Law Librarians Play Leading Roles In L.A.'s Justice System
Even with a master's degree in library science, many librarians have experienced trouble finding work. It is a pattern that will change over the next five years. The government reports it is the digital age that is now bolstering a demand for specialists to help categorize large amounts of information, particularly in law libraries.
"The transition to digital resources requires every law librarian to be able to navigate subscription databases and online legal resources," said Sandi Levin, Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Law Library. "In addition, in order to communicate effectively and address the needs of computer-savvy patrons, law librarians must understand the current generation's need for instant access."
What should law librarians anticipate in the coming years?
"As time passes, legal issues will become more intertwined with social, economic, cultural and health issues. The overlap and integration of these issues will require law librarians of 2022 to be knowledgeable about a broader range of subject areas, with a deeper level of cultural competence and an understanding of the available resources for referrals to other agencies."
What makes a law librarian's role significant?
"Law librarians are an essential component of the justice system, making legal information available to all. They reduce stress on the overburdened court system and provide access to justice by assisting self-represented litigants."
What defines an adept law librarian?
"An efficient law librarian can listen carefully, identify a patron's legal issues and provide helpful resources and referrals that are appropriate to the patron's level of understanding and expertise."
How does one secure a sound position in this field?
"I urge job seekers to develop patience, hone their legal research skills and learn a second or third language."
What is your message to striving law librarians?
"Although this is a professional career, it is also a commitment of service to others. The vocation has many of the customer service challenges of any retail industry. The rewards are many, but they are derived from the intellectual fulfillment and the satisfaction of knowing you have had an impact on others by helping them navigate a complex legal system."
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.
