This week, WVU Law faculty members are presenting and discussing their scholarship at the 2019 SEALS Annual Conference in Boca Raton, Florida. On Saturday, August 3, 2019 Professor Caroline Osborne participated in a discussion group at the conference participated in a discussion group titled "Providing Non-Traditional Library Services: A Bridge Too Far or Part of a Responsive Relationship" moderated by Professor Kristina Niedringhaus of Georgia State University College of Law.
From the program:
Given limited or shrinking law school and library budgets, what are the benefits and detriments to providing non-traditional services, those considered beyond the scope of the traditional library? For example, how might we assess the library: with a passport office; that circulates unique items like standing desks, computer equipment, and games; or that provides competitive intelligence? This discussion group centers on a variety of non-traditional programs and services provided or planned by law libraries. Discussion topics include how and why the service was developed and difficulties, benefits, and unintended consequences discovered in implementation and use. This group also addresses the question of what a “responsive relationship” means for the library and the “Yirka Question”—what should we give up when we take on additional responsibilities?