An Interview with Ben Russo, Administrative Specialist at the Law Library of Congress

Today’s blog post features an interview with Ben Russo, an administrative specialist at the Law Library of Congress. He works with the Assistant Law Librarian for Legal Research, Peter Roudik, in the Global Legal Research Directorate. 

Describe your background.

I was born and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was a great place to grow up, especially in the summer, with the ocean being only a short drive away. I have lived in Washington, D.C., for the past five years.

What is your academic/professional history?

I received a bachelor’s degree in government and history from William & Mary University. Fittingly, my first job after college was on a political campaign. After that, I worked at a nonprofit organization where I had the opportunity to collaborate with college students and university staff. Most recently, I worked as a research assistant at a consulting firm in D.C., focusing primarily on healthcare, digital technology, and global trade. Part of my role was serving as the executive assistant to the company’s president and CEO, who had previously served as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, a presidential appointee. Working under his tutelage was an invaluable and fascinating experience.

How do you describe your job to other people?

I tell people that my job is to ensure the Law Library operates smoothly, so that staff in the Global Legal Research Directorate (GLRD) can spend less time on administrative tasks and more time on their primary role of conducting foreign and comparative law research for Congress, federal agencies, and the public. The job involves a wide range of tasks, including assisting with hiring and onboarding, staff performance appraisals, employee awards, arranging travel, overseeing time and attendance, ordering office supplies, and managing the internship program. I see my role as a jack-of-all-trades and the glue that helps keep things together.

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

Simply put, I thought it would be neat to work at such an iconic American cultural institution as the Library of Congress. Given my background in political science, I was particularly eager to learn about the nature of research conducted for Congress. I still feel in awe to be greeted by the Capitol dome when I walk out of the James Madison Memorial Building in the evenings.

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

This might be an odd fact but I’m always struck by how large the James Madison Memorial Building is. It is one of the three largest public buildings in the D.C. area, alongside the Pentagon and the J. Edgar Hoover Building (FBI headquarters). It comprises a whole square city block, has no interior courtyards, and has over 2 million square feet of space. For reference, my first apartment was barely 500 square feet!

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

I recently adopted an adorable kitten named Fergus. He’s so friendly and affectionate but he has a lot of energy! When he is not eating or sleeping, he can be found playing with his many toys or watching birds outside my apartment windows.

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