Message From The Executive Director

When we re-launched our website in late 2009, we talked about the site being a digital kitchen – serving as a hub where people gather to meet, talk and share. One of the key insights from our ongoing discussions is that, increasingly, you – our clients - are willing and able to find the basic information you need on your own.

Our ultimate goal is to support client competency – both for the members of the public and the legal community.  In order to accomplish that in an increasingly self-directed legal environment, we need to shift away from a “standby” role of being available in case clients ask for help finding information, to a more proactive model where we directly engage with clients where you are, connecting you with information tools and enhancing your skills in finding and managing information.  To use another metaphor, our role is shifting from lifeguard to swim coach. We need to move from standing on the sidelines in case of trouble to being right in the water with you, helping you to develop your own skills on an ongoing basis.

To that end we have reorganized our library operations. This change was driven both by the needs of our clients and by the fiscal reality of diminishing resources.  In the process we had to eliminate several staff positions in the Vancouver library. All of the staff whose positions have been eliminated are dedicated and excellent employees, and they will be missed. But we must meet our goals with a balanced budget while also providing service that meets the changing needs and expectations of our clients.

To be effective and manage our funders’ investment well, we must target client segments where we can make the most impact. To implement this new focus we have restructured some traditional library departments into new areas. The most dramatic change is in client services, which will now emphasize 4 key user communities:

• sole practitioners and small firm lawyers;
• articling students and young lawyers;
• the public; and
• public libraries.

We will continue to serve everyone who comes to us for assistance – what will change is how we do that, and where we allocate our resources, with greater emphasis on training and tools that let you directly access the information you require.

Change, especially of this magnitude, can be difficult. We ask for your understanding at this stage of our transition, and hope you will join us in the dialogue that is so essential to the success of this venture. Your input is vital to the ongoing relevance and vitality of our organization.

Johanne

July, 2010