In our recent post celebrating our graduating student employees, we highlighted the many ways they contribute the the law library and UConn Law. This time, we’re turning the spotlight over to them.

We asked each student to reflect on their experience working in the law library- what they learned, and what they’ll carry forward.  Here’s what they had to say.

 Matt Shor, UConn Law Class of ’26

Working in the knowledge mine has been one of the most unexpectedly rewarding experiences of my law school tenure! From the people who staff this excellent institution to the faculty requests for research help, I’ve learned so many unique aspects of the law that literally aren’t taught in classrooms. It’s been a pleasure and an honor. Thank you!

 Kayla Kelly, UConn Law Class of ’26

“This job was the best first decision I could ever make as a 1L. I still remember opening the incoming student newsletter and spotting the job posting for a Student Library Assistant starting in Summer 2023. I was probably the only person I knew excited to work 40+ hours a week on the library’s cold first floor all summer, shifting dusty book collections dating back to the 1900s. When you work front desk in the most populous building, you are the first impression that people have about the library (and arguably, the campus) and the first greeting they receive for the day. As a 1L, it was the biggest “cheat code” to making new friends since everyone’s scrambling to scan their assigned readings before their textbooks arrived and learning how to navigate institutional resources.

Over time, the role became much more than a shift, it has become a space for connection and care. The front desk turned into a place where 1Ls could confide in me as I helped rewrite networking emails, where classmates shared outlines, where I connected two individuals and watched their friendship blossom, where we held impromptu discussions about current events, and even serve as a therapy corner for someone could pause and be heard while carrying something heavy. It also became a place where members of the broader Hartford community reminded me of the need for more attentive, compassionate attorneys in the world. To the library staff who watched me grow from a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed 21-year-old 1L into an almost 24-year-old (slightly bright-eyed) graduating 3L; to the past and present student staff I’ve have the pleasure to bother during their shifts and laughing with; to our colleagues across the library (IT, Student Services, Café staff, etc.)—THANK YOU! It’s been an immense privilege to grow within a community grounded in fellowship, support, and care. Thank you for keeping my heart warm all these years.”

 Austin Robertson, UConn Law Class of ’26

My experience working in the law library was one of the most meaningful parts of my time at UConn Law. I had the opportunity to learn from the incredible team behind the library while also engaging with the student body each day. I will always be grateful for that experience!”

Something I’ll take away from working in the law library is how important the library is to the student experience on campus. Working behind the scenes with the incredibly talented reference librarians and library staff showed me how much time and effort goes into creating such a wonderful learning space for the students. I will always remember how dedicated to the students the members of the library truly are.

 

 

Thank you Kayla, Austin and Matt!  We will miss you all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once part of the law library team, always part of it.