By Shivani Naicker (Follow us on LinkedIn)
The ability to travel is a privilege that I have been afforded from when I was six-weeks-old. This is not a humble brag; it was a practical reality for my parents. In the summers, my immigrant parents who both worked full-time jobs could not afford camps or the cost of additional childcare and it was cheaper to send us back to South Africa to spend our summer vacations with family. My brother and I would fly unsupervised internationally and connect in various countries. So, we have always had the idea instilled in us that there is a bigger world out there. This ethos has played an integral role in my view of law librarianship: in an increasingly interconnected world, the role of law librarians extends beyond the confines of domestic legal systems. In a world characterized by rapid globalization, travel is more than a mere luxury—it is an invaluable investment in personal and professional growth. The benefits extend beyond the souvenirs that we bring home; they remain in the memories we make, the people we meet, the new knowledge gained, and perspectives that shape us. With travel, we not only discover the outside world, but also uncover the best versions of ourselves.
First, as information professionals, law librarians often interact with a diverse range of users. Travel enhances our cultural competence and enables us to best assist the communities we serve. By immersing ourselves in various cultures, we are able to gain a deeper understanding and context of diverse populations. Whether that exposure is through language, architecture, music, art, history or even cuisine, this cultural immersion enables us to better understand and appreciate the cultures of the places we travel to. If it’s visiting hawker stalls late at night in Singapore or trying Malört on a snowy day in a tiki bar in Chicago; these experiences bond us with locals and make our time that much more authentic. These genuine, real interactions give us a better insight of how to relate with varied populations that we can take home. This newfound understanding promotes inclusivity and tolerance, bridging gaps between people from various backgrounds. This heightened cultural awareness not only improves the quality of service provided by law librarians but also contributes to the creation of inclusive and accessible legal information resources.
Moreover, as law librarians we are innately curious people so travel opens the door to cultural immersion, allowing librarians to experience life from a different vantage point. As information seekers, exposure to diverse customs, traditions, and ways of life fosters a deeper understanding of global perspectives. Exposure to different lifestyles, customs and traditions, expands our personal worldviews; and forces us to challenge ingrained stereotypes and our preconceived notions. This cultural exchange not only broadens our horizons but also promotes empathy and tolerance which are essential qualities for a law librarian in an interconnected world. Furthermore, traveling to unfamiliar destinations presents challenges that encourage personal growth and self-discovery. Navigating foreign environments, communicating in different languages, and adapting to new customs all contribute to the development of resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. The journey itself becomes a microcosm for life’s challenges, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-confidence. This renewed sense of empowerment and confidence are things we can bring back to our libraries in order to best serve our patrons.
Finally, building a diverse professional network is crucial for the success of any law librarian. Travel provides a platform for law librarians to connect with colleagues, legal scholars, and professionals from around the country and even the world. These connections can lead to cooperative projects, best practices, and the sharing of valuable resources and information. A global network strengthens the collective knowledge base and opens doors to opportunities for teamwork and information advancement. Effective legal research often requires partnerships between legal professionals from various jurisdictions. Travel facilitates face-to-face interactions thereby fostering cross-cultural understanding. Personally, it was a privilege to be asked to speak on a panel at our AALL annual meeting about advancing diversity, equity and inclusion with my brilliant collaborators from Hawaii, San Jose and Louisiana. Each of us brought different and invaluable perspectives to the panel that helped best inform our colleagues about best practices from various types of law librarians. An added bonus was that we were able to forge deeper relationships with one another and still remain good friends to this day.
By engaging with legal practitioners, scholars, and librarians from different parts of the world, law librarians can build bridges that transcend borders. This collaborative spirit not only enriches the profession but also contributes to the development of innovative approaches to legal research and information management. Stagnation is the enemy of professional growth. Travel presents law librarians with opportunities for continuous learning and professional development. Attending conferences, workshops, and seminars enables us to stay abreast of emerging trends and technological advancements in the field. Exposure to diverse perspectives stimulates intellectual curiosity, encouraging law librarians to explore new avenues for research and information management. While it may not be feasible for all professional budgets to afford travel to conferences, with diligent research (which us librarians love to do), any trip can become an educational experience. For example, anytime I travel to a new place, I love to visit different libraries to see how things are organized and what services are being offered to patrons. From seeing first editions in old world palace libraries in Budapest to watching teenagers record podcasts at BiblioTech in San Antonio, seeing what other libraries have to offer is truly fascinating and inspiring.
The benefits of travel for law librarians are multifaceted, extending beyond personal enrichment to directly impact the quality and effectiveness of legal services. Through travel, law librarians can not only broaden our horizons but also enhance our ability to navigate the complex landscape of global legal research, cross-cultural collaboration, and professional networking. As the legal profession becomes increasingly interconnected, law librarians who embrace travel are better equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of our globalized world.
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Notes Between Us (NBU) is a blog about conversations and topics of interest to the writers. The writers are expressing their personal opinions solely. The essays represent their personal beliefs and not those of their workplaces or any organization they are associated with.
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