Rebecca Mattson

November 2019

Rebecca on organizing and attending the Teaching the Teachers Conference and why she loves RIPS-SIS

Rebecca A. Mattson is the Head of Faculty and Research Services and Professor of Legal Research at Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pennsylvania.

WHY DID YOU JOIN AALL?

I joined AALL when I was in library school. I already had my JD and was going back specifically so that I could be an academic law librarian, so it made sense to join the organization. I was able to go to the annual meeting that year as a student, and I received a grant from my MLS program that paid the meeting cost. For me, joining initially was a way to meet people and find employment.

WHY DO YOU STAY A MEMBER?

I stay a member of AALL so that I can stay up-to-date with the profession. I enjoy reading Spectrum and Law Library Journal. I go to the annual meeting most years, especially if it is somewhere I’ve never been (looking at you, New Orleans!), and I’ve made valuable friendships with law librarians across the country who I never would have met if not for AALL.

WHAT ONE MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT IS MOST VALUABLE TO YOU?

The Special Interest Sections – especially RIPS-SIS. I’ve had opportunities and experiences through RIPS-SIS that have made me a better law librarian and a better leader. It’s much easier to connect and build friendships and networks with the SISs than the organization as a whole. I particularly enjoy RIPS-SIS because of its broad membership base. I love being able to work with librarians from across library types.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY ASSOCIATED WITH AALL?

My favorite memory is definitely organizing and attending the Teaching the Teachers Conference this past May. I was able to work with such a great group on the organizing committee, which was composed of members of several different SISs. At the conference, the speakers were amazing, and I left with so much knowledge and so many new ideas to implement. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work on such a great conference.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I love to read! I spend most evenings reading, and on weekends I spend time with my family. My son plays on a travel hockey team, so we are often at an ice rink (mostly in Pennsylvania, but last week we were in Ohio!). I love to visit the beach and see new places, so we try to get some of that in each year also.

WHAT BOOK(S) ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?

I’m currently reading The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. It’s very twisty and interesting, but you really need to pay attention to what’s going on! I’m definitely enjoying it.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL/VACATION DESTINATION?

My favorite regular vacation spot is Hatteras, NC. It’s in the Outer Banks, at the very end of Highway 12 before the ferry terminal. It feels much more remote and less crowded than other OBX locations I’ve visited. My favorite place that I’ve ever traveled to, though, is Maui. My husband and I went there on our honeymoon and it was amazing – so beautiful. I can’t wait to get the chance to return or see one of the other islands!