Legislative Research with Library Resources

by Samantha Kelley

Victory. I finally found my wallet, which contains, amongst other things, my library card. I was not able to visit the library for weeks. I was deprived of reading anything other than debate research.  My local library, the Carl Sandburg, gives me access to research databases.

For years, the team would cite Bush’s actions, and I became well informed on the subject.  Once Obama was elected, however, I realized I needed updated information.

Therefore, it struck me. I needed to read, and I had someone I wanted to read about. Immediately, I placed a hold on practically every book on Obama within my library network. When I finally made my way to the library, the books sat snuggled on the holds shelf.

I stacked the books in my hand, barely able to balance them to the checkout counter.  The first night I let them sit at the foot of my bed, as I was preoccupied with piles of homework and chores. The second night I cracked open the first book with Barack’s face on the cover.

I was delighted as I learned previously unknown information on our president elect. From Hawaii to Kenya to Chicago to Indonesia to Iraq. I became frustrated, twice shouting at the book, for the overused reference to Barack Obama as ‘Barry’.

I still have a lot more to read, (including Audacity of Hope) and I am looking forward to it.