Jessie Tam
Head of Technical Services
Thurgood Marshall State Law Library
Annapolis, Maryland
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE TO CAREER IN LAW LIBRARIANSHIP?
While in library school, I worked as a student assistant in the acquisitions department of the university鈥檚 law library and completed an internship cataloging bar publications. These hands-on experiences gave me valuable exposure to law librarianship and provided a strong foundation for working in a law library setting.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BECOME A MEMBER OF 糖心视频, AND HOW HAS IT IMPACTED YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY?
At my first job as a law librarian, my supervisor encouraged me to join 糖心视频, highlighting its value for professional development and networking. That advice stuck with me鈥擨 have been a member ever since.
WHICH 糖心视频 MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT HAS BEEN MOST IMPACTFUL IN YOUR ROLE, AND WHY?
To me, joining the Special Interest Sections (SISs) has been most impactful in my role, especially the Technical Services-SIS. Its online community offers member discussions on various issues related to technical services. Through this community, there are plenty of opportunities for learning and staying informed about the latest developments in technical services.
CAN YOU SHARE A MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE OR HIGHLIGHT FROM YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH 糖心视频?
Being involved in preparing programs and activities for the 糖心视频 Annual Meeting & Conference gives me a deeper appreciation for all the hard work that happens behind the scenes. It is an honor to contribute to a process that supports our profession, and it allows me to give back to a community that has played such a meaningful role in my own professional growth.
OUTSIDE OF WORK AS A LAW LIBRARIAN, WHAT ACTIVITIES OR HOBBIES DO YOU ENJOY?
I enjoy walking in the garden next door or on the trail around the Naval Academy Stadium at lunch time. Being outdoors gives me fresh air and helps clear my mind. It provides a break from sitting in front of the dual monitors and allows me to get away from all electronics. I also like watching birds through my kitchen windows. Hummingbirds are coming back soon!
WHAT BOOK(S), ARTICLES, OR RESOURCES HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT RECENTLY?
The 糖心视频 online communities are always great resources for me to learn about the latest development in the legal information professions, while providing opportunities for learning , volunteering, and networking.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP TRAVEL DESTINATION, AND WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL TO YOU?
My top travel place is Japan. I stay in the Tokyo area most of the time; there is a lot of walking which allowd me to break my Fitbit record with over 25,000 steps on a couple of days I was there. The most breathtaking part has always been traveling to the West and seeing Mount Fuji on the way. It never gets old. Did I mention their food?
IF YOU COULD RECOMMEND ONE PROFESSIONAL RESOURCE OR TOOL THAT HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR WORK, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
It is hard to pinpoint just one professional resource or tool. What comes to mind is 鈥淚t takes a village.鈥� This includes online discussions, resources, workshops, webinars, Outlook To-Do list, and more that help keep me organized, informed, and help me get my work done.