From Cambridge, MA to Cambridge, UK: Reflections On My First International Association of Law Libraries (IALL) Conference

I attended my first IALL Conference, held this year in Cambridge, England, from September 13-17 under the theme, Shifting Politics and Legal Realities. This was the 44^th Annual Course, and the topics covered by the distinguished speakers were timely, thought-provoking, and generated many questions from attendees. This was a very enriching experience for me as HLS Library’s Foreign, Comparative, and International Collection Development Librarian.

Apart from the pre-conference workshop and the opening reception, most of the sessions were held in the beautiful Frankopan Hall at West Court conference facilities in Jesus College.

IALL President Mark Engsberg and Louise Gullifer, the Rouse Ball Professor of English Law and Chair of the Faculty Board, University of Cambridge, welcomed participants at the formal opening of the conference. Monday’s sessions included the following lectures:

King, Parliament and Common Law in English History by John Baker, Downing Professor Emeritus of the Laws of England.

Outrage and Constitutional Cultures: When Do Political Scandals Challenge Constitutions? David Feldman.

British Constitution in an Age of Populism. Professor Mark Elliott

Climate Change and Sustainable Development in EU and International Law – A Case-Centred Perspective. Professor Markus Gehring.

Federal Impartiality: Navigating Divisive Rights in the EU and the US. Professor Mohamed Moussa.

There were ample breaks built in the day’s session to meet the sponsors and exhibitors in Elena Hall. It was a pleasure to meet in person the vendors that I have been working with via emails or zoom calls.

At 4:00 p.m. we visited the beautiful Debating Chamber of the Cambridge Union to listen to a fascinating presentation by University Marshal Lucy Lewis. In 2018, she became the first woman to serve as a Marshal since the position was created in 1620. I thoroughly enjoyed her talk on her experiences as a Marshal over the years and the people she has met. A drinks reception followed in the Keynes Library at the Cambridge Union.

Tuesday’s talks were just as engaging, and covered the following topics:

Brexit: Ten Years On by Catherine Barnard, Professor of European Law. Professor Barnard’s lecture presented a balanced view of Brexit, and provided details on the social, political, and economic factors leading up to Brexit and the complexities of the process, because of the 1972 European Communities Act.

The Blue Planet: Ocean Governance in Light of Enduring Fantasies, Emerging Perils, and Future Possibilities by Professor Surabhi Ranganathan, Professor of International Law. Having taken a Law of the Sea course as a part of my MSc (Government) program, Professor Ranganathan’s talk resonated with me. She is also working on a project which will further delve into ocean governance, including the rights of archipelagic states and beach access.

Is the Existence and Exercise of the Royal Prerogative Compatible with 21^st Century Governance? Dr. Martin Steinfeld.

Peace and Justice: Friends or Foes? Sarah Nouwen, Professor of Public International Law

Following the sessions, participants had the option to attend a guided tour of one of the following libraries: Cambridge University Library, Squire Law Library, Wren Library, Trinity College, or Parker Library, Corpus Christi College. I chose the Wren Library, and it was a great opportunity to visit such a beautiful and historic library space.

In 1676, Sir Christopher Wren designed the beautiful Wren Library. Some of the interesting items I saw included the wall catalogs, and Sir Isaac Newton’s lock of hair and walking stick.

Wednesday’s lectures covered:

Legal AI: Research, Data, Readership and Libraries, by Professor Felix Steffek.

Courts, Bishops, and Boxes: Inside the Archives of the Diocese of Ely at Cambridge University Library, by Kevin Roberts, Archivist at Cambridge University Libraries.

Because You’re Only Allowed One Murder, Aren’t You? Agatha Christie and Capital Punishment for Murder, by Professor Findlay Stark.

The afternoon session included a film discussion and an interactive erasure poetry workshop:

The Law Library Through a Decolonial Lens: Knowledge Justice, Sites of Memory and Acts of Resistance, by Marilyn Clarke, and Dr. Anna Macdonald.

Film, Talk, and Erasure Workshop: Libraries as Sites of Radical Hope: Language, Noise, and Rhythms of Law, by Bhumika Billa

After a day of stimulating talks and discussions, we headed to the Cloisters at St. John’s College for pre-dinner drinks, followed by the annual dinner at St. John’s College. This was a wonderful opportunity to dine with, and learn from, colleagues from all over the world.

Thursday was an optional day for participants wishing to visit the City of Ely. This included a guided tour of Ely Cathedral, Oliver Cromwell’s House, and the Sessions House.

Overall, this was a very enriching experience for me and relevant to my role. The lecture topics allowed for reflection on the interplay between politics and law throughout jurisdictions and across time. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this year’s course.