Articles Posted in AALL

From the American Association of Law Libraries, 6-27-2025.

Dear colleagues,

As I shared in my June 20 message, Vani Ungapen will be stepping down as AALL Executive Director at the end of August. In preparation for this transition, I have appointed a Special Committee—composed of current and past Executive Board members, including myself—to lead the search for AALL’s next Executive Director. The committee represents all three primary library types and brings valuable insights and experience working closely with this role.

I am pleased to share that AALL Past President Beth Adelman has agreed to chair this committee. The full committee includes:

  • Ramon Barajas Jr.
  • Emily R. Florio
  • Kris Niedringhaus
  • Diane M. Rodriguez
  • Jenny Silbiger
  • Abby Walters
  • Jessica Whytock
  • Cornell H. Winston

The committee’s first step will be to engage a professional search firm to assist in identifying and vetting candidates. We are issuing Requests for Proposals and anticipate selecting a firm by mid-August.

We will continue to keep you informed as the process unfolds. If you have comments or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at president@aall.org.

This is an important moment for AALL, and your continued support and engagement will help ensure a strong and thoughtful leadership transition.

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Cornell H. Winston

AALL President

Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the legal profession, influencing how attorneys conduct research, draft briefs, analyze litigation risk, and advise clients. As AI tools like generative language models, legal search platforms, and predictive analytics systems become more prevalent, AI literacy has become essential for legal professionals. Law librarians, long recognized for their expertise in research instruction, information curation, and professional ethics, are well positioned to take the lead in promoting AI literacy across the legal ecosystem.

This paper examines the role law librarians should play in fostering AI understanding, outlines strategies for advancing AI literacy, and identifies the challenges and opportunities involved.

FROM THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF LAW LIBRARIES (AALL)

Dear Colleagues,

The American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) is deeply concerned by the recent dismissal of the Librarian of Congress and Register of Copyrights. As the head of the Library of Congress, home to the Law Library of Congress and one of the most important public institutions in the world, the Librarian of Congress plays a critical role in ensuring access to accurate, reliable, and nonpartisan legal and legislative information. This is an essential part of civic understanding and democratic governance.

The Library of Congress serves as the research arm of Congress, houses the U.S. Copyright Office, and maintains one of the most comprehensive collections of knowledge and culture worldwide. Its ongoing modernization and commitment to public access are especially important at a time when trustworthy information is increasingly at risk.

The Law Library of Congress is also a vital public institution. Its extensive collections include U.S. federal and state laws, legal materials from nearly every country, and documents from international and regional organizations. These resources help people understand legal systems in the United States and globally. The Law Library ensures this information is preserved, organized, and accessible to all.

The Register of Copyrights registers copyright claims, maintains public records, and administers U.S. copyright law. This position has long been nonpartisan and housed within the Library of Congress to uphold professional independence and public trust. Law library professionals are deeply concerned about the Register’s recent dismissal. An independent Copyright Office is essential to ensuring continued access to legal information, protecting intellectual property rights, and supporting the lawful use and sharing of copyrighted works. Removing the Register without transparency undermines the legal framework libraries, researchers, and the public rely on to access trusted and authenticated resources.

Librarians play a unique role in making complex information understandable and available. Among the many individuals and entities their work supports are the courts, legislatures, researchers, and the general public. These roles must be protected from undue external pressure. Undermining their independence threatens the stability and credibility of institutions that serve the public good.

AALL stands with our colleagues at the Library of Congress and across the legal profession who work every day to protect access to the law and are essential to supporting transparency, accountability, and justice. We reaffirm the principles that must guide appointments to positions of public trust: professional expertise, institutional independence, and a strong commitment to public service. We know our members are watching closely, and we share their concern. AALL remains committed to defending the integrity of public access to legal information and the professionals who make it possible.

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Cornell H. Winston

AALL President

Introduction:

Law libraries are undergoing a transformation fueled by artificial intelligence (AI). While AI isn’t replacing law librarians, it has become a powerful tool that is changing how legal research is conducted and how libraries serve their patrons​

Modern law librarians leverage AI in various domains – from advanced legal research platforms to automated document handling and chat-based reference assistance – all with the goal of improving efficiency and service quality. By offloading routine or labor-intensive tasks to AI, librarians can focus on higher-level work such as complex research consultations, teaching, and strategic planning​. The following overview highlights key AI applications in legal research tools, document automation, and chatbots, explaining how each contributes to enhanced library services.

FROM: Jenny S. Silbiger, AALL Vice President.

I am so grateful to all of our members who make AALL an informed, educated, and wholehearted organization. I know we are not alone in the work that we do, as access to legal information impacts all aspects of the legal profession, and I am heartened to know that we are just one organization of many who are working diligently to make a positive difference in the world.”

STATEMENT:

The new year is the perfect time to set and achieve your professional development goals. By focusing on small, actionable steps, you can grow your education and enhance your professional skills. Here are some opportunities offered by the American Association of Law Libraries  (AALL) to inspire your 2025 journey:

  • Nominate yourself or a colleague for a 2025 AALL Award.
  • Apply to lead as the next editor of AALL Spectrum when the call opens on January 28, 2025.
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