The Fred Parks Law Library at South Texas College of Law Houston recently hosted the International Association of Law Libraries (IALL) 43rd Annual Course, a week-long conference attracting 120 delegates representing 16 countries and various states from across the nation.
“This year’s gathering marks the fourth time IALL has held this conference at a U.S. law school,” said Colleen Manning, associate dean, The Fred Parks Law Library, and assistant professor of law. “Previous U.S. host schools were Yale, Stanford, and Emory. We are very proud to be in such good company.”
Welcomed by South Texas Law President and Dean Rey Valencia, attendees heard from several South Texas Law staff members, faculty, and alumni. Their presentations included the story of an investigation that led to some stolen moon rocks and details about the pursuit of an honorable discharge for World War I-era black soldiers who were denied justice.
“It was a tremendously successful event,” said lead conference organizer Monica Ortale ’93, associate director for public services for The Fred Parks Law Library. “We are still receiving very positive feedback, and we could not have done this without the enthusiastic participation of our staff, faculty, and alumni volunteers. It was an honor to be able to welcome our peers from around the world and across the U.S.”
Participants lost no time posting on social media about the event, thanking the library’s staff and the law school for their hospitality and skill at presenting a fun and informative conference.
“So many amazing programs and so much learning in just 24 hours,” said one attendee after the first day of the conference. Another said, “I thoroughly enjoyed the conversations, connections, food, and excellent programming.”
IALL’s 44th Annual Course will take place at Cambridge’s Shire Law Library in the United Kingdom in September 2026.
