Behind the Scenes at the Law Library: Paws, People, and Summer Support

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Summer at UConn Law Library sees graduates preparing for the bar exam and students beginning internships, many students are managing significant demands all at once.

But no one succeeds entirely on their own. Whether students need a study space, research assistance or support, librarians are here for them throughout the summer.

Our pets are our “support squad” that help remind us of the importance of patience, routine, and care along the way.  Some are highly skilled at interrupting Zoom meetings or sitting directly on important papers. But all contribute to the sense of connection and balance that can be difficult to maintain during stressful periods.

In fact, the library pets seem uniquely qualified to give summer survival advice:

  • Take a walk (or a zoomie break) when your brain needs it.
  • Keep a routine — the cats are onto something.
  • Never underestimate a strategic nap.
  • Touch grass occasionally. Literally.
  • Ask for support when you need it; even cats meow for attention.
  • Reward yourself after hard things. Treats work on humans too.

So this summer, we’re introducing some of the behind-the-scenes members of the law library team: the pets who keep librarians company while we support our students all summer long.

Meet the UConn Law Library Support Squad

Boots and Bobo
Human: Susanna French, Metadata and E-Resource Management Librarian
Kali
Human: Tanya Johnson, Instructional Services Coordinator & Research Librarian
Nyx
Human: Faye Bates, Technical Services Librarian
Fun Fact: Nyx helps make sure gravity is still working by periodically knocking items off counters.
Blip
Human: Tanya Johnson, Instructional Services Coordinator & Research Librarian
Fun Fact: Blip is a green-cheeked conure who loves helping Tanya make videos for her classes
Gabby
Human: Elisabeth Umpleby, Associate Director of Collections, Discovery, and Systems
Romeo
Human: Anne Rajotte, Associate Director of Research, Instruction, and Scholarship
Pato
Human: Adam Mackie, Research and Instructional Services Librarian
Fun Fact: Pato is an Emotional Support Rubber Ducky “My Main Squeeze”
Georgie
Human: Maryanne Daly-Doran, Digital Services Research & Instruction Librarian
Fun Fact: Georgie attends every virtual meeting, whether invited or not.

The law library’s “Summer Support Squad”may be furry, feathered, four-legged, or even plastic, but they play an important role in reminding all of us about something easy to forget during bar prep and summer internships: support matters.

To everyone studying, working, interning, or preparing for the bar this summer: the law library is cheering you on. Whether your support system includes classmates, coworkers, family, friends, librarians, pets, or all of the above, remember that you do not have to get through this season alone.

We’re here to help — and our pets are rooting for you, too.