Shannon Stoneking
Law Library Director
Ramsey County Law Library
St. Paul, Minnesota
WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN LAW LIBRARIANSHIP, AND HOW HAS YOUR PATH EVOLVED SINCE THEN?
My first job out of law school was serving as a law clerk for a district court judge. I thoroughly enjoyed the close working relationship and freedom to research and write on diverse legal topics. After several years in this role, I began reflecting on my next steps and how I could best serve others. During this time, I frequently visited the law library for research and I befriended Mary Freyberg, the Scott County law librarian. Mary was a beautiful human being with a heart of gold who worked tirelessly to help patrons who came into the law library with their legal problems. Observing her work inspired me to seek a new path. She encouraged me to pursue my MLIS and apply for my first law library position. To this day, she remains my inspiration for assisting others in their pursuit of access to justice.
IS THERE AN 糖心视频 PROGRAM, CONNECTION, OR MOMENT THAT HAS HAD A LASTING IMPACT ON YOUR WORK?
I attended a presentation on secondary/vicarious trauma hosted by the Legal Information Services to the Public Special Interest Section (LISP-SIS) that was truly eye-opening. It taught me how to practice self care while supporting others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I struggled with the weight of the intense issues patrons brought into the library. Through that program, speakers Dominique Quevedo and Sarah Larsen shared information and insights that helped me to learn how to maintain professional boundaries and protect my own well-being without losing my compassion or empathy. I am now much more conscious of how to approach individuals who are in pain or struggling to navigate the legal system.
WHAT’S ONE CHALLENGE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE THAT YOU ENJOY TACKING鈥擜ND WHY?
The most rewarding challenge I face is ensuring that every person leaves our conversation with a tangible “takeaway” for their legal situation. I strive to educate and inform patrons about the resources that might help them understand their specific legal issue, and also provide some guidance on whether they can handle the matter independently or if they need to seek professional counsel. I enjoy empowering people to take those first steps; I want them to feel confident that there are resources available to help them understand the law, advocate for themselves, and move forward.
WHAT’S ONE PLACE鈥擭EAR OR FAR鈥擳HAT YOU LOVE VISITING (OR HOPE TO VISIT SOMEDAY)?
I recently had the pleasure of traveling to Portland for the 糖心视频 Annual Meeting & Conference. Having never been to Oregon before, I was captivated by the city鈥檚 natural beauty and the warmth of its people. I especially loved the park within the city鈥攖hough it felt more like a forest鈥攁nd exploring the local waterfalls with so many breathtaking views. Walking through Portland鈥檚 renowned Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden was an unforgettable experience, offering moments of peace and serenity.
OUTSIDE OF THE LIBRARY, HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME?
For several years, I have been involved with a group called Socrates Caf茅. The premise is simple: participants bring a philosophical question to the group, and we vote on which one to discuss. If your question is selected, you introduce it by sharing why it is on your mind. The group then asks probing questions to uncover deeper insights and shares experiences in an attempt to “answer” the question being asked. As our leader often says, even when we don鈥檛 find a definitive answer, we thoroughly enjoy the discussion鈥攅ven if it generates more questions than it solves!
WHAT’S A HOBBY OR INTEREST THAT MIGHT SURPRISE YOUR COLLEAGUES?
In addition to my interest in philosophy, I have a deep love for ice hockey. I am a former player and coach, and I have spent years watching my three nephews grow to love the sport and the values it teaches.