Wednesday, February 1, 2012

The Joys of Networking

Law Librarian Networking

Last Thursday was the annual Scottish Law Librarians’ Group networking meeting.

Format

Traditionally this involves members suggesting topics in advance and the participants being split into rotating groups to discuss each topic and compare and contrast views, knowledge and practice with each other. All the views will then be consolidated together for an SLLG Newsletter article later in the year. After the topics have been discussed (strict time limit of six minutes each!) everyone hits the nibbles and socialises for a bit so it’s a good chance to catch up with people you don’t actually see often.

SLLG Membership

The information practitioners who comprise the membership of SLLG are drawn from a variety of places – lots from law firms, academic subject librarians whose remit includes law, various from government and the courts, and also individuals from the likes of police, oil and health who have legal interests and may operate in niche areas. Various suppliers to the sector are also members e.g. representing bookshops or publishers.

Topics

At the meeting last Thursday (seems way back in time already!) there was lively discussion on such issues as competitive intelligence (more of a law firm issue), social media use, introducing and integrating ebooks into service provision (practical issues and concerns, who’s offering what, platforms for, licensing issues, what other sectors do), outsourcing, and impending changes in law firm governance north and south of the border such as Alternative Business Structures.

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