I wanted to say another word about this. I am in no way suggesting that we
should discourage use of any tool. I give frequent Internet demos. I
encourage attorneys to get their own accounts. I help them decide which
service to use. I provide an access point in the Library for people to use to
access their own accounts. Do you notice the pattern there? "I" am doing
this as the librarian. It is important to make yourself the focal point of
this access. In this way, when they do become frustrated and upset with what
they cannot do on the web, they will return to the person that helped them out
in the first place. The librarian should maintain the role as the guide to
information.
The desktop access question is not one for us to decide as librarians. It is
strictly a firm management issue. I presented the issue to our Systems
Committee. They agreed with me that desktop access was not the answer yet.
Several years ago, I presented Westlaw/Lexis desktop access. They took my
recommendation to put that on the desktops immediately. We must present the
issue fairly and allow the firm to decide based upon their culture and those
other issues that they always have in the backs of their minds.
We should not be blockers, but facilitators to the best information for our
firms.
Anne
Anne K. Abate
Dinsmore & Shohl
Cincinnati, OH
abate@tso.cin.ix.net
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