For Immediate Release
July 3, 2003
  

A librarian from the University of Minnesota Law Library has won the 2003 AALL Spectrum Article of the Year Award.

Mary Rumsey, foreign, comparative and international law librarian at the University of Minnesota Law Library, was honored for her article “Libraries Confront the Challenges of Accommodating Disabled Users” in the April 2002 issue of AALL Spectrum. The AALL Awards Committee found it to be a good example of “great writing, general usefulness and pertinence” to AALL members.

In her article, Rumsey examines the traditional devices and new technology law libraries have used to better serve patrons with disabilities engaged in legal research. It examines the limitations, advantages and costs of assistive devices, such as text scanners, book-grabbing devices, text-recognition software, screen readers, text-based browsers and Braille terminals.

Established in 2000, this award recognizes outstanding achievement in writing an article that contributes to librarianship, law librarianship and practical applications for library work; to an understanding of legal materials, legal systems and legal information; or to professional and staff training and development. A cash prize of $500, donated by CCH Incorporated, accompanies the award.

The award will be presented July 14 during the AALL 96th Annual Meeting and Conference in Seattle during the Association Luncheon.

Contact:

Mary Ann Parker
Senior Law Librarian
California Department of Water Resources Law Library
(916) 653-8001
mparker@water.ca.gov