Loose-leafing is a pain. In today's world where online databases host several resources that are continually updated, is there a need for loose-leafs?
In law libraries, the two main publishers of legal materials are Westlaw and LexisNexis. These two companies maintain legal materials in an online database and in print. The online materials are updated almost immediately upon release and made available to the purchasers. The print materials, however, are only updated once the technical services workers update the resource's binders of legal information with the most current form of law. Many students find the print version a waste of time and space. Maintaining the print version requires self-space and time for a person to remove the outdated pages and replace them with the current release.
The students fail to understand that the library is available to other patrons, as well. Law libraries facilitate legal research for all levels of researchers: professors, students, attorneys, and the average person. Whereas each student and professor has access to the online versions of these resources, public patrons do not. Several attorneys and non-attorneys use the information in the shelves to find answers to their legal questions. These attorneys are often solo practioners that do not have the budget available for purchasing the costly online resources.
The students would benefit from learning how to use the print resources. One day the law students will become attorneys and not all will be hired by a firm that subscribes to online databases. By using the print resources available in a law library, the students can learn cost efficient ways to conduct legal research.
Although loose-leafing is tedious and mind-numbing activity, it is a necessary evil to help ensure access to current legal information to all legal researchers.
I look forward to a career where I can help attorneys find the information they need to help others and make the world brighter for tomorrow
