Standards & Guidelines Report 1999 - 2000

The S&G committee has met via telephone conference call and e-mail discussion .list during the past year. Chair Sullivan informed us that Lexis Publishing was willing to underwrite the cost of republishing the S&G's. In light of this generous offer, the committee initiated discussions regarding updating and modifying the S&G. Based on a general lack of robust discussions, it is our view that the S&G's are still presented in a format that is easy to use and to understand and that the material within is still viable in today's marketplace. Committee member Hedstrom did suggest the following addition to the Senior Level Standard

Senior Level Standard:

Education/Experience: Requirements would include a graduate degree in library information studies and over 7 years of law library experience. Evidence of professional development through programs and courses.

Competencies: Computer skills (such as word-processing, database management and development, spreadsheets, Windows/DOS file management, presentation software, Internet searching, knowledge level to handle communications software, CD-ROM tower management). Knowledge of the firm's in-house technology capabilities is essential so that proper software is maintained for the firm's practice groups. ADD: Effective writing and public speaking skills to provide training and presentations both within and outside the organization.

Strong supervisory and management skills. Strong organizational skills. Experienced in designing and planning of facilities and handling multiple locales.

Knowledge of the firm's goals and policies.

ADD: Able to see the big picture, articulate the vision clearly and enlist others to achieve it; evaluate information use and recognize information needs; continually improve the firm's information services; commitment to service excellence; anticipate and manage change effectively; take initiative, seek out challenges, and show innovation.

Reporting Level: The librarian in this role is a firm administrator and would report to the executive director or top-level management within the firm, etc., no further suggested changes.

The committee has also followed with interest and contributed to the PDC's list discussion on "core competencies" and reviewed the resource guides. It often seems that these complement one another and that they should cross reference each other. The committee will meet on Tuesday, July 18^th from 7:00 - 8:45 a.m. for further discussion.

Respectfully submitted,

For the Committee

June MacLeod
Al Podboy