OnePerson Law Library Group Meeting, AALL 2000
The following United States and Germany library professionals met on Sunday evening, July 16, 2000, to discuss common concerns. However, out of AALL's gateways on (1) leadership, (2) management, (3) technology and (4) resources, we spent most time talking about technology and management.
Discussing problems with CDROM technology took a great deal of time (free style, no chairperson). Described as having "constant" problems, librarians find that the jukebox and other means of operating CDROM cause more aggravation than what it is worth. The group also contends that most publishers are trying to move to internet browser service. Another concern with the CDROM is its timeliness.
As to CDROM, I shared my own experience with similar difficulties. We have retired this interim technology, replacing it with the web browser for Westlaw. This led into managing the billing. For private firms, the client is billed accordingly (transactional billing).
However, for state government libraries like NJ BPU, we find that "flatrate billing" is more feasible and reasonable. We cannot recoup costs from clients.
One librarian, however, did caution the group that flatrate billing costs may escalate based on usage.
The other two areas, "filings" and "priorities," were based on management operations. Librarians shared how they, in fact, keep track of what we do and how to bill back to clients. In juggling priorities, it was the consensus that whatever gets charged to clients should come first. Generally, we concluded that managing each oneperson library may be specifically designed. For example, the BPU law library has been revamped to meet the needs of staff although we have access to a full online library. But, each professional uses similar technology, resources, management and leadership skills. We must keep abreast of ongoing concerns through networking groups and reeducation programs.
OnePerson Library Group Meeting Participants
CALIFORNIA (2)
Francine Biscardi-Richards, Watson & Gershon, Los Angeles, CA
Diane Gates-Latham & Watkins, Menlo Park, CA
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (1)
Jane TowellO'Connor & Hannan, Washington, D.C.
GERMANY (2)
Marion Remmel-Shearman & Sterling, Frankfurt
Stephanie Frohlich-Shearman & Sterling, Dusseldorf
ILLINOIS (1)
Mary LiddBanner & Witcoff, Chicago
MARYLAND (1)
Beverly RubensteinOffice of the Attorney General, Baltimore
MINNESOTA (1)
Kathleen KellyLochridge Grindal, et al, Minneapolis
NEW YORK (1)
Bernadette McCarthyNY Court of Claims, Albany
OHIO (2)
Traycee Conner-Richland County Law Library, Mansfield
Martha Esbin-Shumaker, Lopp et al, Toledo
PENNSYLVANIA (1)
Kim DenikerMercer County Courthouse, Mercer, PA
WISCONSIN (1)
Barbara WalkerWeiss, Berzowski, Brady & Donahue, Milwaukee