- Contains 18 comprehensive case studies of different academic law library structures
- Explores the spectrum of library models from autonomous to semiautonomous
- The only comprehensive resource available on this essential subject
- A vital resource for law school deans, provosts, law librarians, and university librarians
About This Title
There’s no denying that academic law libraries are a vital part of the legal profession. Since 1928, law schools have been required to have a library located in a building occupied by the law school. Traditionally, these libraries were characterized by direct reporting to the law school dean, budget allocation from the law school dean or the university’s central administration, and a law library mission with a law school-centered approach.
However, in today’s economic climate, financial and operational efficiency is more critical than ever before—which makes organizational structure vital for law libraries to consider, as demonstrated by the growing interest in the semiautonomous library structure. The first volume in a series, this book provides 18 case studies of academic law libraries across the country, across the entire spectrum of structures, from autonomous to semiautonomous and a blend of the two. With its unique insight into the culture of each campus, law school, and law library, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to streamline their law library’s operations and boost their bottom line while still serving the diverse needs of students and faculty.
The Four Organizational Structures
Dean of the law school
Budget derived from:
The law school
Collaboration with central library:
May share an ILS with the central library.
Examples:
- Thomas J. Meskill Law Library | University of Connecticut School of Law
- Gallagher Law Library | University of Washington School of Law
Dean of the law school
Budget derived from:
The law school
Collaboration with central library:
May share ILS, discovery layer, IR, and engage in cost-sharing for databases that have shared subject matter. May partner on certain services.
Examples:
- Seattle University Law Library
- Villanova Law Library
Dean of the law school
Budget derived from:
The law school
Collaboration with central library:
Shared services with central library usually governed by an MOU. May share access, technical, and IT services.
Examples:
- Harvard Law School Library
- William Taylor Muse Law Library | University of Richmond School of Law
Dean of the law school and university librarian
Budget derived from:
University libraries budget
Collaboration with central library:
Reporting and funding are governed by an MOU.
Examples:
- Charles B. Sears Law Library | University at Buffalo School of Law
- The Law Libraries of Penn State
About the Editors
Elizabeth G. Adelman is Director of the Charles B. Sears Law Library and Vice Dean for Legal Information Services at the University at Buffalo School of Law. She holds a Juris Doctor from Albany Law School and a Master of Library Science from the University at Buffalo. Adelman is the lead author of New York Legal Research, now in its fourth edition, published by Carolina Academic Press. Adelman has published articles, book chapters, and tutorials on topics related to teaching legal research and academic law libraries. She is active in the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) and is AALL’s 2022-2023 president.
Jessica de Perio Wittman is the Director of the Law Library, Associate Professor of Law, and Cornelius J. Scanlon Scholar at the University of Connecticut School of Law. In addition to teaching Special Education Law, Technology and Law Practice, and Advanced Legal Research, Professor de Perio Wittman directs all library operations and oversees the day-to-day operations of the information technology systems, equipment, and services for the law school campus. Professor de Perio Wittman has held many leadership positions within the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) and continues to be a member of AALL, Law Librarians of New England (LLNE), Southern New England Law Libraries Association (SNELLA), and the Connecticut Bar Association. She received her J.D. from Seattle University School of Law and her M.L.S. from the University at Buffalo.
Organizational Structures of Academic Law Libraries: Past, Present, and Future
(Volume 1)
AALL Publications Series No. 87
Editors: Elizabeth Adelman and Jessica de Perio Wittman
Item #: 1007048
ISBN: 978-0-8377-4272-4
Pages: xxii, 250p.
1 Volume, perfect bound…….$110.00
Published: Getzville; William S. Hein & Co., Inc.; 2023
