LEXIS Publishing Librarian Panel
Meeting Overview

As announced at the AALL Annual Meeting and in a CRIVGram posted in August, LEXIS Publishing has formed a Librarian Panel to work with the company regarding specifics on various aspects of decision making, particularly focusing on technical services. LEXIS Publishing asked the assistance of the AALL CRIV Committee to select the members of the Librarian Panel. The scope and responsibilities of the Librarian Panel include:

• Discussing product packaging issues and the impact on the librarian community
• Acting as a sounding board for librarian communications in general
• Discussing invoice integration and the impact on the librarian community
• Discussing customer service integration and the impact on the librarian community

The members of the Librarian Panel include:

• Cynthia Aninao, Acquisitions Librarian, University of Cincinnati Law Library
• Melody Lembke, Technical Services Librarian, Los Angeles County Law Library
• Mary McKee, Associate Law Librarian for Technical Services, Fordham Law School Library
• Anne Morrison, Assistant Law Librarian, Prince George’s County Law Library
• Anne Myers, Head of Technical Services, Boston University Law Library
• Betty Roeske, Technical Services Librarian, Katten Muchin Zavis
• Lorna Tang, Associate Law Librarian for Technical Services, University of Chicago D’Angelo Law Library

The Librarian Panel met in Dayton, Ohio, October 19 and 20, 1999 with various members of LEXIS Publishing. The discussion focused on product packaging, librarian communications and the integration of invoicing and customer service for the print and CD-ROM publications. All participants in the meeting recognize that individual customers may have different needs and it will be difficult for LEXIS Publishing to tailor communications and activities to meet the requirements of each customer.

The discussion focused on the general needs of LEXIS Publishing customers that have a librarian on staff. The Panel Members provided input to LEXIS Publishing regarding activities that impact the work of Technical Services departments. Their feedback was based on concerns and issues that have plagued other publisher integrations. The various members of the LEXIS Publishing teams who met with the Panel Members will consider this feedback when making decisions.

Product Packaging
The members of the LEXIS Publishing Product Packaging Team presented information on general rules for information to be included on spines, front covers, title pages and copyright pages. In general, the Panel Members approved the current plans although several issues are still outstanding for which the Panel Members provided feedback. The Panel Members also suggested that a letter be sent to librarian customers outlining the changes that will take place as a result of the new LEXIS Publishing brand. This letter is currently under development.

Librarian Communications
This discussion focused on the types of information that should be made available to customers and the preferred formats. Based on these suggestions, LEXIS Publishing is looking into the development of Technical Services announcements to be made through both hard copy mailings and listserv formats. In addition, based on these recommendations LEXIS Publishing is looking into providing additional web based information.

Invoice Integration
Members of the Invoice Integration team described the plans for the next 18 months and the Panel Members provided feedback. This integration involves only the print and CD-ROM publications and will not include the LEXIS-NEXIS online services. Panel members provided feedback on sample invoices and statements.

Customer Service Integration
Members of the Customer Service Integration Team described the plans for the next 18 months and the Panel Members provided feedback. This integration involves only the print and CD-ROM publications and will not include the LEXIS-NEXIS online services. Panel Members provided requirements for an “ideal” customer service department.

Panel Members as well as the members of LEXIS Publishing found the meeting to be very informative and insightful. The Librarian Panel will continue its work to assist LEXIS Publishing in decision making.