An Interview with Bryant Taylor, Legislative Data Intern at the Congressional Research Service

Today’s interview is with Bryant Taylor, a legislative data intern with the Congressional Research Service. 

Describe your background.

I have an interdisciplinary background that combines ethnic studies and archival research. Currently, I am a Ph.D. student in the inaugural indigenous, race, and ethnic studies program at the University of Oregon, where I focus on exploring Black queer history and memory through home archives and ephemera. Alongside this, I am pursuing a master’s in library and information science at San José State University to deepen my understanding of library and archival practices and how they can better serve diverse communities. 

What is your academic/professional history?

Before beginning my Ph.D. and master’s programs, I was a first-generation college student who started my academic journey at a community college. From there, I transferred to California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), where I earned my degree in humanities and communications. My time at CSUMB provided me with a strong foundation in interdisciplinary studies, allowing me to explore the intersections of culture, history, and storytelling, which continues to shape my academic and professional path. 

I have had the opportunity to develop skills in libraries, archives, research centers, and the university classroom. At the University of Oregon, I worked as a graduate employee for the Center for the Study of Women in Society (CSWS), where I contributed to the center’s historical records by developing a database of over seven hundred past grant recipients. I also helped organize major events featuring influential figures such as Tina Brown and Anita Hill, and I managed the center’s communications and social media, significantly raising its visibility. In addition, I served as a discussion leader for an Ethnic Studies 101 course, where I facilitated critical conversations that encouraged student engagement with the course material. This recent summer, I interned at the Harvard University Archives, working with the Associate University Archivist for Community Engagement to curate a digital exhibit highlighting student activism at Harvard from the 1960s to the 2000s. These collective experiences have broadened my understanding of the intersection between archival work, librarianship, and community engagement. Through curating digital collections, preserving history, and fostering dialogue in academic spaces, I have developed strong project management and communication skills, which I apply to both my academic and professional work. 

How would you describe your job to other people?

As a legislative data intern, I work on historical bills, focusing on updating and editing titles for bills passed before 1963. My role ensures that researchers and the public can easily navigate and access accurate legislative information on Congress.gov and the Law Library’s website. I also help enhance the usability of the Century of Lawmaking digital collection by adding features like images and links, and offering suggestions to improve user experience. 

Why did you want to work at the Law Library of Congress?

I wanted to work at the Law Library of Congress to gain professional experience in a field I am exploring. While my academic focus is on ethnic studies, librarianship offers me the chance to apply my research skills in different contexts. Working at one of the largest and most prestigious libraries in the world provided me an opportunity to learn and contribute to significant projects like making historical legislative resources more accessible. 

What is the most interesting fact you have learned about the Law Library of Congress?

One of the most interesting things I have learned comes out of my work with historical bills and that is the role of private bills in Congress. These bills are designed to help individuals or organizations when typical legal channels are not sufficient—for instance, granting citizenship or providing financial relief. It was fascinating to discover that private bills were once an important legislative tool, even though they are much less common today. 

What’s something most of your co-workers do not know about you?

Something my co-workers may not know about me is that I am a huge gamer! I enjoy narrative-driven games that focus on storytelling and world-building, and they often inspire my academic work in unexpected ways.