to distinguish between my day-to-day job and the work I do at home. But, if we are talking about activities away from a word processor or PDF reader, then I would have to say spending time with my family. Without their support, there is no way I would be answering these questions or turning my dreams into realities.

WHAT BOOK(S) ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?

At present I’m reading quite a few books. I’m also including audio books that I’m listening to. The range of the books is pretty eclectic; not everything will be completed in a timely manner. The books are:

  • Windows Everywhere by Paul Thurrott
  • They Say/I Say by Russel K. Durst
  • Academic Legal Writing by Eugene Volokh
  • Animorphs: The Capture by K.A. Applegate
  • Bébé Day by Day by Pamela Duckerman
  • The New Father: A Dad’s Guide to the First Year by Armin A. Brott
  • Good Night Colorado by Adam Gamble & Mark Jasper
  • Peter Parker the Amazing Spider-Ham Omnibus by various authors
  • Autobiography of a Law School by John Mixon

If anyone has suggestions for books to help with long-form drafting, for let’s say Law Library Journal or a law review, or any reading recommendations for a new dad, please share your suggestions with me. I’m more than happy to add them to my already long reading list. And, I appreciate any and all insight.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL/VACATION DESTINATION?

My favorite travel destination is here in my own backyard—the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. It’s a short drive for me; once there it’s filled with hiking trails, campgrounds, and the most gorgeous views one can imagine.

As for vacation spots, I have two. The first is Houston. Houston, for me, is filled with great food, family and friends, and great memories. The second is Hawaii, specifically Maui. I have only been to Maui once, but it was truly life-changing.

To be honest, though, when thinking about favorite travel and vacation spots, I look forward to the future. I can’t wait to see where life takes me. I know there are even more wonderful locations out there that I will call my “favorite.”After all, there is a big world out there, and I have only just begun to scratch the surface.
https://www.aallnet.org/member-profile/aamir-abdullah/
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