VOLUME 3

Organizational Structures of Academic Law Libraries

Past, Present, and Future

AALL Publications Series No. 90

Elizabeth Adelman

University at Buffalo School of Law

Jessica de Perio Wittman

University of Connecticut School of Law

$120.00

10 ALL-NEW
CASE STUDIES!

Discover how today’s law libraries lead, collaborate, and innovate within evolving academic landscapes.

The Essential Resource for Understanding Law Library Structure

Organizational Structures of Academic Law Libraries: Past, Present, and Future (Volume 3) continues the exploration of how academic law libraries operate, collaborate, and adapt in a changing higher education landscape. Featuring contributions from Rebecca Chapman, Austin Martin Williams, Jessica Whytock, Kristen R. Moore, Jane M. Meland, and other respected professionals, this volume presents ten all-new case studies from across the United States that reveal diverse models of leadership, reporting, budgeting, and innovation.

Drawing from real-world examples, this comprehensive study captures the dynamic balance between autonomy and collaboration that defines today’s academic law libraries. Designed for law librarians, deans, provosts, and university administrators, it provides both strategic insight and practical perspective into how structure impacts success.

All-New Case Studies

Features ten detailed profiles of academic law libraries nationwide, offering fresh perspectives on governance, reporting, and shared services.

Real-World Perspectives

Authored by experienced directors and administrators who provide practical guidance and lessons learned from their institutions.

Continuing a Trusted Series

Building on Volumes 1 and 2, this new installment expands the ongoing national study of law library structure and leadership within legal education.

Explore Organizational Structures of Academic Law Libraries: Past, Present, and Future (Volume 3)

Summary of Contents

Contributors
Introduction
Part I: History of the Academic Law Library Structure
Part II: Autonomous Law Libraires
Part III: Autonomous + Collaborative Services
Part IV: Autonomous + Shared Services

This volume continues to explore the four primary organizational models that define academic law libraries today. Each structure represents a different balance between autonomy, collaboration, and shared services within the broader university environment.

Autonomous

Reports to: Dean of the law school
Budget derived from: The law school
Collaboration with central library: May share an integrated library system (ILS) with the central library.

Autonomous & Collaborative Services

Reports to: Dean of the law school
Budget derived from: The law school
Collaboration with central library: May share ILS, discovery layer, institutional repository (IR), and engage in cost-sharing for shared databases or services.

Autonomous & Shared Services

Reports to: Dean of the law school
Budget derived from: The law school
Collaboration with central library: Shared services are governed by a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU); may include access, technical, and IT support.

Semiautonomous

Reports to: Dean of the law school and university librarian
Budget derived from: University libraries budget
Collaboration with central library: Reporting and funding are governed by an MOU.

The third volume of Organizational Structures of Academic Law Libraries: Past, Present, and Future is designed for professionals and institutions involved in the administration, leadership, and study of academic law libraries, including:

Law library directors and administrators seeking to evaluate or restructure their libraries for improved efficiency and collaboration.
Law school deans and provosts responsible for overseeing budgets, reporting structures, and strategic planning across academic departments.
University librarians and central administration leaders exploring shared services or integrated support models.

Organizational Structures of Academic Law Libraries: Past, Present, and Future, Volume 1

Item #: 1007048
ISBN: 978-0-8377-4272-4
Pages: 272p.
Published: Getzville; William S. Hein & Co., Inc.; 2023.

Organizational Structures of Academic Law Libraries: Past, Present, and Future, Volume 2

Winner of the 2025 AALL-SIS Book Award

Item #: 1007577
ISBN: 9780837743059
Pages: xviii, 158 p (176 p total)
Published: Getzville; William S. Hein & Co., Inc.; 2024.

About the Editors

Elizabeth Adelman
Director of the Charles B. Sears Law Library & Vice Dean for Legal Information Services, University at Buffalo School of Law

Elizabeth G. Adelman serves as Director of the Charles B. Sears Law Library and Vice Dean for Legal Information Services at the University at Buffalo, where she is also a SUNY Distinguished Librarian. She is the lead author of New York Legal Research (4th ed.) and has written extensively on legal research and academic law libraries. A past president of the American Association of Law Libraries (2022–2023), Adelman holds a J.D. from Albany Law School and an M.L.S. from the University at Buffalo.

Jessica de Perio Wittman
Professor of Law & Director of the Law Library, University of Connecticut School of Law

Jessica de Perio Wittman is Professor of Law and Director of the Law Library at the University of Connecticut School of Law, where she also serves as the Cornelius J. Scanlon Scholar. She oversees library operations and information technology systems and teaches courses in Special Education Law, Technology and Law Practice, and Advanced Legal Research. A leader in the field, she is active in American Association of Law Libraries (AALL), Southern New England Law Libraries Association (SNELLA), and American Association of Law Schools (AALS), with research focusing on legal technology, inclusivity, and innovation in legal education. In 2024, she received the inaugural Technology and Ethics Award from AALS and was named one of vLex Fastcase’s 50 legal innovators.

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