Category Archives for "Modern Law Library"

Does your firm or organization need a Modern Library Audit?

By Michael Feit | Modern Law Library

A paradigm shift is underway in how organizations and firms are utilizing the resources of their Law Library. Inter-departmental collaboration, metrics, technology, Librarians, and Administrators are the core components involved in modernizing a Law Library.

A Modern Library Audit is a measure of the utilization of personnel, internal processes, technology, legal information contracts and the overall support for the business of law. In this two-month audit, Feit Consulting will examine each of these components and provide clear recommendations specific to your firm/organization with the goal of saving money, improving efficiencies, and maximizing the utilization of resources.

Having an outside, objective analysis will save the firm/organization time and money. It is an investment in supporting the business of law. Click here to set up an initial, complimentary consultation.

Feit Presenting at ARK on the Modern Library February 22nd

By Michael Feit | Feit Consulting , Modern Law Library

Upcoming in February, Feit Consulting will present on Beyond Virtualization: Transforming the Law Library at the Ark Group’s 12^th annual Law Firm Library, Research & Information Services conference.

What is the Modern Law Library? The role of library services within firms and organizations has shifted. Rather than being a target of downsizing or outsourcing, librarians need to move beyond traditional research roles reinventing themselves to support the business of law. Administration needs to be open to the new roles the modern law library can play. Without this support, library modernization cannot be fully realized.

Feit Consulting’s program addresses the steps firms need to take for maximum efficiency and delivery of legal information resources and the role of the Modern Library. Feit Consulting’s Michael Feit, President & Founder and Monice Kaczorowski, Vice-President of Library Strategy and Innovation will lead the program by sharing their research on library modernization and how this is defined. A panel discussion with key experts from the field will speak on the “Big Picture” of Librarians as disruptors, how to change the stereotypical image of the librarian, how to run the Library as a business and the importance of interdepartmental support and technology. Panelists include

The Modern Library: A Business Within a Business

By Michael Feit | Budgeting , Modern Law Library

Supporting the business of law has become an important concept for the Modern Library. Through interdepartmental cooperation, librarians have moved beyond the realm of attorney supported research into new roles supporting business development, risk management, data analytics to name a few. While all of these are essential firm functions, the Modern Library shouldn’t lose sight that supporting the business of law also applies to running the library as a business.

As a business unit within the firm, the Modern Library should be cognizant of the firm’s strategic plan. As annual budgets are prepared, the expense of resources and initiatives should be evaluated to make sure they are in support of where the firm is going in the future.  As those annual contract renewals come up, don’t maintain the status quo. It isn’t enough to look at the renewal, approve the % increase and sign on the dotted line for another 1 to 3 years.  Vendor content is constantly evolving as are the needs of the organization. Is your firm moving into an emerging area of law? If so then make sure the contracts you are renewing include resources and licenses that can support those needs. Have you been called upon to perform due diligence on potential laterals, a practice group or a merger candidate? Be proactive, use that information to question Finance on the impact for resource support. Has the firm promised new laterals joining the firm office copies or subscriptions that could make your budget plans obsolete?

Operating your law library like a  Modern Library requires looking beyond the dollars associated with anticipated expenses. One must consider the timing of events that impact the budget. Timing affects cash flow as expenses are incurred. Timing is everything; so make sure you know the timeline of events that you are budgeting to support.

Being in the know; collecting data on upcoming strategy, and preparing a budget to meet identified needs is the mark of a fiscally responsible business owner. You can’t budget for what you don’t know. The Modern Library needs to understand what is coming and be ready to support those plans. Make the Library’s success your business.

The Modern Library: The First Step is to Embrace Change 

By Michael Feit | Librarians , Modern Law Library

It is no secret that the legal sector is in flux. As clients demand better value for the dollars they spend, firms are taking a hard look at how they do business; analyzing their organizational structure, and evaluating the way services are delivered with an eye towards process improvement.

What does that mean for the Modern Library?

The first step in modernizing a law library begins with YOU – the Librarian, Administrator or Attorney   – anyone who has a role in managing legal information resources plays a part in deciding whether your firm or organization’s law library can modernize.

For librarians, it is essential to move away from the mindset of, “But we have always done it that way!”.  Ask yourself, “What can I do differently to offer value to my organization and make them see me and the library in a new way?”. Think about embracing change in a way to work smarter not harder. You need to be flexible in your approach and meet change head on. Think about your own habits and what you can change to facilitate change.

It can be stressful and overwhelming when asked to do more with resources that may already be stretched. Think outside the box. How can you do things differently to take on something that could add more value to the firm/organization. Change is not comfortable and we have no assurance that we will be recognized or rewarded.

The alternative to resisting change or inaction could result in your library being downsized or outsourced. How can you be proactive to addressing the threat of downsizing and outsourcing? Embrace change by being open to the new roles you can play. Consider what new value you can offer. How can you do your job differently?

For Administrators and Attorneys, they must move away from the “stereotypical view” of the librarian and be open to new roles librarians can fill to support the business of law.  A law library cannot modernize unless everyone is committed to advancement. Does the librarian have a seat at the table in making decisions on contracted content, print resources, budgeting, and collaborating with other departments such as marketing and IT? Ask yourself, what can you as an Administrator or Attorney do to promote the expansive role the Law Library and Librarian Team can play.

Join the Conversation on Library Modernization

By Michael Feit | Modern Law Library , Surveys

How is your firm or organization modernizing its law library? We would like to hear about your innovative ideas and the obstacles you face in modernizing your law library. Participate in this 15-minute survey and receive a summary of the results. Click here to get started.

Modern Library: Value of the Business Case

By Michael Feit | Best Practices , Modern Law Library

The Modern Library evolves and shifts as needs of the firm or organization change. By being proactive to change, the law library brings added value to the firm or organization. A well-developed business case responding to changes and needs provides solutions to current issues and showcases the value the law library brings to the firm or organization.

Don’t discount what your law library can do. If you are an administrator, be open to considering business cases for new ideas, products, or processes. If you are a librarian or director, think about what solutions or new value the law library can bring.

In your business case, include the factors driving the reason for the proposed idea. Be specific, and clearly state what problem you are solving. Include a financial review with comparables. If there are several options, state each, but include your recommendation and the back-up for it. Surveying or interviewing current or potential users or recipients of this proposed idea can bring value to your business case.

Budget season can serve as an optimal time to deliver business cases. As you develop your budgets, include business cases for budget increases or changes. In short, a law library that presents well-planned business cases not only impacts the bottom line in the long run, but also showcases the value of the law library, transforming it into a Modern Library.