Written By One of the experts I spoke with was Sarah Glassmeyer, a lawyer and librarian who has worked in both academic and law firm libraries. According to Glassmeyer, the role of law libraries has shifted significantly in recent years, due in large part to the rise of digital resources. “We’re seeing a lot more emphasis on digital access and the ability to access information remotely,” she said. “But at the same time, physical space is still very important, especially in law firms where lawyers need private space to work on cases.”
Another expert I spoke with was Brian Striman, the director of the law library at the University of Pennsylvania. Striman emphasized the importance of law libraries in supporting legal research and scholarship. “Law libraries are really the backbone of legal research,” he said. “They provide access to important resources like court opinions, legislative materials, and treatises that are critical for lawyers and scholars.”
But despite the importance of law libraries, there are concerns about their future. One major issue is the cost of legal information, which can be prohibitively expensive for small firms and solo practitioners. Glassmeyer noted that this can create a “have and have-nots” situation, where only larger firms with greater resources are able to access the best legal information.
Another issue is the impact of technology on the legal profession as a whole. As more legal research is conducted online, there is a risk that some lawyers may rely too heavily on search engines and other tools, rather than engaging in the deeper analysis and critical thinking that is necessary for effective legal practice.
Despite these challenges, both Glassmeyer and Striman emphasized the continued importance of law libraries in the legal profession. “Law libraries are still very much needed,” said Striman. “They provide critical support for legal research and scholarship, and they play an important role in preserving legal history and culture.”
Overall, the perspectives of these top professionals highlight the complex and evolving role of law libraries in the legal profession. While there are certainly challenges to be addressed, it is clear that law libraries will remain a crucial resource for lawyers, judges, and scholars for years to come.
