Constant Inspiration: Jennifer Rochelle, MLIS '21, Assistant Professor of Practice

Everyone here has a genuine passion for what they are researching, what they are creating, how they want to change the world. It’s like being in a forest of constant inspiration. Every tree, every plant, every rock stands out as being wonderfully unique. Put altogether, it’s magic.

  
Jennifer Rochelle joined the College of Information Science in 2022 as an assistant professor of practice and faculty advisor for the Master of Arts in Library and Information Science. Holding both a law degree from the City University of New York and an MLIS degree from the University of Arizona, her community work includes humanitarian aid on the U.S.-Mexico border, while her teaching covers copyright and intellectual property and ethics. 

What brought you to the College of Information Science?

Before joining the college I was a law library fellow at the Daniel F. Cracchiolo Law Library at the James E. Rogers College of Law. And before I went to library school, I was working as a public defender in Tucson and New Mexico. I have also worked with various nonprofits in New Mexico and New York. For a short time, I taught English in South Korea and have also been a very bad bartender in many places. 

Do you have an opportunity to conduct research in your current role?

Research is not the primary focus of my current role. However, if I had unlimited time to research, prison libraries—particularly the lack of prison libraries and library resources in Arizona and throughout the United States—would be first on my list. The recent political challenges faced by libraries and librarians, coupled with the essential role libraries play in a democratic society, present a compelling area for research, as well. 

Are you still practicing law?

I am a licensed attorney in three states, but inactive in two of those states! I currently practice in the field of civil rights, specifically Title IX.
 

Tell us about your community work.

I am a big supporter of humanitarian aid on the border. I went to law school because I wanted to advocate for immigrant and non-citizen rights. I’m currently trying my hand at an interactive map for an immigration nonprofit, that shows all the immigration courts in the U.S. and how far folks must travel to get to court. This small project has been greatly assisted by the data cooperative specialists at CATalyst Studios in the Main Library, who have also been assisting my honors thesis student, as well, which really speaks to the wonderful community we have at the U of A. 

What are you teaching this semester, and what do you most enjoy about teaching?

I am currently teaching LIS 484/584: Copyright and Intellectual Property. It’s a really fun class to teach because it's a very dynamic field. For example, much of AI regulation has actually come from copyright law, as there is currently no comprehensive law as to artificial intelligence (in the U.S., at least). So, we are on the forefront of AI regulation. Not to mention other important issues, like controlled digital lending and access to information.

Beyond community work and teaching, what are your passions?

I love to be outside, whether it be attempting to garden or hiking in the amazing Sonoran desert or swimming in the ocean. I also really enjoy philosophy podcasts and hanging out with my son and our family and friends.

What is something you are particularly proud of in your work?

There is no feeling in the world like winning a jury trial for someone you believe should not go to prison.
 

What advice do you have for InfoSci students?

Talk to everyone you can; you can learn from anyone. Go to events, to happy hours (even if you don’t imbibe), to professional development experiences, to research talks, to see your librarians. You never know who you are going to meet, or what you might do to open a new career path or connection or passion. School is so much more than taking classes—InfoSci is your community and we also want to learn from you.

What does the InfoSci experience mean to you?

Students don’t come to the College of Information Science out of obligation or because it’s what they think they are supposed to do. Everyone here has a genuine passion for what they are researching, what they are creating, how they want to change the world. It’s like being in a forest of constant inspiration. Every tree, every plant, every rock stands out as being wonderfully unique. Put altogether, it’s magic.
 

Learn more about Jennifer Rochelle on her faculty page, or explore ways you can support the dynamic, student-invested faculty of the College of Information Science.