Staff Spotlight - Josh LaPorte

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Josh LaPorte is the Circulation Supervisor for Access Services in the law library. He started working at the Law Library part-time in 2005, and became a full-time employee in 2006. His duties include managing the library’s circulation desk, supervising Access Services student staff, managing the stacks, and taking care of lots of other odds and ends for the library and law school.

How does your work fit into the core functions of the library/law school?

Our circulation desk also serves as an information/reception desk for the entire Law School campus. We are often the first point of contact for people visiting the campus, and need to keep ourselves aware of everything that happens at the Law School. We also serve as an important resource for members of the public who find themselves facing legal problems.

What is your favorite thing about our library/campus/community?

This is such a friendly, supportive community.

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

I always wanted to be an architect! I also worked for several years as a community organizer before I came to work at the Law Library – I could definitely see myself continuing to do that kind of work.

What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life thus far?

I’m learning disabled – it made school very challenging, and continues to impact my working and personal lives in many ways. I’ve developed a bevy of coping strategies and routines to help myself keep on top of everything.

What led you to your current career path?

It was pretty much by accident – I got a job at a local college library when I was in high school. I’ve done other things, but keep coming back to libraries!

What was the first job you ever had?

My first job was in the Trinity College mail room/print shop when I was in high school.

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.  

I’m really shy!

What is the best book you have ever read?

I love Joan Didion, and probably her book “The White Album” is the best book I’ve ever read. My favorite book from childhood is “Harriet the Spy.”

Where is your favorite place to be?

Tough question, but the first place that jumps into my mind is Dollywood! It’s a little campy and a little country and if you’re lucky you might see Dolly Parton walking through.

Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?

I’ve found something compelling about almost every place I’ve ever traveled to. I went to Buenos Aires with my husband last year, and we absolutely loved it. It was a magical place - in look and feel it was like a very unfussy Madrid or Paris, where people speak Spanish with a heavy Italian accent, and with wonderful food.

What is your personal philosophy?

This is not a dress rehearsal – Live life right now, like you mean it.

What hobbies do you have?

I love old movies – I’m a huge Bette Davis fan. I’m also big on walking – some of you might remember the “lunch walks” I used to invite the campus community to join me on? I cook a lot, and really enjoy baking bread.

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

My Filofax. It serves as an annex for my brain, a place to jot down all the things I would otherwise forget, a place where I keep tons of essential information, where it is instantly accessible at my fingertips. I’ve tried to recreate the functions using digital tools on my phone but it just doesn’t work as well. I’ve written about my planner setup for a few web outlets over the past few years – this one is a good summary of how I set up and use a planner. For those who really want to jump down a planner-geek rabbit hole, you can check out my YouTube channel.

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Profile Photo of Rebecca Bearden
Rebecca Bearden
Technical Services Librarian,UConn Law

Rebecca works primarily within acquisitions and serials, by processing and receiving monographic and serial book orders, recordkeeping, and ensuring database integrity, as well as assisting with catalog maintenance and electronic resource management. She provides customer service between the library and vendors for book order and subscription related issues. She holds a B.A. from Eastern Connecticut State University, and an M.L.S. from Southern Connecticut State University. 

Profile Photo of Joshua Laporte
Joshua LaPorte
Circulation Desk Supervisor / Library Assistant,UConn Law

Working in the access services area, Josh supervises the student employees who staff the front desk, manages course reserves, and oversees collection and stacks maintenance needs.  Prior to the law school Josh worked as a community organizer in Hartford.  Josh holds an ABA Approved Paralegal Certificate from the University of Hartford and a B.A. from Trinity College. Josh is the Vice Chair of the Paralegals Section of the Connecticut Bar Association.
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