BC Library Conference 2016

Courthouse libraries and public libraries increasingly share the same patronage: members of the public with no legal background, seeking legal information and help. There has been a growing trend in the number of people representing themselves in court and trying to navigate the legal system. Public libraries are often a first point of contact for information seekers. Where do you direct a patron wondering how to probate a will? What about someone who believes they have been wrongfully dismissed from their job?

Navigating the legal system can be frustrating for people. There is an abundance of information available, but in many different formats and through many different organizations. Where do you start? Publishers of public legal information have already begun to disrupt traditional legal research by creating more access through plain language and free online resources. In the spirit of this trend, Courthouse Libraries BC has produced a new wikibook, Beginner’s Guide to Finding Legal Information specifically as a guide to beginning legal research. Librarians can help navigate information overload and legal jargon by helping our patrons get started in a good direction using our skills and knowledge to transform their experiences with legal information.

Drawing from their experiences in both public and law libraries, two librarians share strategies and tips from the front lines of legal reference. By stocking our reference toolkits with some basic starting points and resources with help from the Beginner’s Guide to Finding Legal Information, we can give an individual a positive first step to find the appropriate legal service or resource. This session will give librarians some basic starting points, helpful tips and contextual information that will help us empower our patrons and improve access to justice.