Cindy on Why AALL is THE Association for Law Librarians
Cindy Spadoni is the Director, Bibliographic Services and Collection Management at UCLA School of Law at the Hugh & Hazel Darling Law Library in Los Angeles, California, and has been a member of AALL since 1992. Cindy has been an active member of AALL, serving on a number of Special Interest Sections including: Academic Law Libraries, Governments Documents, Online Bibliographic, and Technical Services.
Why did you join AALL?
I joined AALL because it was (and is) THE association for law librarians. I knew it was a way for me to connect to other law librarians, and would provide opportunities for professional development with the annual AALL Meeting & Conference.
Why do you stay a member?
I stay a member for the obvious reasons: networking, professional development, being part of the law librarian community.
What one membership benefit is most valuable to you?
Belonging to the Special Interest Sections; in my case, the TS-SIS. It provides me with a smaller community of law librarians doing the same work/facing similar challenges that I deal with on a regular basis.
What is your favorite memory associated with AALL?
Attending the annual AALL Meeting & Conference, and in particular, winning a sizable REI gift card at the West party in Portland (2008). I never win anything and was shocked to hear my name called! I’ve not won anything since…
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Jazzercise, and attending football games at California (UC Berkeley) and California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo)—I have a child in the marching band at each school. I also enjoy dining out with my husband at new restaurants in and around Culver City, California, where we live.
What book(s) are you currently reading?
I just finished Tess of the D’Urbervilles and am trying to pluck up the courage to tackle Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton. It was given to me as a gift some years ago, but I have been intimidated by this 818 page book. However, given all the sensation around the Broadway musical (at its 16 Tony Award nominations!), I figure it’s time to be brave.
What’s your favorite travel/vacation destination?
Besides Berkeley, California and San Luis Obispo, California, I welcome any opportunity to visit Florence, Italy.