LAW LIBRARIES
Law libraries face many of the same issues and challenges as other sectors. The impact of changing technology and the advent of electronic publishing are ongoing challenges requiring constant attention and adaptation. Law librarians also need to continue demonstrating value to their organisation. Generally, law librarians are very aware of the need to be seen as relevant and "close to the business" of their enterprise.
THE ROLE OF A LAW LIBRARIAN
The role of the law librarian is varied. As well as providing research and maintaining physical and electronic collections, law librarians are involved in a range of activities on a day-to-day basis, such as
The world of legal publishing is also evolving to accommodate the demands for new devices, access from anywhere and improved search functionality. In particular, the NZLLA supports the New Zealand Legal Information Institute (www.nzlii.org) to provide free access to New Zealand legal information by assisting with digitisation of historic New Zealand legal materials.
- assessing new technologies;
- user education and training;
- provision of analytical / alerting services to support the business and competitive intelligence;
- knowledge management;
- internal and external communications;
- research data management;
- teaching;
- marketing and business development.
The world of legal publishing is also evolving to accommodate the demands for new devices, access from anywhere and improved search functionality. In particular, the NZLLA supports the New Zealand Legal Information Institute (www.nzlii.org) to provide free access to New Zealand legal information by assisting with digitisation of historic New Zealand legal materials.
NEW ZEALAND LAW LIBRARIANS' ASSOCIATION
The New Zealand Law Librarians' Association (NZLLA) supports and promotes the interests of legal information professionals in New Zealand. NZLLA is a separate organisation from LIANZA but has a memorandum of understanding with LIANZA which recognises each other as a sister organisation.
The Association encourages development that improves the effectiveness of law libraries in New Zealand. It also aims to foster a spirit of co-operation amongst members. The NZLLA offers a range of opportunities for members including: monthly meetings, a professional education programme with seminars and speakers, social events, the LawLibs electronic discussion list and various social media channels. A conference or symposium is held biannually.
The NZLLA lobbies government and other bodies on information issues, presenting members’ collective views to legal information providers.
Law libraries (and librarians) operate across many sectors. A 2016 survey of NZLLA members provided the following data:
Like most special librarians, law librarians generally obtain some specialised subject knowledge in areas of the law and sources of legal information, in addition to their professional skills in librarianship and information management.
Last updated September 2017.
The Association encourages development that improves the effectiveness of law libraries in New Zealand. It also aims to foster a spirit of co-operation amongst members. The NZLLA offers a range of opportunities for members including: monthly meetings, a professional education programme with seminars and speakers, social events, the LawLibs electronic discussion list and various social media channels. A conference or symposium is held biannually.
The NZLLA lobbies government and other bodies on information issues, presenting members’ collective views to legal information providers.
Law libraries (and librarians) operate across many sectors. A 2016 survey of NZLLA members provided the following data:
- NZLLA membership consists of 114 members.
- The majority of members work in law firm and academic libraries (50%). Members also work in the following sectors: law society, business, central government, court and parliamentary libraries.
- The majority of members are based in Wellington and Auckland (84%).
- Position titles include: Library Managers, Research Librarians, Librarian, Liaison/Subject librarian, Assistant Librarian/Manager, and Library Assistant.
- 21% are in sole charge positions.
- 25% have more than 20 years’ experience working in law librarianship.
- 90% hold a tertiary qualification in library studies.
- 14% have a tertiary qualification in law.
Like most special librarians, law librarians generally obtain some specialised subject knowledge in areas of the law and sources of legal information, in addition to their professional skills in librarianship and information management.
Last updated September 2017.
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