Spotlight on Law Library 3.0: Personal touch, digitally powered.

The Bar of Ireland recognises that access to and span of legal information as part of a digitally integrated Library are key to the delivering world class legal services, as well as a key to the reputation of our members.

From humble beginnings in 1816 – when a number of barristers came together to form a common library -?to some 200 years later, the Library & Information Service of The Bar of Ireland is a vibrant, modern and technology-rich service that strives continually to retain the personal touch with our members in an increasingly digital environment.

Harnessing Technology to Enhance Access to Information

Harnessing the power of technology to deliver and improve access to information in a dynamic legal information landscape has ensured an exciting and innovative working environment in recent years.?The experience of the last two years has brought the future of our library service into the present.

• Barrister’s Desktop: A single-point of access to our library catalogue, our subscribed databases as well as other resources provides us with an insight to better match the behaviours and needs of our members. ??Curated content reflects the development of niche areas of legal practice and areas of emerging client demand.
• Remote Help Desk Service: The pandemic and public health requirements have turbo charged our Remote Desk service which integrates seamlessly with our onsite physical desk services.?Extending our real-time information service beyond our library walls reflects the changing work practices and needs of our members.
• Chat with a Librarian: Enhancing our online offering has been the addition of an online chat service. Chat with a Librarian allows instant text communication with Library staff – as opposed to a bot - ?and has been used for every kind of Library query, both simple and complex.?

Transforming Collections

• Balancing Collections between Print and Digital: Covid-19 has continued to propel the trajectory of the Library’s transition from primarily a print-based collection to one increasingly digital. Increased emphasis on member ease and span of access over acquisition has seen a significant refocussing of resources on online material.?

We now spend 70% of our annual Legal Content Budget on digital content, compared with less than 40% five years ago. This trend will continue, while ensuring that print content is always kept up to date”.

• Collections as a driver of internal synergies: To complement internal CPD events, Library Services developed a set of quick reference guides on areas of law to supplement particular CPD events.?The assets signpost recent library acquisitions, online resources, journal articles and other relevant items based on the CPD topic, giving our members a more complete understanding of the area of law.
• Collections in the Community: The need to respond to changing member demands, their working patterns and the possibilities offered by improved infrastructure have given rise to two outpost library hubs, away from the main library locations in Dublin and Cork.?We now have a footprint in Letterkenny IT and Waterford Public Library. Exploring ways to harness the potential that ?these initiatives offer is an exciting opportunity in the coming years.
• Our Heritage: Our story is important to us, showing us how we have got to where we are today, as well as the role of the Law Library at key junctures in Irish history.?To celebrate this, the Library has curated a number of online collections celebrating the heritage of the legal profession throughout the ages.?These include The History of the Law Library; Women at the Bar; Celebrating a Century of Women at the Bar, The 1916 Rising and The World War I Centenary. These exhibitions make extensive use of the Library’s digital archive, including the Minute Books of the Library Committee and Bar Council, historical photographs and illustrations.?

Prepared for the future

What marks The Bar of Ireland Law Library out as a unique library? – Our expert staff possess an intimate local knowledge of the Irish legal and court environment, coupled with an international and digital-led outlook in respect of the future growth of the sector.

On foot of our Strategic Plan 2021-2024, the Library is perfectly poised to continue to support our members in the delivery of world class legal services and make that important contribution to the?reputation of Irish barristers both at home and abroad. s