The Schaffer Law Library
A Letter from Helane Davis, Director issues—some older, some new, and some more spacious than others. Most were not as large as the Schaffer Law Library in terms of collection size—over 715,000 volumes and volume equivalents—and none played quite the same role as the Schaffer Law Library plays in its law school community. Nevertheless, all of those past affiliations were incredible preparation for joining the Albany Law School community. Having worked with smaller collections, I was in a good position to appreciate the quality and expansiveness of the collection at Schaffer. Having worked with smaller
newer facilities, I was in a good position to appreciate the advantages of a well-kept facility that provides an inviting environment for library patrons. Yet despite differences between our institutions, most academic law libraries share the same reason for being: we seek to support the research needs of our faculty, the curricular needs of our students, and the legal information needs of any other constituencies we might serve. From my first contact with Albany Law School, it was evident that the Schaffer Law Library has many fans and enthusiasts among Albany faculty, staff, students, and
broader university library system when it comes to resources. Additionally, as is the case elsewhere within our field, we will continue to adapt to the sea change currently underway in how legal information is created, distributed and packaged, and consumed—ever mindful of our responsibilities not only fiscally but to share our expertise and to support emerging developments in legal education. Finally, as information professionals I hope we can build upon our strengths and seek and exploit new opportunities to be of service to our law school community.
Most [law libraries] were not as large as the Schaffer Law Library in terms of collection size—over 715,000 volumes and volume equivalents—and none played quite the same role as the Schaffer Law Library plays in its law school community. staffs and smaller budgets, I was in a good position to appreciate the institutional support for the Schaffer Law Library, the dedication and experience of the library staff, and the library’s solid reputation. Having worked at libraries affiliated with larger universities generally, or university libraries specifically, I was in a good position to appreciate the breadth of support and service the library staff of an independent law school provides to its faculty, staff, and students. Having worked in both older and
alumni, and that the library is a vital part of this law school’s community. As the new director, then, my hopes for the law library are many. We must continue to provide the unique mix of resources— both traditional and electronic or digital—that will support the many programs and initiatives of Albany Law School. As an independent school we have a flexibility that many other academic libraries do not, but we also have greater responsibilities since we do not have the benefit of partnering with a
In many ways, I may have the easiest part of this endeavor, having joined a first rate and dedicated staff assembled before my arrival. I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to support, nurture, and collaborate with such committed professionals. If the law library succeeds at its mission it is in no small part because of the library staff shaped by my predecessor, Robert Begg. I hope to prove an able steward of his considerable accomplishments as I move forward as the new director of Shaffer Law Library.
Spring 2011 Albany Law Magazine
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