September 2015: Sherry Xin Chen

Legal Information Librarian and Lecturer in Law at Boston College Law Library

1. Why did you join AALLc?

I grew up in Shanghai, China and did not come to the United States until in my 20s. After I become a law librarian following my law school and library school, I feel naturally interested in topics that are related to my background and experience, for example, various FCIL topics and Chinese legal research. Within the big family of AALL, AALLc is a small and intimate group that allows me to form close relationships with people of similar background and interests----that is the main reason why I joined AALLc.

2. What do you do as a law librarian?

I am the Legal Information Librarian and Lecturer in Law at Boston College Law Library. I am also the FCIL specialist among my colleagues. Teaching is a big component of our job here----I spent a big chunk of my time teaching or preparing for my Advanced Legal Research class every day, which meets twice a week. In addition to that, I work at the reference desk, act as a library liaison to faculty who teach or research in the field of FCIL, provide training to our law school’s international law journal staff and moot court teams, and participate in collection development decisions.

3. What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love my job because it gives me the satisfaction of helping other people, and also the joy of personal growth. I have learned so much from my colleagues, faculty, students and a lot of other people I have worked with.

4. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love books, movies, cooking and watching others cooking. To sum it up, I am always a fan of a good story and a good meal.

5. What is your favorite travel destination in Asia or elsewhere in the world?

Shanghai, my hometown----that is the only place where you can find Xiao Long Bao (Juicy Dumplings) done right.