CLANITRA SHARES HOW SHE GOT INTO LAW LIBRARIANSHIP & WHY SHE STAYS A MEMBER
Clanitra Stewart Nejdl is the head of professional development, research services librarian, and lecturer in law at the Alyne Queener Massey Law Library at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO LAW LIBRARIANSHIP?
I was a practicing attorney who focused on serving indigent clients and communities. While I found that extremely rewarding, I reached a point where I was ready for a change. In thinking about my future plans, I remembered my time working in the law library when I was in law school. After further investigating law librarianship as a career, I realized that would be a wonderful second career for me.
WHY DID YOU JOIN AALL?
I first joined AALL as a student in library school. It was suggested to me as a way to better understand law librarianship and to get to know other law librarians. Once I started my first position in a law library, I joined as a regular member. I have been a member ever since.
WHY DO YOU STAY A MEMBER?
Primarily for the networking. I appreciate the educational opportunities that AALL provides, but the networking opportunities are the main attraction for me. Attending the Annual Meeting is a must for me in terms of that.
WHAT ONE MEMBER BENEFIT IS MOST VALUABLE TO YOU?
Again, the opportunity to meet and work with my fellow law librarians. I like to remain extremely active with AALL through committees and other service opportunities, which allows me to meet and interact with my peers.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY ASSOCIATED WITH AALL?
My favorite memory is when John Waters was the keynote speaker for the 2018 Annual Meeting. I’m a fan of his, so it was great to hear him speak.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?
I have an adorable six-year-old son (not that I’m biased or anything). My time outside of work is spent with him and my husband. Family time is very important to me.
WHAT BOOK(S) ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
I will confess to preferring audiobooks to reading print. There’s something about hearing the author read the words that makes the work stand out to me. I’m a comedy enthusiast, so I recently finished listening to Attempting Normal by Marc Maron and am currently listing to I’m Just A Person by Tig Notaro.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL/VACATION DESTINATION?
I have always enjoyed visiting Washington, DC. There’s so much history there and so much to do. Plus, it’s close to other areas that are only a quick trip away.