In Kentucky, the county law libraries are few and far between. The statute
calls for a law library in each county, but the only requirements for what
they contain is "The books of the county law library shall consist of all
volumes belonging to the state heretofore sent to the various county officials
directed by law to receive such books." <KRS Chapter 172.00> In addition, the
statute requires nothing for funding other than an addition $50 to be paid to
the county clerk to be the "Law Librarian." As a result, this has simply
become another part of the county clerk's salary, and most "law libraries"
consist of nothing other than the copy of the Kentucky Revised Code that is
sent to each judge.
However, the statute does provide an optional way to finance law libraries,
which is used in some of the larger counties. Upon petition of 3/4 of the
practicing attorneys in the county, the District Court can add $0.50 to the
court costs for every criminal case, and the Circuit and District Courts can
add one dollar $1 to the court costs for civil cases. Counties with larger
cities can charge $1.50 and $3.00. Also, the law provides that once the fee
is in place, 3/4 of the attorneys can petition to raise the fees to $1.50 and
$3.
As the Warren County Law Library, we are funded by the $0.50 and $1 fees. We
are in the process of asking the lawyers to increase the fees. However, we
also receive a lot of material by virtue of being the library for Western
Kentucky University, and of being a U.S. Depository. We have one law
librarian whose salary is paid for by the court fees; the university pays for
the law materials. In addition, we have several former law librarians who
work here, including myself.
--Bryan M. Carson
-- Bryan M. Carson, J.D., M.I.L.S. Coordinator of Reference and Instructional Services Western Kentucky University Libraries / Warren County Law Library 1 Big Red Way Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101 Phone: 270-745-5007 Fax: 270-745-2275 bryan.carson@wku.eduAll original content copyright 2000 Bryan M. Carson
GBaker9916@aol.com wrote: > > Hello All, > > I am interested in how other states (not Ohio) fund their smaller county law > libraries. In addition I would like any info on how these libraries handle > public access and their outlook on print versus electronic formats. TIA. > > George W. Baker, Director > Trumbull County Law Library > Warren, OH 44481 > GBaker9916@aol.com
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Wed Nov 14 2007 - 20:38:43 PST