Rather than resent the changes that are occuring in this list, we should all
appreciate our ability to experience this phenomenon first hand. We are on
the threshold of a new form of communication. The rules have not yet been put
in place. I don't think any of us can remember the early days of ILL. Some
of us can remember the early days of ILL on OCLC and the other bibliographic
utilities. The same struggles had to be worked out. Remember net-lending,
net-borrowing, etc.? I seem to remember similar discussions between academics
and privates about 15-20 years ago when these systems were first being used.
I think that the changes to the list in the last year or two are marvelous and
I enjoy watching them.
Perhaps it is, indeed, time to split this list into a couple of different
ones. Personally, I would prefer to leave it as it is for awhile. Although
the academics (I hate to call you that, but I think you started it) may have
the time to participate in a variety of lists, the private law firm librarians
don't always have the time--we are not expected to spend the time--in such
"higher level" pursuits. I think it is great that we can participate in some
academic discussions and still send a few ILL requests at the same time.
I agree that this should not be an alternative to standard ILL or document
delivery procedures. I try to use this list only after I have exhausted all
other alternatives, or when it seems like something could be a real stumper.
We all learn from these requests and responses. For example, a couple of
months ago I needed some issues of newstand periodicals. We dug up a list of
sources for these things from a variety of librarians (these responses all
came from private law firm librarians as I recall). That was a benefit to
everyone on the list.
Rather than seeing law-lib as a way to split the academics and the private law
firm librarians further apart, why don;t we see it as an educational glimpse
into each other's worlds. We don;t often get a chance to experience this kind
of job-shifting. I enjoy watching the discussions regarding campus politics,
food and drink in the library, etc. These things have nothing to do with my
operations (how in the world would I ban food and drink in a law firm
library?), but I now appreciate some of the concerns of the academics. If, on
the other hand, the concerns of the private law firm librarians revolve around
irate partners and absurd materials requests, I would hope that the academics
could gain some insight into the needs of the private law firm librarians and
thus the needs of the students that they are preparing to eventually end up in
our claws--I mean libraries.
Sorry to rambleon, but this caught me on a Saturday morning when I am at my
most verbose. I welcome further discussion and debate.
Anne
Anne K. Abate
Dinsmore & Shohl
Cincinnati, OH
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