Happy National Library Week! Established in 1958, “National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use.”
We thought we’d take a moment to celebrate our very own Ross-Blakley Law Library, and in particular, the contributions of all the wonderful folks who keep this place running. So who are all these people, anyway?
Public Services
Circulation: If you’re a regular library visitor, you probably know these folks the best. At the front desk, our Circulation staff check out books, request materials from other libraries, handle study room and carrel reservations and much more. Their duties extend beyond the front desk as well – throughout the library and into cyberspace! They make sure the books are in the right spots on the shelves; they manage course reserves, past exams , and the Faculty Scholarship Repository too. And sometimes they’ll give you candy, “just because!”
Reference: Our Reference staff is here to help you find the tools you need and guide you through the process of legal research, so don’t be afraid to Ask a Librarian! They help library users find resources, work on projects for faculty, and write our wonderfully helpful research guides.
Technical Services
Much of the work these folks do is behind-the scenes, but we’d come to a screeching halt without them. They are super-shoppers who figure out what to buy and where to get the best price. They are super-organizers who put each item into the library catalog so you’ll be able to find and use it. They label and repair books, and make sure all those legal materials that constantly need updating are the most current version (looseleafs and pocket parts, anyone?). A sub-unit of Tech Services, our Government Documents staff, manages the publications we receive from the United States Congress, the Office of the President, and major regulatory agencies, making sure these publications are accessible to the public as part of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP).
Administration
Otherwise known as the “business end of the library.” From the big stuff to the little stuff, our Admin folks make sure the doors stay open, the lights stay on, and the bills get paid.
While the Law Library is made up of several departments, we all work together to make sure you have what you need, when you need it. Whether we’re supporting faculty research, cheering on law students, or helping out the public, we’re all here for you! Some of our super-savvy staff are even cross-trained between departments so they can pitch in anywhere at a moment’s notice.
Happy National Library Week and a big hip-hip-hooray to all folks who keep the Law Library running smoothly!
