Legal reference: tips &
techniques
Many patrons contact their public libraries when they need legal information. Some have experience with legal materials or know exactly what they are looking for. Others need more guidance. Often they come to us with broad topics, technical questions, because someone told them the library has legal forms or seeking advice. We're librarians, not lawyers, so we have to be careful about drawing the line between what we can and cannot do for our patrons regarding legal questions. Bottom line, the type/level of service we can provide hinges directly upon the nature of the question. We
PROVIDE ANSWERS in response to legal reference questions
TEACH patrons how to identify and use sources for legal research
CONNECT patrons who need legal referral to government agencies, bar associations & legal aid societies

Legal reference--requests for specific items with citations & ready reference (answer)

LAWS:Has HR 274 been signed into law?
REGULATION:I need the current NJ Standards for Licensure of Long Term Care Facilities
CASES:Where can I get the text of Roe v. Wade?
SUBJECT:What does the term "pendente lite" mean? (Pending the lawsuit)
PROCEDURE:What is Rule 4.2 of NJ Civil Procedure?
LOCATION:Where can I find the laws of New York State?

Legal research--general subject requests or specific items without citations (teach)

LAWS:Is there a law against owning elephants?
REGULATION:What are the legal requirements for transporting formaldehyde?
CASES:I need to locate cases on age discrimination.
SUBJECT:What major federal legislation is pending concerning the environment?
PROCEDURE:What are the basic procedures for suing in small claims court?
LOCATION:What legal sources are available on the Internet?

Legal referral--ALL questions requiring professional assistance (refer)

LAWS:I need a copy of the French motor vehicle laws...in English.
REGULATION:What licenses will I need to export formaldehyde to Russia?
CASES:Can I sue my employer for discrimination because I was passed over for promotion?
SUBJECT:Is my employer obligated to give me vacation time?
PROCEDURE:Can you help me calculate the proper amount of child support I should be getting?
LOCATION:Who is the best divorce attorney in the state of New Jersey?

Always!!!!!
Remind your patron that laws & regulations change, cases can be overruled
(even the most current books/pamphlet parts/brochures/court decisions may be obsolete).
and that there can be overlapping levels of law...state/federal/international.
Offer to show him how to update the law or provide a reference tool that explains the process.

Need laws, regulations, cases, attorneys? www.gti.net/mocolib1/laws.html


The legal reference interview


http://www.gti.net/mocolib1/demos/legaltip.html
Lynne Olver
Morris County Library (NJ)
Highlands Regional Library Cooperative--Legal Reference: Sources, Tips & Techniques
11 February 2000