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Self-Help Centers Embedded in Law Libraries (and public libraries)

Self-Help Centers Embedded in Law Libraries (and public libraries). Laureen A. Kelly November 15, 2017. Why do we need self-help centers in libraries?. Overwhelming need requires many approaches and players. Legal Aid Pro Bono Low Bono Limited Scope Representation

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Self-Help Centers Embedded in Law Libraries (and public libraries)

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  1. Self-Help Centers Embedded in Law Libraries (and public libraries) Laureen A. Kelly November 15, 2017

  2. Why do we need self-help centers in libraries? • Overwhelming need requires many approaches and players. • Legal Aid • Pro Bono • Low Bono • Limited Scope Representation • Training Religious Leaders • Law Libraries (& Public Libraries)

  3. Why libraries? • Already on front lines with SRLs • Mission: information & education • Librarians as expert knowledge managers • Libraries: non-threatening, neutral places • Librarians avoid UPL • Law librarians can train courthouse staff & public librarians to avoid UPL

  4. What services do libraries offer now? • Legal research help • Referrals to legal aid • Computerized legal research • Telephone reference • Print materials • E-mail reference • Pathfinders/guides • Explaining legal process • Library website • Document delivery • Lists of library services • Chat reference

  5. What programs do libraries offer now? • Legal clinics taught by another organization • Legal clinics provided by the law library • Lawyers in libraries (1-on-1 help) • Legal advice clinics (multiple lawyers) • Mediation programs w/ trained mediators

  6. What services could be offered? • Triage, diagnosis & referral • Substantive/procedural information & help • Access to substantive/procedural primary law • Case filing tools (forms, doc. Assembly) • Case preparation tools (discovery, evidence) • Hearing preparation tools (videos, evidence)

  7. What services could be offered (cont’d)? • Follow-up tools & help (contempt, compliance) • Preventive tools & help • Planning services

  8. Why Dougherty County? • Geography is destiny • Digital divide • We serve 48 counties outside Dougherty • Diverse users • Low literacy level • 5 bordering counties have lawyer shortage

  9. What we hope to achieve • Meaningful access to justice for those with nowhere else to turn • Referrals to attorneys (pro bono, low bono, ltd. Scope) • Increased efficiency of SRL case flow through court docket • Increased confidence in the legal system

  10. How will we serve LEP & Disabled? LEP • Bilingual staff • Access to interpreters • Referrals • Websites with language options Disabled • Visually—reading, filling out forms • Hearing—sign language, paper & pen, TTY, E-mail, text, chat. • Mental & Physical health issues—training & sensitivity

  11. Laureen A. Kelly, J.D., M.L.I.S.225 Pine Ave. #212P.O. Box 1827Albany, GA 31702-1827(229) 431-2133lkelly@dougherty.ga.uswww.albany.ga.us/lawlibrary

  12. Questions?

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