Articles Posted in Library News and Views

The purpose of this framework is to provide guidance to SLA Community leadership and members as SLA moves towards dissolution and merger with ASIS&T (Association for Information Science and Technology)*

INTRODUCTION:

On August 21, 2025 SLA and ASIS&T announced the approval of the merger by both association memberships. Uniting SLA Communities with ASIS&T Chapters and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) is one important step in establishing a successful merger of SLA and ASIS&T. The purpose of this framework is to provide guidance to SLA Community leadership and members as SLA moves towards dissolution and merger with ASIS&T. This framework provides SLA members with:

INTRODUCTION:

The legal tech landscape is accelerating, with major announcements spanning AI, blockchain, and automation. Highlights include the American Arbitration Association’s partnership with Integra Ledger on blockchain document authentication, Thomson Reuters expanding CoCounsel and Westlaw Deep Research into law schools, law firms, law libraries and new product launches from Exterro, Quo, Tonkean, and UnitedLex. Together, these updates signal how quickly legal practice, education, and dispute resolution are being reshaped by technology.

FROM CO COUNSEL TO BLOCKCHAIN…

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

PRESS RELEASE,  May 23, 2025

In a May 23, 2025 Press Release the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) and the Special Libraries Association (SLA)  announced that they have entered into formal

negotiations to pursue a merger of the two organizations. According to the Press Release this initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the future of the information professions and delivering expanded value to members of both communities

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

To those of us who have benefited from SLA membership, this announcement is sad news. After 116 years of dedicated service to information professionals and specialized librarians, the Special Libraries Association (SLA) has announced its decision to initiate a dissolution process. The global organization, known for its unwavering support in the field, has been a cornerstone for professionals seeking specialized knowledge and resources. This marks the end of an era for the profession as we reflect on the significant contributions and impact the SLA has had over more than a century.

Announcement of SLA dissolution:

The Special Libraries Association (SLA), a global organization dedicated to supporting information professionals and specialized librarians, has announced it will begin a dissolution process after 116 years of service to the profession.

Artificial Intelligence: Legal Issues, Policy, and Practical Strategies, Edited by Cynthia H Cwik, Christopher A Suarez, and Lucy L Thomson.

A publication by the American Bar Association.

“This book covers a wide range of important topics concerning AI and the law, and provides practical advice to attorneys on how to navigate these complex and rapidly evolving issues.”

In Presumed Guilty, Scott Turow revisits the world of legal drama, charting the transformation of his iconic protagonist, Rusty Sabich, from prosecutor to defense attorney in a rural setting. Touro University, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center professor Rodger D. Citron examines Turow’s latest legal thriller, exploring how the author’s storytelling has evolved while maintaining his signature blend of courtroom intrigue and legal realism. Citron argues that Presumed Guilty deepens Turow’s exploration of justice, race, and personal growth, presenting Rusty not just as an older character but as a more mature and introspective one:

Click here to read Professor Citron’s Notes on Scott Turow’s Presumed Guilty

Refeerence:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed numerous industries, and legal research is no exception. Emerging AI-powered tools have introduced new efficiencies in case law analysis, contract review, compliance monitoring, and legal document automation. Among these innovations, DeepSeek, an open-source large language model (LLM), has garnered attention for its potential to revolutionize legal research support systems.

DeepSeek offers advanced reasoning capabilities, text summarization, and document analysis functions that could significantly enhance legal workflows. Its open-source nature and adaptability set it apart from proprietary legal research platforms such as Westlaw Edge, LexisNexis, and Casetext’s CoCounsel. However, its viability as a legal research tool must be assessed not only in terms of its technological capabilities but also through the lens of accuracy, security, regulatory compliance, and ethical considerations.

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.

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