I don't generally get into these discussions, although I follow them
closely. My access to the Internet and law-lib is greatly prized as it
cuts down on the disadvantages of being a one-person library. I'm not
quite so isolated when I can listen in on the conversation among my
colleagues.
That may be why an AALL presence in Washington is important to me. Our
Washington reps perform an invaluable service in tracking legislation that
has or will have an impact on the availability of information. The time
they spend staying on top of what's going on in legislative circles is time
I don't have to spend. Their efforts to keep the membership informed gives
me an opportunity to respond as needed when input is necessary, and to keep
my circle here, my Board and other interested parties, informed as well so
they have input into the process. The fact that an AALL Washington Affairs
Office shows law librarians to be in the forefront of information issues is
an added bonus for the image of our profession.
Regarding the honorarium paid to our Washington Affairs Representative;
like Lyo, I was unaware any was being paid, but for myself, I believe it is
well deserved. Having worked at Georgetown for nearly two years, I was in
a position to see how much time and effort Mr. Oakley expends on our
behalf. Service to our profession is a strong concept for all of us, but
our Washington Affairs Representative goes far above and beyond what might
be expected of a "volunteer." I am pleased to know that AALL places a high
value on Mr. Oakley's service.
One last note - please do not interpret my support for the Washington
Affairs Office as any kind of attack on LLJ. I appreciate LLJ and will
gladly pay an annual subscription fee if that is what it takes to keep it
coming.
These opinions are strictly my own and are not intended to be inflammatory
in any way.
Judith A. Flader
Law Librarian
Washington County Law Library
Stillwater, MN
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