Today’s interview is with Ashley Sundin, a summer intern working in the Public Services Division of the Law Library of Congress. I have enjoyed working with Ashley during her time here, and I am sure she will go on to do great things in the profession.
Describe your background.
I grew up in a small town just north of Seattle, Washington called Lake Forest Park. I come from a close-knit family with a dad who has been in law enforcement for 35 years, a stay-at-home mom and a sister just one year older than I. I have a large extended family in the area and we celebrate holidays and special occasions together on a regular basis.
What is your academic/professional history?
I attended Washington State University in Pullman, Washington where I earned my B.S. in Biology. My original goal was to become a veterinarian, but plans and life changed and I set my sights on the field of law. I earned my law degree from Seattle University in 2013 and am now a member of the Washington State Bar Association.
While in law school, I discovered a love for legal research. I worked in the Seattle University Law Library which introduced me to the field of law librarianship. I am now finishing my Masters in Library and Information Science with a certificate in Law Librarianship from the University of Washington.
I am here as part of my law librarianship program with the University of Washington. I chose to complete my required fieldwork at the Law Library of Congress. I am here for three weeks as an intern with the goal of experiencing a different library setting while strengthening my skills as a law librarian.
How would you describe your job to other people?
I am working on responding to patrons’ questions via QuestionPoint, updating the Guide to Law Online, creating a research guide on animal law, and recording a Congress.gov intro video using Camtasia. I am also gaining experience with the Voyager Integrated Library System (VTLS) and WordPress, as well as at the reference desk observing interactions with Congressional and public patrons.
Why did you want to work at the Law Library of Congress?
When I learned I would be choosing the location of my fieldwork, the Law Library of Congress was the first idea that came to my mind. I have two years of working in academic law libraries and I wanted the experience of working in a government law library. Of course, I thought, why not try for the best, the largest, and in the exciting city of Washington, DC?
What is the most interesting fact you have learned about the Law Library of Congress?
It’s difficult to pick the most interesting fact because I have learned so many interesting things about the Law Library of Congress since I’ve been here. I am still amazed at how large and diverse the collection is at the Law Library of Congress.
What’s something most of your co-workers do not know about you?
One of my favorite jobs I have had was working at the PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Lynnwood,WA. We took in many animals from the area including everything from raccoons, squirrels, and deer to coyotes, bears, and bobcats. My favorite animals to work with were the raptors such as hawks, falcons, ospreys, and owls.
Also, since I can’t carry a piano around with me, most people don’t know that I play. It’s been a well-loved hobby of mine for about twenty years, and I especially enjoy playing Brahms, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff.
Comments
Go Cougs!