This week’s interview is with Anu Rai, interim chief of the Law Library’s Asset Management team within the Office of Administrative Operations. Anu works to develop the Law Library’s information technology infrastructure and align Law Library information technology plans and processes with the Library’s Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO).
Describe your background.
I am from Delhi, India. I am married and have two sons. My dad was an engineering professor at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT/ISM) in India, thus I grew up in a university community. I have one brother who lives in Mumbai, India. Growing up, we traveled to various countries when my dad was teaching at foreign universities. For example, we lived in Norway and traveled to France and other countries in Europe.
What is your academic/professional history?
I completed my Bachelor of Science in engineering and Master of Science in computer science from IIT (ISM), India. I have managed and built information technology (IT) systems in the software engineering field for more than 22 years in both the private and public sector. I am excited now to support and grow the Law Library’s IT systems and infrastructure.
How would you describe your job to other people?
I manage the Law Library’s asset management team and contribute to the Law Library’s current and future IT plans. I am developing new processes for the Law Library’s IT that are in alignment with the Library’s Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) as we move toward centralizing IT across the Library.
Why did you want to work at the Law Library of Congress?
I wanted to work in the Law Library to build knowledge systems for the future generations. I also wanted to contribute to the digital era of the Library of Congress, specifically the Library’s automated business processes, digital content and online/mobile access.
What is the most interesting fact you’ve learned about the Law Library?
I have learned that the Law Library is a unique entity where the staff has multiple specialties such as editing, publishing and supporting the U.S. Congress, the judiciary, and the public with legal research. I have also learned that the Law Library is close knit; it is a very team oriented environment.
What’s something most of your co-workers do not know about you?
I am fluent in French because I completed my high school studies and baccalaureate in French. I am also an artist. I enjoy oil painting and hope to have my art displayed in an art gallery in the future.