[Prodev] Creating Virtual Law Libraries in the Digital Age

[Axtmann, Margaret M.]

Welcome to the listserv discussion on the future of law libraries.  The
discussion topic for this first day is Creating Virtual Law Libraries in the
Digital Age. 

The phrase "virtual law library" emerged as a common theme and concern
during AALL's strategic planning process and throughout the Futures
Committee's discussions with members and others.  For some of us it is an
exciting and real possibility; for others it seems a daunting prospect.

Glimpse a snapshot of the virtual law library by reading the first four
scenarios found at  <http://www.aallnet.org/committee/scenarios.asp> :

#1	Academic - Virtual Academic Law Library
#2	Academic - National and Regional Repositories/Virtual Resources
#3	Private - Law Firm Electronic Library
#4	State, Court & County - Totally Electronic Public Law Library

Here are some discussion questions to get the ball rolling, but feel free to
add your own.

Are there certain types of law libraries more apt to become virtual than
others?

Are any of these scenarios feasible for the type of library in which you
work?  Can national resource sharing work in an electronic environment?

What accreditation policies or other institutional procedures must be
established or revised for this to be a realistic forecast?

Is your parent organization ready, willing and able to accept and/or pay for
a totally electronic library?

What is the law librarian's role in this model, if any?

What type of professional training would enable you to make a successful
transition to a totally electronic library as described in these scenarios?

How can law librarians work with vendors to provide the electronic access
required by this scenario?  What impact do developments in licensing
agreements and practices have on the decision to go virtual?

How will we measure the quality of the virtual law library - its collections
and services?

How can we maintain the promotion of knowledge and learning in a virtual
world?

Let the discussion begin!

Margie

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Margaret Maes Axtmann
Associate Director for Information Resources
University of St. Thomas Law Library
1000 LaSalle Avenue, TMH LL27
Minneapolis, MN  55403-2005
Voice: 651-962-4868
Fax: 651-962-4910
mailto:mmaxtmann@stthomas.edu
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