Pining for the Fjords
By: Ana Rogers-Butterworth
Nahum Gelber Law Library, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
IALL bursary recipient 2024
I cannot express the excitement I felt when I received the news that I had been awarded a bursary to attend the International Association of Law Librarians Conference in Oslo. As an early career Canadian law librarian, the opportunity to immerse myself in a global network of professionals, learn from some of the world’s leading legal minds, and experience Norway’s rich culture was nothing short of incredible.
The program at IALL did not disappoint. I couldn’t help but feel like I was at summer camp. There was something about the intensity of the academic programming combined with the camaraderie of the social events that fostered a sense of community. By the end of the week, I felt connected not only with the subjects discussed but with the people around me. It was a powerful reminder that learning, and community-building go hand in hand.
And let me tell you, Scandinavian breakfasts put North American ones to shame! The variety of smoked and pickled fish options alone could have constituted an entire meal back home. Did I need to try them all in one sitting? Probably not, but the temptation was too great.
The conference program provided diverse insight into the legal and historical nuances of Norway, a topic I had only skimmed through in articles or Wikipedia pages before my trip. Being surrounded by Norway’s beauty, history, and culture gave these lessons a resonance that far exceeded anything I could have learned remotely.
Jørn Øyrehagen Sunde’s presentation on Viking law was eye-opening. The realities of Viking culture, both more mundane and yet more sophisticated than the common dramatic lore, were fascinating. Lucy Isabelle Klæboe Furuholmen’s insights into Norwegian citizenship were equally engaging, illustrating how law can reflect and shape a nation’s identity.
One of the most moving sessions, however, was the presentation on Sámi rights by Associate Professor Ánde Somby. As a Canadian, the parallels between the Sámi people’s experiences and the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada were striking. The shared themes of colonialism, resilience, and cultural uniqueness hit close to home, underscoring the commonalities that exist within the diversity of Indigenous cultures worldwide.
The diverse lineup of events held in iconic locations across Oslo added to the immersive experience. From the University of Oslo’s impressive Faculty of Law buildings to Oslo’s City Hall, I found myself constantly surrounded by architecture that spoke of Norway’s history and its forward-thinking spirit. The experiential legal learning workshop at the Law Library in Professorboligen was especially memorable, emphasizing practical approaches that I am eager to bring back to my own work in Canada.
One of the highlights of the trip was the dinner boat ride through the Oslofjord. The small, charming coastal island houses along the fjords were straight out of a storybook, their whimsical architecture perfectly complementing the surrounding natural beauty.
And then there was the Annual Dinner at Ekebergrestauranten. Words can hardly do justice to the experience—the food was exquisite, from the perfectly cooked lamb to the surprisingly delicious licorice-flavored ice cream. For those of us who arrived early, the surrounding sculpture garden offered an unexpected treat. Walking through creative, immersive works of art while taking in the fjord views was a truly sureal moment.
This conference was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I can’t thank the bursary committee, particularly Jean Wagner, and Vanessa Blackwell, enough for making it possible. I also owe a huge debt of gratitude to Rebecca for organizing the conference so flawlessly and for being such a positive presence throughout the event.
And one last lesson: Always bring a bathing suit! With five days of educational programming, cultural tours, and evening receptions, I thought there’d be no need. Yet, I found myself scrambling to find a last-minute “business casual” bathing suit. Why? A spontaneous invitation to jump into the Oslo-fjord from the roof of a waterfront sauna! It was a moment of pure joy and unforgettable networking—something I will treasure as much as any conference session.
In conclusion, this trip to Oslo was not only a professional milestone but also a deeply personal journey. I left Norway with a stronger connection to its culture, a wealth of new legal insights, and a profound appreciation for the community of international law librarians who welcomed me so warmly.
This Blog contains entries by members of the International Association of Law Libraries on issues germane to the Association’s areas of focus. Views expressed in an individual entry only represent the views of the author, and not those of the International Association of Law Libraries or the author’s employer.