Assessing Academic Law Libraries' Performance and Implementing Change: The Reorganization of a Law Library

36 Pages Posted: 2 Nov 2018

See all articles by Linda Kawaguchi

Linda Kawaguchi

Chapman University, The Dale E. Fowler School of Law

Date Written: 2017

Abstract

The confluence of the crisis in legal education and the evolution of legal information presents the perfect opportunity for law schools to actively decide what the role of the law library should be, and to make considered, deliberate changes based on the best interests of the institution. The Dale E. Fowler School of Law at Chapman University recognized the opportunity to strengthen the institution by creating, essentially, a brand new law library. When I started at Chapman, I began a comprehensive assessment of law library operations; after six months, I recommended a complete reorganization, including the budget, collection, staff, and services. The reorganization was designed to be budget neutral; it is worth noting that even with hiring additional staff, purchasing new databases, and despite the exorbitant inflation rate for legal materials, our total library expenditures decreased by 16% from fiscal year 2010-11 to 2015-16. The purpose of this article is to provide law school deans with information to help them work with library directors to create the best library possible for their institutions without additional funding.

Keywords: Legal education, ABA Standards, Law Libraries, Legal Research, Reorganization

Suggested Citation

Kawaguchi, Linda, Assessing Academic Law Libraries' Performance and Implementing Change: The Reorganization of a Law Library (2017). University of Toledo Law Review, Vol. 49, 2017, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3264453

Linda Kawaguchi (Contact Author)

Chapman University, The Dale E. Fowler School of Law ( email )

One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866-1099
United States
714.628.2537 (Phone)

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