About the Graduate Assistantship
The Laura N. Gasaway Graduate Assistantship at the Kathrine R. Everett Law Library provides a pathway to law librarianship. The holder of the assistantship is able to put theory into practice and explore different aspects of law librarianship such as helping library users who ask questions at the Reference Desk, developing guides to research on a topic, preparing to teach legal research, managing print and digital materials for the collection, and working with information technology resources.
The position is designed for 1) students with a J.D. degree enrolled in a graduate degree program of the UNC School of Information and Library Science, 2) students in the dual-degree program for either the J.D./MSLS or the J.D./MSIS at UNC, or 3) students with a graduate degree in information or library science enrolled in the J.D. program at UNC.
The strong combination of programs in Law, Information and Library Science, and at the Law Library at the University of North Carolina provide an excellent context for students interested in studying law librarianship.
The Gasaway GA position is an immersive experience in different divisions of the Law Library. Generally, the position offers 15 to 20 hours of professional-level work in Public Services, Collection and IT Services, and Administration. The Gasaway Graduate Assistant participates in library meetings and may attend professional events such as the American Association of Law Libraries Annual Meeting, as practicable. Each year the Law Library will work with promising candidates to determine the hours of commitment and the opportunities for experience that can best prepare the GA and support the library.
The Laura N. Gasaway Graduate Assistantship provides a stipend in keeping with the high level of work expected in the position. Applications are normally reviewed early in the spring semester of each year for appointment in July, although the exact dates of the term of appointment may vary depending on the needs of the library and of the successful applicant. The Gasaway Graduate Assistant reports to the Assistant Director for Public Services.
About Laura N. “Lolly” Gasaway
The graduate assistantship was created by, and is named in honor of, Lolly Gasaway, who served as the director of the Kathrine R. Everett Law Library and Professor of Law from 1985 to 2006. From 2006 to 2010, Professor Gasaway served the law school as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and became the Paul B. Eaton Distinguished Professor of Law Emerita in 2013.
Lolly’s career in law librarianship stretched across five decades. In addition to holding law library directorships at three law schools, Professor Gasaway served as President of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) in 1986-1987. Professor Gasaway has been a prolific scholar in the area of copyright law and shaped policy as a member and leader of copyright committees at the university, regional, and national level. Lolly served the University of North Carolina in a variety of leadership roles, including as chair of the UNC Faculty Assembly. Click the link that follows for more detailed information about Professor Gasaway.
Past Graduate Assistants (By Year)
- Andrew Wisniewsky (2020-2022)
- Nor Ortiz (2019-2021)
- Emily Roscoe (2018-2019)
- Sara Farnsworth (2018-2019)
- Jasmine Plott (2018-2019)
- Christopher S. Bishop (2018)
- Melissa Hyland (2015-2017)
- Emily Roscoe (2015-2016)
- Kate Dickson (2014-2015)
- Nicole Downing (2013-2014)
- Virginia A. Neisler (2013-2014)
- Michelle Humphries (2011-2012)
- Dave Hansen (2011)
- Ann E. McKay (2010-2011)
- India Chiles Lesley Whedbee (2010-2011)
- Lisa C. Watson (2009-2010)
- Morgan M. Stoddard (2008-2009)
- Todd M. Venie (2007-2008)
- Aperna Sherman (2006-2007)
- Lisa Boxill Ruth (2005-2006)
- Matt Braun (2004-2005)
- Julie Kimbrough (2003-2004)
- Ed Beltz (2001-2003)
- Donna Nixon (2000-2001)
- Ann Hemmens (1999-2000)
- Steven Melamut (1997-1999)
Comments by Past Graduate Assistants
Julie Kimbrough: “As graduate assistant at UNC Law Library, I gained valuable practical experience that helped me make a smooth transition to my job at the Law Library of Congress. The program gave me the opportunity to work closely with knowledgeable professional librarians in many different areas of library operations. My supervisors proved to be excellent mentors; they encouraged me to pursue independent projects and participate in professional development activities.”
Ann Hemmens: “I would say it was a wonderful opportunity for me as a library student to gain exposure to the real world work of law librarians (particularly reference work) and to get to know several professional librarians and develop mentoring relationships that helped me make the transition from school into a professional position. And these relationships will exist throughout my career. The position also served as a laboratory for the practical application of the theories we were learning in library school – it provided a needed balance of theory and practice.”
Matt Braun: “Overall, the GA is presented with a most unique experience to work within three distinct, yet related, operational units in the law library. Truly, the GA is considered an invaluable component of the library’s daily existence, and such a role provides the GA with opportunities not afforded a graduate library science student at most other universities.”
For More Information Please Contact:
Nicole Downing
Kathrine R. Everett Law Library
University of North Carolina
CB # 3385, 160 Ridge Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
ndowning@email.unc.edu
919-843-9734