by Mort Brinchmann
As Darcy Kirk noted in her February e-letter, Mary Whisner‘s Fall 2009 Law Library Journal article, “The United States Code, Prima Facie Evidence, and Positive Law,” was recently cited at length in Gonzalez v. Village of West Milwaukee, 2012 WL 313572 (7th Cir. Feb. 2, 2012). I really enjoyed Mary’s most recent offering in LLJ’s recent tribute to Morris L. Cohen: “That Most Congenial Lawyer/Bibliographer”. Mary “browses” Cohen’s Bibliography of Early American Law to produce a collection of asides and lively interaction between U.S. History and Legal Bibliography. I would not say that her article drove me to consult Cohen’s work (though I might dive into The Reporters to find out what Cranch & Wheaton are up to). I am sure that even those who have taken Legal Bib in the last 20 years will fully enjoy joining Mary on her “trip to Nerdvana.”
I am very excited to report that Tina Ching, Seattle University School of Law Library, and Rita Dermody, Public Law Library of King County, have agreed to co-chair the Local Arrangements Committee for the 2013 AALL Annual Meeting in Seattle. Their talent and enthusiasm are the perfect formula for a successful conference. Seattle will be a great location to host an annual meeting with new programming initiatives and exciting social, cultural, and local events. I encourage you to join the Local Arrangements Committee and share your talents and knowledge of your beautiful city with AALL members from across the United States and around the globe. See you in 2013!
– Jean M. Wenger, AALL Vice President/President-Elect
by Barbara Holt
I was enjoying an interview on KUOW’s Weekday program this morning when, much to my surprise, the interviewee started talking about how a Washington State Law Library librarian directed him to the story that inspired his latest book. Richard Kluger, a Pulitzer prize winning author, was looking for a good topic for a social history based in Washington, and he was fortunate to pose his question to Dawn Kendrick Gibb. In the interview, he really made a point of crediting Dawn for helping him to identify the story that inspired him to write his new book, The Bitter Waters of Medicine Creek.
I emailed Dawn, who told me, “I met Dick several times while he was researching other books. A couple years ago he was looking for the topic for a new book. I told him about the Leschi trial and what the Supreme Court was doing about it. I suggested he look more in depth at the case. He did, and the rest is history. He talks about our conversation in the forward of the book. And Dick spoke with then Chief Justice Gerry Alexander to get the skinny on the case. He and his wife are very nice and down to earth people. I enjoy talking with them when they come through.”
Once again, proof that Law Librarians Rock!
by Jill Allyn
In 2009, Jan Lawrence, Beth Morey and I resolved to try and reuse as much material as possible from the former Heller Ehrman Library. Since the space had been leased by Dorsey Whitney, Jan generously invited LLOPS members to visit and take whatever they wished. The leftovers were boxed up and taken to an empty floor in the building so Dorsey could remodel the offices and move in.
After moving to her new space, Jan wanted to give our state’s county librarians a chance to have any titles left. We asked the LLOPS board for assistance with shipping costs, and they gave us a budget. We began inventorying the collection. Many volunteers showed up during lunch hours to go through boxes, make lists of what was inside and then sort the boxes into broad subject areas. The “no one is going to want this” pile was distressingly large, reinforcing how quickly law libraries go out of date and how different a county collection is from a law firm’s collection. We finished the inventorying effort last October, sent the list out and four county librarians asked for titles. Whatcom County requested many titles, while the other three county librarians had very modest requests. As it happens, the Social Security Administration moved into a new space over the summer in the same building as the project. For the first time in many years they had offices with book cases and contacted Penny Hazelton regarding possible sources to fill their shelves. Penny emailed the LLOPS list serve. They were happy to give the federal reporters a new home.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who gave up their lunch hours to help. We enjoyed spending time with all of you, although it was a little strange to be in such stark surroundings with a million dollar view. We consider this project a success.
AALL2go Pick of the Month
Check out the AALL2go Pick of the Month, featuring Cheryl Nyberg. She talks about how she compiles her 50 state surveys for the annual Subject Compilations of State Laws.
This 59-minute PowerPoint with audio (.WMV) presentation recorded at the Dallas Association of Law Librarians 2007 spring meeting features Cheryl Nyberg, reference librarian at the University of Washington’s Gallagher Law Library. In the presentation, Nyberg discusses how she compiles her annual list of 50-state surveys for the annual Subject Compilations of State Laws. She discusses types of 50-state surveys, useful sources for finding surveys, and the areas of law that are likely to have 50-state surveys.
Although much of the presentation focuses on how State Laws is put together, the second half focuses on strategies for researchers trying to find these materials. Nyberg delves into specific research queries using online resources and common places where you can find needed information. Though many AALL members now have access to State Laws through HeinOnline, this presentation may still be useful for researchers who want to brush-up on their research skills, need a new 50-state survey, or do not have access to State Laws. Note: The PowerPoint with live links is available from Nyberg’s webspace.
by Erin Hoffrance
When you read thisI will have already participated in the iSchool’s Convocation ceremony. I will have walked across that stage with a huge smile on my face and hopefully I will not have fallen in the process. I now have my MLIS! And I want to tell everyone on the street that I’m a Librarian! Don’t believe me? Want to see my degree?! Here it is! And I’ll pull out a wallet size photo of my degree, like a parent showing off their new baby. Continue reading 'And on to the next . . .'»
Peggy, as many of you know is a Documents and Reference Librarian at Gallaher Law Library at the University of Washington. She has recently been named to the Depository Library Council by Public Printer Bob Tapella! The Council is made up of 15 members who serve for a term of 3 years, during which time, they meet at least twice a year. Part of the Council’s duties are to advise the Public Printer on issues regarding the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). Peggy begins her service this October 1, 2010 and serves through September 30, 2013.
Hat tip to Peggy!
by Robyn Hagle
Please join me in extending a big congratulations to LLOPS’ own Holly Gale. Holly recently won a SLA Scholarship for graduate study in librarianship leading to a master’s degree at a recognized school of library or information science. The competition was fierce (up to 3 awards are given annually) and this is a huge win for Holly and for LLOPS!
For the past two years, Holly has served as the LLOPS liaison to the University of Washington Information School. In this role, Holly acts as an ambassador for LLOPS, encouraging fellow library students to consider special librarianship and advertising and promoting LLOPS events. Holly has served in this role with aplomb and a demonstrated commitment to the profession, going above and beyond the expected responsibilities by independently organizing library tours and social events involving LLOPS members and library students.
Continue reading 'Holly Gale Wins SLA Scholarship'»
That handy little black book that you love (no, not that one), has been updated again. That’s right the 2008-2009 Subject Compilation of State Laws: An Annotated Bibliographyis now available, both in print and via HeinOnline. Check out Gallagher Blogs’ article for more detail.
Even though we did not sing Total Eclipse of the Heart, as suggested by Stina McClintock for a festive holiday carol, LLOPSters celebrated merrily at the annual holiday party last Thursday evening at Tulio’s. Best photo opp goes to Al Dermody for taking me up on a dare to stick out his tongue. The slideshow view is small, so just click on a photo to enlarge. A big thank you to West for sponsoring another wonderful holiday party. Happy Holidays!
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