National workshop on technical services in law libraries: an overview

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the need for training and retraining of law librarians and other information professionals on the critical art of technical services. That exploration becomes even more critical in view of the exponential growth of available legal information in primary, secondary and web sources and the attendant change in legal information processing and management. The topic was discussed in a Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies' (NIALS) workshop in June 2007.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory research design was adopted. The method was to first examine the course objectives of the workshop to ensure that it is well packaged to empower and re‐equip law librarians and information professionals. The next approach was to discuss the NIALS as the apex Institute for research and advanced studies in law. Then, the general overview of the workshop was discussed.FindingsLaw libraries and law librarians are challenged to develop better retrieval tools that enable access to legal and other subject‐specific information needed by the library's critical public and clientele system – user community. This is being necessitated by the fact that computer and other electronic systems are now used in the provision of technical services such as the production of catalog cards, indexing and abstracting of legal materials, to mention but a few.Originality/valueThe paper's originality lies in its discussion that new law librarians and other information professionals often find it difficult to relate their academic library training to real‐life professionals practice situation, especially in the sophisticated discipline of law. Older professionals on the other hand need retraining to adapt to the new era of technology‐driven information handling methodologies.