Law Library Associations

Jules Winterton (President, International Association of Law Libraries and Associate Director and Librarian, Institute of Advanced Legal Studies) discusses the range of national, regional and international associations, and the scope of their activities and influence. He comments on the improvements in the quality of law libraries achieved through the activities of law library associations and the consequent benefits to the users of law libraries and to the legal system. He briefly surveys the development of law library associations, including recently established associations, and describes the variety of legal status adopted by associations. He discusses the key activities of library associations: networking and the sharing of best practice; the formal expression of agreed standards and competencies; professional development and training; quality assurance and regulatory roles; representation and lobbying to government and international organisations; liaison with other organisations and with the legal profession; research and scholarship. In addition, Jules Winterton discusses the various grants and scholarships offered by law library associations to attend conferences, undertake placements and internships, or research fellowships in law librarianship. He comments on the value of law library associations.