Thursday, March 29, 2007
Now Available: AALL Authentication Survey Report
The recently-released State-by-State Report on Authentication of Online Legal Resources presents the results of a survey of primary online legal resources and whether these resources are official and capable of being authenticated. The members of the 2005-2006 Access to Electronic Legal Information Committee (AELIC) completed the investigation of each state for this survey, with the assistance of the 2005-2006 Government Relations Committee, state law librarians, and other AALL volunteers. Details about the history and content of the report are provided in a press release.
The report is also the focus of a National Summit on Authentication of Digital Information, which AALL will hold April 20-21 in Chicago. The 50 delegates to the summit are judges, state government officials, attorneys, and leaders of AALL and of other organizations, such as the American Bar Association. All of them were invited to participate because of their interest in exploring legal and technological solutions to the issues raised in the report. Following the summit, AALL members will have opportunities to learn more about these issues and to take part in subsequent grassroots efforts in their own states.
New Orleans "Hot" Enough for You in Mid-July? Submit a Hot Topic Proposal and Make Sure!
The 2007 AALL Annual Meeting Program Committee (AMPC) is seeking program proposals for this year's "Hot Topic" program. Program proposals on emerging, late-breaking, or "hot" issues impacting our professional lives should be sent to Donna Bausch, 2007 AMPC chair, by May 15.
Although it is not necessary to complete an official program proposal form, please include as much information as possible, including a program name, a clear program description, program objectives, and a list of potential speakers. If you have questions, please contact Donna by e-mail or at 757/622-2910. After reviewing all proposals, AMPC will announce the "Hot Topic" program in early June.
Annual Report: Reviewing the Year
Many of us produce annual reports for our libraries. The effective use of annual reports in private law firms will be the topic of educational program B-4 at the 2007 AALL Annual Meeting, one of more than 60 programs that are in store for attendees.
Annual reports are also used by associations to communicate with their members and the outside world. In the case of AALL, we produce a report each year that highlights the facts, figures, and accomplishments of the most recently-completed Association year.
Check out the AALL 2005-2006 Year in Review, which is now available on AALLNET. It features our centennial celebration and major accomplishments in the Strategic Directions of education, leadership, and advocacy. The report also contains a financial review, a list of donors, various photos of AALL members, and links to further information on AALLNET.
Giving and Receiving through AALL
With the April 17 federal income tax filing deadline looming, many of us are thinking of the charitable donations we made during the past calendar year-and maybe the contributions we meant to make but overlooked somehow. AALL offers many opportunities to benefit our profession through scholarships and grants, as well as funding for advocacy and research. The generosity of our members has supported these efforts through the years, and now it's our turn to continue that tradition.
For the convenience of members, we have included in the April 2007 issue of AALL Spectrum a form that lists giving options and an envelope to mail in a contribution to AALL. Donations received by May 1 will be recognized in the Awards & Acknowledgements brochure distributed to all registrants at the 100th AALL Annual Meeting in New Orleans, in the September/October issue of AALL Spectrum, and in the AALL Year in Review.
Information about AALL giving opportunities is also available on AALLNET.
Northeast Regional Law Libraries Meeting
The organizers and sponsoring chapters of the Northeast Regional Law Libraries Meeting (NE2007) adopted the slogan, "Libraries Without Borders II" as the theme for its meeting. The event will be held in the Marriott Hotel, Eaton Centre, in Toronto, October 17-20. This beautiful city was the last host of the event in 1996.
AALL chapters of the Northeastern states and local law library associations of eastern Canada are working together to develop an impressive program and entertaining social lineup. Visit the NE2007 Web site for information on program, schedules, accommodations, and registration. The NE2007 blog is being used by organizers to pass on quick news about conference details or to open up some of the issues that will figure prominently in the conference program.
JSI 2008 Dates Announced
June 25-28, 2008, will be the dates for the next Joint Study Institute, which AALL will host at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. Information about the program theme and other details will be available soon on AALLNET. Co-chairs of the Joint Study Institute 2008 Planning Committee are Timothy Coggins, of the University of Richmond, and Darcy Kirk, of the University of Connecticut.
Sincerely,
Sarah (Sally) Holterhoff
AALL President