Striking Similarities: Law Librarianship and the Art of Bowling

On the surface, the worlds of law libraries and bowling alleys might seem to occupy opposite ends of the cultural spectrum. I have been an active bowler since the age of 7. It was and will forever be the one sport that I play, and as I reflected on the sport, parallels started to emerge. Revealing a surprising kinship between my day job as a law librarian and a bowler. Let’s explore some unexpected ways these seemingly distant pursuits share remarkable similarities.

Precision and Strategy: Both bowling and law librarianship demand precision and strategic thinking. A bowler carefully considers lane conditions, ball weight, and release angle to optimize each throw. Similarly, a law librarian meticulously analyzes legal databases, dissects complex case histories, and tailors research strategies to the specific needs of each client and project. Both strive for pinpoint accuracy, recognizing that a single misstep, be it a gutter ball or an overlooked precedent, can significantly impact the outcome.

Focus and Concentration: Both spheres require laser-sharp focus and concentrated effort. A bowler needs to block out distractions, follow lane courtesy, visualize the perfect trajectory, and execute the throw. A law librarian sifts through pages of legal documents, filtering out irrelevant information while maintaining razor-sharp concentration to unearth the hidden gem that clinches the case. Both must possess the ability to tune out the noise and stay laser-focused on the task at hand.

Knowledge and Expertise: Bowling may appear deceptively simple, but like any sport, mastery requires deep knowledge and technical expertise. Understanding lane physics, oil patterns, ball dynamics, and various release techniques is crucial for consistent success. While law librarianship demands a vast pool of knowledge encompassing legal sources, research methodologies, and a nuanced understanding of complex legal systems. Both require dedication to continuous learning and honing their expertise to stay ahead of the curve.

Problem-Solving and Adaptability: In both bowling and law librarianship, problem-solving and adaptability are essential skills. A bowler encounters an array of lane conditions, demanding adjustments in approach and technique. At times, we as information stewards we must navigate through diverse legal challenges, often with ambiguous or incomplete information.

Teamwork and Collaboration: While often portrayed as individual pursuits, both bowling and law librarianship thrive on teamwork and collaboration. Bowlers in league settings benefit from shared strategies and encouragement. We are ever collaborating with other librarians, lawyers, paralegals, and researchers. By having this ongoing conversation with one another we are presenting diverse perspectives to one another to build stronger relationships. Effective communication and the ability to work seamlessly within a team are crucial for success in both contexts.

Passion and Dedication: At the heart of both endeavors lies a genuine passion and dedication. Bowling enthusiasts find joy in the challenge of honing their skills and the camaraderie of the game. Likewise, law librarians are driven by a deep commitment to upholding justice and providing the vital information that empowers legal decisions.

Conquering the 10^th Frame:

Bowling and law librarianship, seemingly from different worlds, share remarkable similarities. Both demand precision, focus, knowledge, problem-solving, teamwork, resilience, and passion. Recognizing these connections fosters a deeper appreciation for the nuanced skills and dedication required to excel in each domain. While one navigates the labyrinth of legal complexities, the other navigates the intricacies of the lane, while they both share the pursuit of excellence and the satisfaction of striking that perfect balance.

Victoria Swindle, MLIS, Library Technology Specialist at Steptoe & Johnson PLLC