Meet Camelia Assadian, Research Assistant at the Lillian Goldman Law Library
Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Camelia Assadian. I am a Research Assistant at the Lillian Goldman Law Library where I provide research support to the Director for Empirical Research and Data Services and the Associate Director for Scholarly and Reference Services. I grew up in Stratford-Upon-Avon, England, and moved to Davis, California, when I was fourteen. After receiving my bachelor's degree in economics and political science from the University of California, Davis, I wanted to gain more experience within the legal field before attending law school. I have always loved to read, so it felt natural to me when I became interested in the pivotal role law libraries play within the law school community and how they adapt in the face of growing technology.
How did you develop an interest in libraries and technology?
Curiosity played a considerable role in developing my interest in libraries and technology. Libraries have been a fundamental part of my educational experience, especially in the United Kingdom. I was fascinated by how libraries would retain their tradition despite rapidly changing technology. As I wanted to learn more, I sought to build connections and network with individuals within this field, and hearing their perspectives further developed my interest.
Please describe a typical day in your life as a research assistant at the Lillian Goldman Law Library
As a remote worker, I typically start the morning by reviewing emails and checking in with my manager to confirm my work for the day. Tasks can vary from participating in faculty research projects to maintaining and updating legal databases. Every day is quite different, and I thoroughly enjoy the variability of my job. Notably, it is interesting to see technology leveraged within the library and how quickly it adapts to technological advancement. I appreciate the discussions and ideas shared with my coworkers when a new program is discovered that can be creatively utilized within our work.
What has been the most interesting or rewarding part of your experience as a Law Library Research Assistant?
Meeting my colleagues has been the most rewarding part of my experience as a research assistant. In a short time, I have learned so much by working with dynamic and creative individuals whose expertise in developing new services extends the scope of support to faculty projects, students, and researchers. I feel fortunate to work alongside individuals who are not only talented staff that improve the experience of library users but who are also fantastic people. I have felt thoroughly welcomed within the Yale Law School Library Community.
How about your future aspirations?
Coming from a family of immigrants that were consistently relocating has always driven me to serve those who face difficulty. Initially, I had a linear notion of how I would achieve this, and I still have much to learn, but ultimately I aspire to work for others' betterment. Working as a research assistant within the Yale Law School Library exemplifies law librarians' key role within the legal realm. Legal research is consistently evolving, and the aid law librarians provide is essential to assisting patrons in navigating this environment. I'm grateful that this role has demonstrated to me that there are many paths one can take within the legal field to work for others' advancement.
