This was another year of challenges and opportunities for AALL and our members. The economic conditions nationwide and in the legal sector challenged all of us to do more with less. We made some difficult choices as we allocated limited resources to support programs and the membership. I am pleased to introduce this report that describes AALL’s activities and accomplishments during the past year.
This year marked the end of our last strategic directions and the creation of new directions for 2010 – 2013. These strategies for the future will strengthen our core purpose and values, and will give us the direction and flexibility needed to grow as an organization, while placing the primary focus on our members.
Leadership
The second Leadership Academy was held in 2009. We will be watching the members of that class use the skills they learned to lead our profession. A variety of new awards were rolled out this year to recognize member contributions to AALL and law librarianship. The Index to Foreign Legal Periodicals is losing its long time editor, Thomas H. Reynolds, but we expect a smooth transition as Marci Hoffman takes on the duties of editor.
Education
AALL provided an array of webinars during the year. AALL fosters research by providing funding for members’ research projects. Members can use AALL2go to schedule continuing education at their convenience. The Annual Meeting in Denver encouraged members to think about our future as they attended educational programs and workshops.
Advocacy
AALL is the voice of law librarians on a variety of issues. Comments were submitted regarding the ABA Standards and Rules of Procedure for the Approval of Law Schools. AALL members continue to participate in the drafting of a Uniform State Law on the Authentication and Preservation of Electronic state Legal Materials. The Government Relations Office continues to monitor and weigh in on a variety of issues of importance to AALL members.
All in all, 2009–2010 was another successful year for AALL. There are undoubtedly more challenges ahead as technology, the legal publishing industry, and the legal environment continue to evolve. AALL is committed to working with our members to provide the support and services necessary to enhance our role as leaders in our individual workplaces and in the provision of access to legal information.
Catherine Lemann
AALL President 2008-2009