What's Happening in Raleigh Libraries?

You are invited to tour two downtown libraries on Thursday, April 6, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm, exploring one library temporarily housed in a former bank and learning about changes made when a law firm library was recently downsized.

The North Carolina Supreme Court Library has a rich tradition. Originally part of the State Library, in 1871 it became a separate entity. The first official librarian took office in 1883; prior to that time, the Court's clerk was responsible for the library. Tom Davis serves as the eighth librarian. The library moved into the North Carolina Justice Building in 1940. However, it's new slogan could be "See how a library fits into a bank." In January 2005 the court and the library moved out of the Justice Building ahead of major renovations.

Temporarily housed in the below ground lobby level of a former bank building, the library has 18,000 linear feet of materials available. Another 900 linear feet are in offsite storage with courier access. All space has been used. The loose-leafs are on the teller line. Check out the superseded CFR's in the employee's fitness room, complete with mirrors at the end of the stacks.

Raleigh law firm libraries are also experiencing change. The Library of the Raleigh office of Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge & Rice was downsized two and half years ago. Womble has nine offices in five states. The main library is in the Winston-Salem, NC office. The Raleigh librarian, Debbie LaPlaine, also serves the Research Triangle Park office and is responsible for maintaining the firm's online library systems. In 2003 the collection was reduced from 2254 to 1169 linear feet. The new library has compact shelving, space for two researchers, a copier, and the librarian's office. Join us to learn about other changes that were made to accommodate the reduced collection.

Meet in the hotel registration lobby at 4:00 for a walk to both libraries.

North Carolina Supreme Court Library,
227 Fayetteville St. Mall, with building entrance facing Wilmington Street. (919) 733-3425

Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge & Rice, P.L.L.C.,
2100 Wachovia Capitol Center, 150 Fayetteville Street Mall, Suite 2100. (919) 755-2178

Progressive Academic Law Libraries Tour