By Maropene Thomas Ramabina
Manager, Information and Learning Services, North-West University (NWU), Faculty Librarian for Law and Outgoing Chairperson of the Organisation of South African Law Libraries (OSALL) (2023–2025)
1. Introduction
I am deeply honoured to have been selected as one of the recipients of the 2025 IALL Non-Members Grant to attend the prestigious International Association of Law Libraries (IALL) Annual Course held at the South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas, USA, from 17–25 October 2025. The IALL Grants Committee awarded me a grant to support my attendance. This invaluable opportunity allowed me to participate in rich academic discussions, network with global law librarians, and gain new insights into emerging trends shaping the future of law librarianship worldwide.
Maropene Thomas Ramabina at Space Center Houston
Used with his permission
2. Travel Experience
My journey began with a nine-hour Turkish Airlines flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Istanbul, Turkey, followed by a connecting flight to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Adjusting to the seven-hour time difference between South Africa and Texas was challenging, but the excitement of representing South Africa on a global stage outweighed the fatigue.
During my stay, I experienced several cultural surprises, including the efficiency of the Uber system, which requires prepayment before pickup, and an amusing question from an American acquaintance who asked whether Africans live with wild animals as pets, a reminder of the persistent misconceptions about Africa despite the digital age of Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.
3. Conference Overview
The IALL 2025 Conference brought together law librarians, legal scholars, and information professionals from around the world under the theme of “Global Legal Information in a Changing World.” The event was well-organised, time-conscious, and intellectually stimulating.
I was privileged to meet two other grant recipients, one from Australia and another from Pakistan, highlighting the global inclusivity of the IALL community.
4. Key Learnings and Highlights
4.1 Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Law Librarianship
A major highlight of the conference was the emphasis on integrating AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, into library operations. Presenters encouraged law librarians to use AI for creating presentations, visualizations, and research support materials. The message was clear: “If you stay ahead of AI, your job is safe.”
4.2 Innovative Practices in Library Spaces
Many U.S. law libraries showcased impressive digital communication systems, including functional electronic screens used for announcements and research guidance. This stood in stark contrast to the often non-functional or blank screens in many African institutions, an observation that offered both humour and inspiration.
4.3 Leadership and Inclusivity
Another key discussion centred on inclusive leadership. Delegates were challenged to reflect on how they develop their teams and to practise intentional, inclusive leadership-carrying those who lag behind instead of marginalising them. The conference underscored the importance of succession planning in professional organisations such as IALL, Organisation of South African Law Libraries (OSALL), and within our own institutions. Encouragingly, the newly elected IALL Board now includes younger professionals, signalling progress toward generational renewal.
4.4 Conference Topics
Some of the most compelling sessions included:
- Skills for the 21st-Century Librarian (Pre-Conference Workshop)
- Executive Power, the Separation of Powers, and the U.S. Supreme Court
- The Houston Ship Channel: Global Trade and Channel Development
- Houston as a Legal Gateway to Latin America
- Cross-Border Arbitration in a Time of Reform
- Intersection of Business Immigration, International Investments, and U.S. Policies
- The LGBTQIA+ Community and Legal Inclusion in the U.S.
These sessions broadened my understanding of comparative legal systems, global trade issues, and the evolving social-legal contexts influencing law librarianship today.
5. Networking and Global Engagement
The conference offered rich networking opportunities with law librarians from various continents. Conversations often revolved around the evolving role of law librarians in digital spaces, balancing social media engagement with productivity, and the need for short, engaging training videos to reach modern library users.
6. Cultural and Educational Excursions
No visit to Houston would be complete without exploring the legendary NASA Space Center. Visiting the Space Center was an unforgettable experience, not only for its technological achievements but also for its powerful demonstration of institutional culture. Every staff member, from gardeners to administrators, articulated NASA’s mission with pride: “Our mission is to fly people to the moon.” This collective sense of purpose was truly inspiring.
7. Future IALL Conferences
The IALL continues its tradition of rotating global venues for its annual gatherings:
- 2026 – Cambridge Law Library, United Kingdom
- 2027 – The Hague, Netherlands
- 2028 – New Zealand
I am humbled to share that my name was drawn in a sponsored conference competition, and I won free membership and attendance to the 2026 IALL Conference in Cambridge, UK. Additionally, there is a growing call for IALL to return to Africa, with a special challenge extended to OSALL to consider hosting in the coming years.
8. Reflections and Conclusion
Attending the 2025 IALL Conference was an enriching professional and personal experience. I gained invaluable insights into global trends in law librarianship, leadership, and AI integration. I return to South Africa inspired to share these learnings with colleagues across North-West University and OSALL, and to champion innovation, inclusivity, and continuous professional development within our law libraries.
I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to:
- The IALL Grants Committee for this prestigious award;
- OSALL for its continued support and platform for international recognition; and
- North-West University (NWU) for granting me special leave to attend this life-changing event.
Indeed, America is America-a country of vast possibilities, inspiring systems, and lessons worth adapting. But the most profound takeaway is that leadership, innovation, and purpose know no borders.
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.