Monday, May 18, 2009
2009 - 2010 VALL Membership Applications
Applications are due June 1! Please contact Victoria Levy at vlevy@hunton.com or send a message to the blog master for a copy of the application form if you did not receive the one that Victoria sent out to the listserv last week.
Kudos to Jane!
Congratulations to Jane Baugh of Woods Rogers on being elected PLL vice-chair/chair elect! Jane will take on the responsibilities of vice chair in July 2009 and will serve as chair of PLL from 2010 - 2011.
Friday, May 1, 2009
VALL Spring Meeting, May 22, Washington & Lee University
The Colonnade from the Chapel
The Spring meeting will be hosted by Washington and Lee Law Library in beautiful Lexington and will be a joint meeting with the Virginia Chapter of the Special Libraries Association.
The first program will be a discussion of library directions in tough economic times, featuring Sally Wiant of Washington and Lee, Jim Heller of William & Mary, Charles Condon of Appalachian School of Law, and Taylor Fitchett of the University of Virginia.
The second program will be an introduction to wikis by University of Virginia's Amy Wharton. Attendees will also have the opportunity to take a tour of Washington and Lee's law school, Leyburn Library, and Lee Chapel. VMI has also offered attendees the opportunity to take a tour of their archives.
Please refer to Fred's email of April 24 for the registration form and program details or send an email to the blog master at VALLBlog@gmail.com and the documents will be sent to you.
Deadline for registration is May 15.
Below are links to places to stay:
From Lexington and the Rockbridge Area Tourist Development:
<http://www.lexingtonvirginia.com/result_1.asp?table=lodging&type=Bed+%26+Breakfast>
From Virginia-hotels.org:
<http://www.virginia-hotels.org/cities/Lexington/?source=1097~G~Lexington-VA-hotels-Exact&gclid=CPXRseTOiZoCFeZL5Qod3VR9Fg>
Directions to the School of Law
Lexington is located at the intersection of Interstates 81 and 64. Washington and Lee is less than two miles from the interstate.
If you are traveling from the north, south, or east, follow I-81 to exit 191 (which puts you onto I-64). Next, take exit 55 off I-64. Turn left on to Route 11 south at the stop sign.
If you are traveling from the west, take I-64 to exit 55. Turn right on to Route 11 south at the stop sign.
Once you are on Route 11 south, you will drive through three traffic lights. After the third stoplight, you will cross the Maury River, and bear right onto Route 11 Business.
Proceed to the second stop light which is Nelson Street, make a right. Go through a light and at the bottom of the hill you will go under an overpass with the Lenfest Center on your left. Turn right onto East Denny Circle.
Go approximately 1/4 mile and the Law School is on your left. There is visitor parking on your left. If it is full, you are welcome to park in any space, other than those reserved for handicapped, in the law school lot.
A Report on Computers in Libraries Conference by Dee Dee Dockendorf
Thanks to a VALL grant, I was able to attend the Computers in Libraries (CIL) conference in Arlington, VA held March 30 - April 1. I’ve always wanted to attend a CIL conference to learn about new technologies and ways different types of libraries are applying that technology. This year, two of my colleagues and I were accepted to give a presentation on our collaborative digital project (more on that in a future post!), and with presenting comes free registration. Yeah! With the VALL grant to help offset some of the travel costs, I was ready for CIL!
There were many practical sessions presented at the conference. I learned more about Wikis and the opportunities for use. Some libraries are using Wikis for instruction, while others use them as “administration” pages, containing library policies, procedures, tasks, and schedules. Yet another library discussed the ways they use an internal WordPress blog to share administrative information. The blog replaced the library’s shared internal drive and cut down on email. I also learned about Content Management Systems (CMS) and mobile applications. While some of these technologies may not apply to my library (at least not in the near future), it was great to see what is out there and what’s coming down the pipe. For those involved in strategic planning, this conference is a great introduction to some new and innovative concepts and applications.
The conference also presented a lot of conceptual programs. While the tools and gadgets out there can be fun to play with, many presenters stressed the need for goals when it comes to implementing new technology. Using technology for technology’s sake is unsustainable. New tools should address current problems or goals at an institution. It’s also important to remember about buy-in when introducing new technology. Many times, people focus on getting patron buy-in, which is important, but forget about staff buy-in. In order for projects to really get off the ground, it’s important to have the staff excited and on board.
All in all, I had a great time at CIL 2009 and I came back inspired and invigorated. I even made time to go see the cherry blossoms in DC! For anyone considering attending next year, I highly recommend it. It’s a great opportunity to meet librarians from different walks of life and learn about new and exciting trends coming to libraries!
There were many practical sessions presented at the conference. I learned more about Wikis and the opportunities for use. Some libraries are using Wikis for instruction, while others use them as “administration” pages, containing library policies, procedures, tasks, and schedules. Yet another library discussed the ways they use an internal WordPress blog to share administrative information. The blog replaced the library’s shared internal drive and cut down on email. I also learned about Content Management Systems (CMS) and mobile applications. While some of these technologies may not apply to my library (at least not in the near future), it was great to see what is out there and what’s coming down the pipe. For those involved in strategic planning, this conference is a great introduction to some new and innovative concepts and applications.
The conference also presented a lot of conceptual programs. While the tools and gadgets out there can be fun to play with, many presenters stressed the need for goals when it comes to implementing new technology. Using technology for technology’s sake is unsustainable. New tools should address current problems or goals at an institution. It’s also important to remember about buy-in when introducing new technology. Many times, people focus on getting patron buy-in, which is important, but forget about staff buy-in. In order for projects to really get off the ground, it’s important to have the staff excited and on board.
All in all, I had a great time at CIL 2009 and I came back inspired and invigorated. I even made time to go see the cherry blossoms in DC! For anyone considering attending next year, I highly recommend it. It’s a great opportunity to meet librarians from different walks of life and learn about new and exciting trends coming to libraries!
The Washington Monument and Cherry Blossoms by Dee Dee Dockendorf
National Library Week Celebrations
Virginia State Law Library
Gail Warren and her team kicked off National Library Week with an open house for everyone in the building. There was a cake celebrating the theme Worlds Connect @ Your Library and there were also M&Ms echoing the same theme.
National Library Week Cake
Folks enjoying the open house 
Here are some of the books which went to the Grace Arents Library
The law library staff with Kim Teeples (librarian & art teacher at St. Andrew's)
The H&W library did not celebrate National Library Week last year due to construction in the library and so this year's weeklong celebrations were geared towards bringing people into the library and introducing them to new library training and subscriptions. 
There was fruit to balance out the pastries
Part of the European breakfast spread
Stefanie Pollack from Westlaw Business
Laura Hernandez showing People Map
Michele Gernhardt teaching the paralegal blue booking class
Lemon cake, Oreo truffles, Black-bottom cupcakes, Chocolate Pie and Devil's Food Cake cupcakes to name a few of the desserts.
Gail Warren and her team kicked off National Library Week with an open house for everyone in the building. There was a cake celebrating the theme Worlds Connect @ Your Library and there were also M&Ms echoing the same theme.
National Library Week Cake 
Folks enjoying the open houseAs part of NLW celebrations the State Law Library staff also sponsored their 4th annual book drive. The Grace Arents Library of St. Andrew's School in Richmond received more than 70 new and used books.
Here are some of the books which went to the Grace Arents Library
The law library staff with Kim Teeples (librarian & art teacher at St. Andrew's)L-R: Dee Dee Dockendorf, Kim Teeples, Gail Warren & Janet Holland
Hunton & Williams Library
The H&W library did not celebrate National Library Week last year due to construction in the library and so this year's weeklong celebrations were geared towards bringing people into the library and introducing them to new library training and subscriptions.
With the hope that if you feed them, they will come, the library started NLW week with a European breakfast.
There was fruit to balance out the pastriesPart of the European breakfast spreadStefanie Pollack from Westlaw Business kicked off the presentations and training sessions with an update on what's new.
Then Leanne Battle from Lexis did a presentation on finding expert witnesses.
Lynne Murphy from Bloomberg presented The Life of a Bond and how to find and use dockets on Bloomberg Law.
Stefanie Pollack from Westlaw Business Laura Hernandez demonstrated People Map and public records on Westlaw. Cindy Carlson and Kelly Perkins also came to help with the presentation and give away prizes.
Laura Hernandez showing People Map Presentations for the week ended with a Hands-On Blue Booking workshop for paralegals which reference librarian Michele Gernhardt conducted.
Michele Gernhardt teaching the paralegal blue booking class
In addition to the training sessions, giveaways and food, the library also sent out a quiz called How Well Do You Know Your Library Staff? and included fun questions such as Which Librarian's Band is on You Tube? Who Has Dined With Brooke Shields, Lunched With Tom Poston And Had Cocktails With Mariel Hemingway? and Who Has Climbed A Live Volcano That Recently Erupted?
The winner of the quiz was Mikray Arupjan who won a Starbucks gift set.
Since the week started with food, it also ended with food -- a dessert bar in the library which disappeared very quickly. Note for next year ... make more desserts.
Lemon cake, Oreo truffles, Black-bottom cupcakes, Chocolate Pie and Devil's Food Cake cupcakes to name a few of the desserts.Friday, April 24, 2009
VALL Grant Recipients
Congratulations to Isabel Paul, Michele Gernhardt, Robert Davis and Heather Buchanan on being awarded grants to attend the 2009 AALL Annual Conference in Washington, DC!
Isabel was awarded the LexisNexis Librarian Relations-sponsored VALL grant to AALL. Michele, Robert and Heather were awarded VALL grants to AALL.
Keep an eye out on the blog later this summer for articles authored by the four on their experiences at AALL.
Isabel was awarded the LexisNexis Librarian Relations-sponsored VALL grant to AALL. Michele, Robert and Heather were awarded VALL grants to AALL.
Keep an eye out on the blog later this summer for articles authored by the four on their experiences at AALL.
Job Openings:
Williams Mullen
Library File Clerk
The law firm of Williams Mullen is seeking a part-time Library File Clerk for the Richmond office. Responsible for collection maintenance and update. Candidate must be extremely detail-oriented; Library experience preferred.
Send resumes to:
Billie Jo Brooks
Williams Mullen
Two James Center
1021 E. Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Email: bjbrooks@williamsmullen.com
Fax: 804.783.6507
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Position Available: Library Clerk Vacancy
Announcement Number: CLK-002-09
Office/Location: U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
Closing Date: Until Filled
Salary Level/Range: Up to $45,997
Proposed Starting Date: Immediate
Job summary:
Legislative Resource Center
House Library
Office of the Clerk
U.S. House of Representatives
Assists in the support, maintenance, retrieval and organization of the library collections, official files of the House and other information related to the House Library. Supports the library staff in the fulfillment of daily activities, including but not limited to; collection management, inputting data, shelving, shifting, weeding, binding and maintaining various statistics and related reports. Assists with research and reference requests and various special projects. Tracks all circulating materials. Responsible for updating the Library ready-reference files.
Requirements:
A temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, pleasant and professional manner. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. The candidate must be organized and possess the ability to quickly research, retrieve, compile and disseminate information. A Bachelor=s degree in a related field is preferred or an interest in history, library sciences or research and reference. Prior library experience preferred. Must be detailed oriented with the ability to work independently and as well as in a team oriented environment. Must be competent in the operation of IBM-PC compatibles and various software programs and be able to lift or move 25 pounds of library materials.
Applicant Instructions:
No telephone inquiries please. Interested individuals may fax or email a cover letter and resume to:
Rae Ellen Best
Rae.Best@mail.house.gov
Office of the Clerk
Legislative Resource Center
House Library
B-106 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Fax: (202) 226-5204
William & Mary Law Library:
The Head of Technical Services is responsible for planning, management and supervision of all technical services activities, including acquisitions and financial control, material processing, cataloging, and serials. The department head develops goals, priorities and strategies for the department, and has an overall view of the service mission of the law library. The Library uses the SIRSI integrated library system and has an acquisitions budget of approximately $1.2M. The law library has 7.5 FTE librarians, and 11 FTE support staff.
Requirements: MLS from an ALA-accredited library program; excellent organization and communication skills; significant managerial experience in library technical services using an integrated automated library system, preferably in a law library.
Salary is commensurate with qualifications. The position will be available August 1, 2009.
Review will begin May 22, 2009, and we will continue to accept application materials until the position is filled. The College is an EEO/AA employer.
Candidates must submit a statement of interest, a resume, and the names of three professional references with their addresses and phone numbers to William & Mary’s online job site: http://jobs.wm.edu/ (select "create application"). Only on-line applications will be considered.
Jim Heller (Search Committee Chair)
Director of the Law Library and Professor of Law
Phone: 757-221-3252 Fax: 757-221-3051 Email: heller@wm.edu
Library File Clerk
The law firm of Williams Mullen is seeking a part-time Library File Clerk for the Richmond office. Responsible for collection maintenance and update. Candidate must be extremely detail-oriented; Library experience preferred.
Send resumes to:
Billie Jo Brooks
Williams Mullen
Two James Center
1021 E. Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Email: bjbrooks@williamsmullen.com
Fax: 804.783.6507
__________________________________________
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Position Available: Library Clerk Vacancy
Announcement Number: CLK-002-09
Office/Location: U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
Closing Date: Until Filled
Salary Level/Range: Up to $45,997
Proposed Starting Date: Immediate
Job summary:
Legislative Resource Center
House Library
Office of the Clerk
U.S. House of Representatives
Assists in the support, maintenance, retrieval and organization of the library collections, official files of the House and other information related to the House Library. Supports the library staff in the fulfillment of daily activities, including but not limited to; collection management, inputting data, shelving, shifting, weeding, binding and maintaining various statistics and related reports. Assists with research and reference requests and various special projects. Tracks all circulating materials. Responsible for updating the Library ready-reference files.
Requirements:
A temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, pleasant and professional manner. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. The candidate must be organized and possess the ability to quickly research, retrieve, compile and disseminate information. A Bachelor=s degree in a related field is preferred or an interest in history, library sciences or research and reference. Prior library experience preferred. Must be detailed oriented with the ability to work independently and as well as in a team oriented environment. Must be competent in the operation of IBM-PC compatibles and various software programs and be able to lift or move 25 pounds of library materials.
Applicant Instructions:
No telephone inquiries please. Interested individuals may fax or email a cover letter and resume to:
Rae Ellen Best
Rae.Best@mail.house.gov
Office of the Clerk
Legislative Resource Center
House Library
B-106 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Fax: (202) 226-5204
______________________________________
William & Mary Law Library:
The Head of Technical Services is responsible for planning, management and supervision of all technical services activities, including acquisitions and financial control, material processing, cataloging, and serials. The department head develops goals, priorities and strategies for the department, and has an overall view of the service mission of the law library. The Library uses the SIRSI integrated library system and has an acquisitions budget of approximately $1.2M. The law library has 7.5 FTE librarians, and 11 FTE support staff.
Requirements: MLS from an ALA-accredited library program; excellent organization and communication skills; significant managerial experience in library technical services using an integrated automated library system, preferably in a law library.
Salary is commensurate with qualifications. The position will be available August 1, 2009.
Review will begin May 22, 2009, and we will continue to accept application materials until the position is filled. The College is an EEO/AA employer.
Candidates must submit a statement of interest, a resume, and the names of three professional references with their addresses and phone numbers to William & Mary’s online job site: http://jobs.wm.edu/ (select "create application"). Only on-line applications will be considered.
Jim Heller (Search Committee Chair)
Director of the Law Library and Professor of Law
Phone: 757-221-3252 Fax: 757-221-3051 Email: heller@wm.edu
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