Creatively Seeking Information: Research Analyst Sophia Kingsley, MLIS ’24
INFOSCI ALUMNI PROFILE
Sophia Kingsley, MLIS ’24, in front of a list of grant recipients at the American Association of Law Libraries Annual Meeting in Boston.
Research Analyst, Sidley Austin LLP
I most enjoy the opportunity to use my foreign language skills and test unique research strategies. I can’t rely on the same databases and techniques that I would typically use for U.S. law, so I have to be more creative when seeking information.
Sophia Kingsley, who won the College of Information Science Spring 2024 Outstanding Master’s Student Award, graduated from the Master of Arts in Library and Information Science program before joining the global law firm Sidley Austin in Los Angeles as a full-time research analyst. Originally from Steilacoom, a small town south of Seattle, Washington, she earned her bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and political science at Northern Arizona University before acquiring a Paralegal Certificate from Tacoma Community College in 2020. In addition to her MLIS degree from the University of Arizona, she also earned a Graduate Certificate in Legal Information.
Learn more about Sophia in this alumni profile, including her interest in foreign, comparative and international legal research; passions for rock climbing; and advice for current MLIS students.
Why did you decide to pursue a Master’s in Library and Information Science at the University of Arizona?
Originally, my plan was to work as a paralegal for several years before applying to law school. The more time I spent in the legal field, however, the more I realized that being an attorney was not the right path for me. I was still deeply interested in legal research, so I started exploring other career options within law. Law librarianship seemed like the perfect combination of my interests. The University of Arizona was already on my radar because of my connections in Tucson, so I researched more about the College of Information Science (now College of Information Science) and was excited to discover the internship/fellowship options at the Daniel F. Cracchiolo Law Library. The opportunity to study under and work with a fantastic group of librarians as part of the Master of Arts in Library and Information Science assured me that U of A was the right choice.
What areas of research within law librarianship are you most interested in?
Sophia Kingsley at University of Arizona graduation in May 2024.
Foreign, comparative and international legal (FCIL) research is a fascinating niche of law librarianship! I most enjoy the opportunity to use my foreign language skills and test unique research strategies. I can’t rely on the same databases and techniques that I would typically use for U.S. law, so I have to be more creative when seeking information. I’m grateful to Law Librarian Marcelo Rodríguez for introducing me to the world of FCIL, as this skillset has already proven useful in my new position.
Beyond academics, what did you find most rewarding about the MLIS?
I made incredible friends through my program. As I’ve transitioned from graduate school into the workforce, their support and advice (professional and personal) has been invaluable. These friends include not only my fellow classmates, but also the librarians and professors at Cracchiolo Law Library.
What was your biggest challenge in your master's program, and how did you overcome that challenge?
The greatest challenge I faced while in the MLIS program was fitting all my desired educational and professional experiences into only two years. Determining which conferences, publications, classes and work projects were worthwhile in such a constrained time period was quite difficult. The best aspect of my degree program was the abundance of opportunities; having to turn some down for the sake of avoiding burnout was frustrating.
Tell us about your internship experience while in the MLIS.
During my first semester in Tucson, I interned for a collaborative digitization and preservation project with the Cracchiolo Law Library and the Navajo Nation Water Resource Department. I serendipitously stumbled into this position during my first visit to the Law Library (many thanks to Jessica Ugstad and Francesco Fasano!). Although I obtained legal research skills in my previous career as a legal assistant and paralegal, this internship was my first opportunity to work in a law library setting and learn about digitization, cataloging and preservation. This internship, as well a fellowship position at Cracchiolo, prepared me to work in a firm environment.
What have you found most surprising in your new, full-time position as a research analyst?
The wide variety of questions I receive as a research analyst have been a lovely surprise. While at the U of A Law Library, I spent the majority of my time conducting legal research. Now I might spend my mornings digging up SEC filings and my afternoons hunting for news articles on a new medical device. Originally, the breadth of my work was a bit daunting, but I soon realized it’s the best part of the job!
Beyond your professional work, what are your passions?
Sophia Kingsley rock climbing at Smith Rock, Oregon.
Rock climbing! I was on a climbing team when I was in middle school, but completely stopped for over a decade. At the same time as starting my MLIS, I began bouldering again and remembered why I love it so much. During the course of my degree, I made time for trips to sport climb in Smith Rock, Oregon, and boulder in Hueco Tanks, Texas. I also took advantage of the thriving climbing scene in Tucson and started volunteering with the Climbing Association of Southern Arizona. Climbing is a great way to stay fit, reduce the stress of graduate school, and make lifelong friends. I have met a surprising number of law librarians who also climb; it’s a great icebreaker at conferences.
What advice do you have for Master's in Library and Information Science students?
Students should connect with their advisors as soon as possible to plan their degrees. Although I cannot speak to all College of Information Science classes, certain library science classes are only offered in fall or spring, or the mode of instruction (online or in-person) varies by semester. Students should also start the conversation about potential internships with their advisors early in the degree program.
Learn more about the MA in Library and Information Science, or explore ways you may support InfoSci faculty and students who are shaping the future of information.