The value of a law librarian's unique professional service has been
reemphasized by the quiet reinstatement of a librarian at Baker & McKenzie.
All should remember, and never forget, the decision made in March of 1995 to
outsource the entire Chicago library staff at Baker & McKenzie. The staff
at Baker was, at that time, one of the most professional groups of
librarians and support staff ever to work at Baker. I say that with the
inside knowledge of having worked there myself in 1980-81 and having
maintained a relationship with their library staff employees. I also hired
one of the fired support staff from Baker and have found a delightful,
dedicated and very knowledgeable employee.
It is now out and on the street that Baker & McKenzie's administrative team
has been replaced and one of the primary tasks of the new administrative
group is to bring the library back to a functioning resource and research
center in the firm. Yes, it took them two years to see the light, and one
can only speculate at the level of disruption suffered by the attorneys at
this premiere firm. We do know, however, the current, deteriorated state of
the library. Bringing the library back to pre-95 levels will indeed be a
very difficult task for the newly hired librarian. She will need the
support of the entire library community. In particular, this librarian will
need to maintain her professional edge as she hires additional staff who
might have to deal with accolades from some and sneers from others.
The shockwaves that were sent through the legal community two years ago with
the writings about outsourcing and the blatant misinformation about what
exactly brought about the dismissal of the library staff have plagued all of
us for months. Librarians everywhere should now see that this new
development receives equal coverage in every newspaper, newsletter and
journal read by members of the legal community. This reaffirmation of the
value of librarians must be broadcast as loudly as their dismissal.
Let us use all available resources to get the message out. Let us also take
this as a great "shot in the arm" and hold our collective heads high. We
have been vindicated, and should believe even more strongly in our own
abilities to access information, provide a high level of research and guide
the legal community in the most cost-effective and efficient use of
resources in an age of continuing change.
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