Access to Electronic Legal Information Committee: Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions
Updated June 5, 2008.
What does this site offer?
This site, developed by AALL's Access to Electronic Information Committee, reports the results of investigations by law librarians who have reviewed and evaluated government websites that provide legal information and documents. In many categories of distinct types of legal material, Committee members have identified examples of sites that comply with all or most of our evaluation criteria. The example includes information about how the type of material is used, identifies the featured site that the law librarian evaluator believes best illustrates this type of electronic access, describes reasons why the site is well done, shows a schematic diagram of the site, and offers a link to the site. The Committee has also prepared an Internet-based bibliography that was used in investigating the state of the law on the Internet.
Who are law librarians?
Law librarians are information experts. We work with creators and users of legal information. We understand the needs of users who seek legal information on the Internet, including members of the legal community and the general public. And we can help federal, state, local, elected, and appointed officials to develop and maintain better websites for users of legal and government information.
What is the American Association of Law Libraries?
The American Association of Law Libraries (AALL), founded in 1906, is a non-profit, professional organization that is devoted to improving law libraries and the distribution of legal information. More than 5,000 AALL members work in nearly 2,000 libraries serving government officials, the bench, the bar, legal scholars, and the public. AALL members have a special responsibility for ensuring that federal, state, and local legal information resources are developed, managed, and shared effectively.
How can law librarians help my agency/court/legislature?
First, you might review the criteria the Committee has established to measure the extent to which your website currently meets our standards. Second, you may also review the presentations that Committee members have delivered at national programs to find additional information and examples. Third, you may contact any member of the Committee to request a review of your website and suggestions for its improvement.
Why are law librarians offering this service?
Law librarians are committed to ensuring that everyone has timely and reliable access to government and legal information. Millions of people now use the Internet as a main source of information about the actions and policies of government at all levels. When we assist government agencies and officials in improving the delivery of legal information via the Internet, we achieve one of our profession's highest callings. Better sites for electronic information mean better and more access to the law and legal materials for all users.

This site has been considered and approved by the American Association of Law Libraries Executive Board.


AELIC Home
About Committee Members Principles & Core Values Website Evaluations Exemplary Sites Criteria Submission Form Accessibility Issues Bibliography Presentations Frequently Asked Questions Information for Committee Members Calendar Reports Minutes Past Members		Frequently Asked Questions Updated June 5, 2008. What does this site offer? This site, developed by AALL's Access to Electronic Information Committee, reports the results of investigations by law librarians who have reviewed and evaluated government websites that provide legal information and documents. In many categories of distinct types of legal material, Committee members have identified examples of sites that comply with all or most of our evaluation criteria. The example includes information about how the type of material is used, identifies the featured site that the law librarian evaluator believes best illustrates this type of electronic access, describes reasons why the site is well done, shows a schematic diagram of the site, and offers a link to the site. The Committee has also prepared an Internet-based bibliography that was used in investigating the state of the law on the Internet. Who are law librarians? Law librarians are information experts. We work with creators and users of legal information. We understand the needs of users who seek legal information on the Internet, including members of the legal community and the general public. And we can help federal, state, local, elected, and appointed officials to develop and maintain better websites for users of legal and government information. What is the American Association of Law Libraries? The American Association of Law Libraries (AALL), founded in 1906, is a non-profit, professional organization that is devoted to improving law libraries and the distribution of legal information. More than 5,000 AALL members work in nearly 2,000 libraries serving government officials, the bench, the bar, legal scholars, and the public. AALL members have a special responsibility for ensuring that federal, state, and local legal information resources are developed, managed, and shared effectively. How can law librarians help my agency/court/legislature? First, you might review the criteria the Committee has established to measure the extent to which your website currently meets our standards. Second, you may also review the presentations that Committee members have delivered at national programs to find additional information and examples. Third, you may contact any member of the Committee to request a review of your website and suggestions for its improvement. Why are law librarians offering this service? Law librarians are committed to ensuring that everyone has timely and reliable access to government and legal information. Millions of people now use the Internet as a main source of information about the actions and policies of government at all levels. When we assist government agencies and officials in improving the delivery of legal information via the Internet, we achieve one of our profession's highest callings. Better sites for electronic information mean better and more access to the law and legal materials for all users.
This site has been considered and approved by the American Association of Law Libraries Executive Board.