Last May, librarians were surveyed to learn more about how members of the general public are using your libraries to research legal questions and matters in which they seek to represent themselves without an attorney.
The responses were tremendous! We would like to thank the people who took the time not only to evaluate the types of requests they receive, but for also sharing their thoughts and concerns about serving self-represented litigants.
On the basis of those answers, we have developed a 2 ½ -hour pilot program to introduce librarians serving the general public to legal resources, research and providing information without giving legal advice. Public Libraries, Legal Information and Access to Justice will be held at four locations throughout Michigan in October.
Program costs are covered by a grant from the National Center for State Courts (it’s FREE!) and public library participants may choose to earn .2 CEUs.
The program is open to all librarians and library staff members alike from any type of library.
Best,
Kim Koscielniak, State Law Library
Laura Mancini, Oakland County Law Library
