On Tue, 15 Aug 1995, Gail Daly wrote:
>
> Mr. Gowan -- No, the "better" system would be to pick up your
> phone and call the reference desk at any public law library or
> make use of the many document delivery systems available. The
> increase in use you identify as evidence that posing reference
> questions via a listserv is more efficient merely indicates that
> it's more efficient for the inert individual asking the question; my
> response addresed the inefficiency of many doing the work of one.
> If this doesn't bother you and if there are enough suckers out
> there willing to provide you with multiple answers to your
> questions, that's fine -- but it is still duplicative and
> inefficient.
I can't help but question how use of this server is inefficient.
many of the questions I have seen posted on this server are very
estoteric and difficult to say the least. Why would it be more efficient
to call several libraries hoping that the right person is there to
answer your question, and even rarer, that they have the answer, when
one can spend a few minutes posting one question. Fact, the public law
libraries in my area are underbudgeted, and understaffed not a good
combination when seeking something difficult.
Also, I take great offense at being called a sucker for reading
these questions in the hopes I may have an answer, as a professional, I
feel that it is part of my "calling" to help others in the field; granted
others do not feel this way, but I feel if I help others, when my turn
comes, they may repay the kindness.
Finally the answers may on the onset appear duplicative, but
with complex questions, this is often what is needed. The law is similar
to medicine; the more complicated the question, the greater the need for
a second opinion. Many times I have been asked a refrence question and
needed to reply with a series of if then answers.
Jayme E. Gardner
Librarian Tucker Arensburg
"All these tiny little details" - ELO
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