An Interview with Keyana Holton, Public Services Intern at the Law Library of Congress

The following is an interview with intern Keyana Holton, serving in the Public Services Division under the Chief of the Public Services Division, Beth Osborne, at the Law Library of Congress. 

Describe your background.

I was born and raised in Alief, a community in southwest Houston, Texas. Recognized for its cultural diversity, it is a place I am proud to represent, as it has profoundly shaped my life. As a low-income, first-generation student, education has always been a vehicle for opportunity in my life. My desire to learn and contribute to my community has led me to many amazing opportunities, including the chance to spend my summer here at the Library of Congress.

What is your academic/professional history?

I currently attend Spelman College, a historically Black, all-women’s college located in Atlanta, Georgia. There, I am a rising senior majoring in English with a focus on pre-law. One of the most exciting opportunities I have had was participating in Spelman’s data research program, which allowed me to combine my interest in data science with law and the humanities. This experience provided a glimpse into how I can blend multiple interests into one singular purpose. I also currently serve as a youth mentor in the local Atlanta community and section editor on my school’s newspaper.

How do you describe your job to other people?

I am currently interning in the Public Services Division of the Law Library of Congress. My primary project is to develop an index to a microfilm collection of D.C. Circuit Court Records and Briefs from the years 1891 to 1975. Currently, this collection is difficult for researchers to access because there is no searchable index to the cases found on each reel of the film. This is an exciting project for me, not only because of the opportunity to engage with legal materials and increase my knowledge on various aspects of the legal field, but also to have a role in making this collection more accessible to the public, which aligns with my passion for helping and serving others.

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

I was drawn to an internship at the Library of Congress for the opportunity to explore a wide range of professional paths. During the application process, I did not learn of my referral to the Law Library until about a week before my interview. When I found out, I leaped at the opportunity because I saw the chance to explore my passion for law and learn about different careers in law, all working at the largest library in the world.

What is the most interesting fact that you’ve learned about the Library?

Despite the Library’s encounters with devastating fires on two occasions, it is astoundingly grand in both its architecture and collections. I think this fact speaks to not only the resilience of the Library itself, but also its commitment to providing access to resources and knowledge.

What’s something that most of your co-workers don’t know about you?

I am a huge music enthusiast! It is often a cliché to say you listen to everything, but I do love a multitude of genres spanning across different decades. One minute I will be listening to Bobby Womack and the next I’m listening to SZA. I would love to expand my playlists, though, so I am always interested in recommendations. Beyond listening to music, I enjoy collecting vinyl records and playing instruments.