LLNE Brochure

LLNE Brochure (PDF)

History
Law Librarians of New England (LLNE) was organized in 1946, when 17 law librarians gathered to meet each other and to consider the advantages of forming a professional association. The group was formally accepted as a chapter of the American Association of Law Libraries on June 24, 1948. Since then, LLNE members have served as officers in the national association and LLNE has hosted the national convention 4 times.

LLNE has grown to over 400 members representing more than 100 libraries in the six New England states. Members come from all segments of the legal community, including academic libraries, federal and state courts and agencies, county and public law libraries, corporate legal departments, publishers, vendors, bar associations, and private law firms.

Purpose
From its inception, LLNE has developed a tradition of support and service for its members. The major organizational goals are to promote the profession of law librarianship in the legal and library communities, and to provide members with opportunities for continuing education and networking. Through its activities and programs, LLNE has helped to establish valuable relationships between its members and the legal institutions of New England.

Professional Development
LLNE meetings provide excellent opportunities for the in-depth examination of topics on law librarianship, while offering a setting in which members can develop strong professional and personal ties with colleagues.

LLNE holds several meetings every year, usually one each in the fall and spring. Programs are planned to address two areas: the exploration of current substantive legal topics and the discussion of new and basic issues of ongoing importance to the library community. This combination of concerns guarantees something of value for all.

Speakers from other disciplines often contribute their expertise. Joint meetings are held from time to time with other local or regional law library associations. Sessions are frequently held on the premises of a member library or close to several sponsoring institutions, providing and opportunity to tour law libraries in firms, academic settings, and public institutions.

These continuing education experiences offer a friendly atmosphere in which to share ideas, strengthen professional skills, and advance one’s career.

Governance
The officers of the association include president, vice-president/president-elect, secretary, and treasurer. The officers, the immediate past president, and two directors constitute the Executive Committee, which is responsible for planning and directing LLNE activities.

Committees

  • Communications (with Internet, Newsletter and Public Relations subcommittees)
  • Education
  • Government Relations
  • Membership Development
  • Nominating
  • Scholarships Committee
  • Service

LLNE Offers…

  • Continuing Education
  • Career Development
  • Publications
  • Interaction with Colleagues
  • An Association Small Enough to Welcome Your Active Participation–Large Enough to Provide Rich Opportunities for Professional Growth

Membership
LLNE has four categories of membership:

  • ACTIVE members are persons in the New England area who are interested in law librarianship.
  • ASSOCIATE members are persons who are not eligible for active member status but who are interested in law librarianship.
  • STUDENT members are persons in the New England area who are enrolled in any degree program.
  • RETIRED members are persons in the New England area who may have retired from active library work.

Membership in the American Association of Law Libraries, while encouraged, is not required for membership in LLNE or for participation in its activities. LLNE holds a chapter meeting at the annual meeting of the national organization.

Awards
LLNE most recently won the AALL Chapter Development Award for its Introduction to Legal Research Course.

Professional Law Librarianship
Law librarians provide service in varied legal settings:

  • Academic law libraries
  • Private firms
  • Court libraries
  • Corporate legal departments
  • Government libraries
  • Public libraries

Special skills include:

  • Legal research
  • Legal bibliography
  • Collection development
  • Organization of legal materials
  • Knowledge of legal and non-legal information systems

Keeping Members Informed
LLNE communicates with its members via its