Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/87421
With the inexorable rise of electronic content and the decline of print, the law library's physical footprint has been shrinking for more than a decade. The library's physical space is no longer relevant. As a result, a new business mantra has evolved: Libraries are a service, not a place. Librarians understand that they are running a business unit within their law firms. They sell a product/ service (knowledge and information) to a market (lawyers) that needs to be serviced effectively (custom product/service), efficiently (at the right time), and cost- effectively (at the right price). According to ALM's annual "Law Librarian Survey," there has been a significant trend in law librarians becoming responsible for aspects of knowledge management within their law firms. In recognition of that, the Private Law Libraries Special Interest Section started a new KM subgroup in 2011. Some pioneering librarians have grown into CKO roles and are as firmly rooted professionally in ILTA as well as in the American Association of Law Libraries, the more traditional home of law librarians. That trend is gaining momentum as librarians become more integrated into KM and technology. For example, an ILTA track debuted at this year's AALL annual meeting. Similarly, law librarians are attending and presenting at ILTA events in significant numbers. Librarians Have the Skills for KM Law librarians are the stewards of the firm's external information resources. They understand legal content, know what lawyers need and have mastered information retrieval tools. They possess advanced research and computer skills. Their training teaches them to create, record and store information effectively. More important, they are likely the only professionals working in law firms who know how to conduct information needs assessments, can create complex taxonomies and have the skills to teach legal research to lawyers. THE EVOLUTION IS ALREADY HERE! What other departments is the head librarian responsible for? Records Conflicts Court Services Knowledge Management Information Systems Intranet Docket Research 2011 19% 30% 16% 59% 3% 35% 11% 2010 28% 36% 16% 40% 0% n/a 4% 2009 38% 35% 19% 19% 4% n/a 0% 2008 29% 34% 11% 17% 3% n/a 9% The Librarian's Expanding Role in KM Since 2008: 2011 ALM Law Librarian Survey 36 AALL/ILTA White Paper