ALLA (WA) News Blog

The ALLA (WA) end-of-year get-together was held at The Generous Squire on 5 December.  Thirty-three people attended for a couple of hours of eating, drinking and chatting on the roof terrace.  We had our own half of the terrace.  It was quite crowded which had the advantage of making mingling easy.  It was all fun, especially for the four ladies who won the LexisNexis $50 Myer vouchers - congratulations to Julitha Sawyer, Nicole Davey, Belinda Eisenhauer and Lorraine Pearce.  Congratulations also to Kirsty McPhee and Belinda Eisenhauer who were announced as joint winners of the Joint Study Institute Scholarship. Jenny Lucre PS  Photos of the event will follow once permission for publication has been sought and granted by the people included in each photo.

Maria Slevin has been appointed as the Library Technician at Herbert Smith Freehills.  Maria is working part-time (Wednesday to Friday).

Law Library at the Supreme Court Christmas and New Year Opening Hours Staff at the Law Library, Supreme Court would like to extend their sincerest thanks to WA practitioners and law librarians for their support during the past year and extend their best wishes over the coming festive season. Please note the Law Library’s closed days over the Christmas/New Year period.   For further information, please contact the library on 9421 5370 or at scll@lpbwa.com. Friday 21 December 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday 24 December Closed Tuesday 25 December Closed Wednesday 26 December Closed Thursday 27 December Closed Friday 28 December Closed Monday 31 December Closed Tuesday 1 January Closed Wednesday 2 January 8.30am to 5.00pm

This is a reminder that the Christmas party is tomorrow night (5 December) at The Generous Squire - The festivities begin at 5.30pm. Door prizes courtesy of LexisNexis. Lei will announce who was the successful applicant for the Joint Study Scholarship.

This issue includes papers presented at the BIALL Conference - http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayIssue?jid=LIM&tab=currentissue .

Judy and I have created a tree out of law reports and it looks so good I thought others might want to see it.  Legal Aid has a competition each year for the best decorated section, but no matter how hard we tried, we always seemed to get pipped at the post, so this year I had to come up with something to blow the judges away.  Fingers crossed we have succeeded this year.  Happy Christmas to all. Deb Harvey

Twenty-three ALLA(WA) members attended Herbert Smith Freehills on 21 November to hear Fiona Archibald report back on her experiences at the ALLA Conference in Brisbane in September. As many of the papers are on the ALLA website, Fiona gave us a general flavour of the conference, the theme of which was Respect the Past, Embrace the Future , rather than a précis of the papers.  Overall, Fiona thought that all of the speakers were wonderful - with a special mention of Francis Johns, whose Woody-Allenesque style [as described by a tweeter] provided an exemplar of how to present a subject by using humour and few notes or PowerPoint slides. Apparently, the Supreme Court Library tour was very good too, as was the dinner.  The dinner speaker was John Birmingham, author of He Died with a Felafel in his Hand , and he was very entertaining. Thanks to Fiona for an informative presentation.  Thanks also to Cindy and Lori at Herbert Smith Freehills for providing the venue a...

This white paper may be of interest to some of you, particularly as many of us are now managing or working in a highly-focused electronic library environment. AALL/ILTA Digital White Paper: The New Librarian The American Association of Law Libraries ( AALL ) and the International Legal Technology Association ( ILTA ) have collaborated to create a white paper, The New Librarian , that discusses some of the challenges facing the law library profession and how librarians are confronting those challenges head-on. Table of Contents: Embedded Librarianship: The Library As a Service, Not a Space by Holly M Riccio of O'Melveny & Myers LLP SharePoint: A Librarian's Most Versatile Tool by Catherine Monte of Fox Rothschild LLP Driving Resource Usage Through SharePoint Customization by Emily Florio of Fish & Richardson PC and Molly Brownfield of Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP Knowledge Management: A Strategic Role Change for Legal Information...

Our very own Judy Allan, Legal Aid WA, has been profiled in the international open-access library journal - Associates - http://associates.ucr.edu/journal/?page_id=1507 .

Dear Members, We have hit November already - it is unbelievable. We have so many exciting events and projects planned for the rest of the financial year, starting off with Fiona Archibald, our ALLA(WA) Conference Bursary winner, giving members a wrap-up of what happened at the conference in Brisbane - dancing librarians, need we say more? - on 21 November at Herbert Smith Freehills. Our Christmas function on 5 December at The Generous Squire is also fast approaching. If you intend to attend the conference wrap-up and/or the Christmas function, please RSVP to Belinda Eisenhauer . We would love to see you all there! In terms of projects planned, our biennial Employment and Salary Survey will be run in the new year. We encourage all members to participate as the survey provides information relating to the nature of law libraries and the value firms and organisations place on the services we provide. We also have changes planned for the blog, placing a bigger focus on current awa...

Dear Members As many would be aware the Australian Law Reform Commission have released a paper on Copyright and the Digital Economy . In particular there is a section on Libraries from page 40. http://www.alrc.gov.au/publications/copyright-ip42 ALLA will be making a submission as copyright is a major concern of libraries, including licensing, archiving and for what is allowable for education reasons. I would appreciate if you could take a moment to read the questions - http://www.alrc.gov.au/publications/copyright-and-digital-economy-ip-42/questions  - and reply to me with your responses to collate into the ALLA response. Feel free to submit something separately, as your organisation may have more specific concerns you wish to address. You can email me back your points on the questions. The closing submission date is 16 November 2012, so it would be appreciated if you could respond by 13 November. Regards Lisa Sylvester National President Australian Law Librarians' Associat...

Dear Colleagues The Federal Court of Australia is seeking a Librarian or Library Technician for approximately 3 weeks to help consolidate the library collections of the National Native Title Tribunal into the principal collection in Perth and assist library staff with the integration of parts of the collection into the FCA Perth library. The project will involve: · checking bibliographic details for duplicate items · searching and editing the catalogue · preparing lists of duplicate titles · lifting boxes and moving books. We are seeking a Library Technician or Librarian with the following skills and experience: · ALIA accredited Library Technician or Librarian qualifications, or currently studying towards qualifications · Experience using an automated library system, Microsoft Word and Excel. Familiarity with FIRST is desirable · Experience cataloguing library resources · Attention to detail · Ability to work independently and in a small team · Demonstrated time mana...

Paid Practical Work Experience - Legislative Council, Parliament House The Legislative Council is currently running a project to recall its archived records from their current storage, and to: - ensure they are on the new eDRMS system properly - ensure the records are stored in accordance with SRO standards (removal of inappropriate plastics, metals, sticky notes etc) - assessed in accordance with GDAs and the Legislative Council R&DS and separated for destruction, to be sent to State Records Office in future, or to be kept by the Legislative Council permanently; and - reboxed in National Archive quality boxes. Although the work is unrelenting in nature, the records are interesting, mainly being the inquiry records of Parliamentary Committees. Work is located in West Perth and negotiable for at least two days per week over the University summer semester break with the possibility of ongoing employment till mid-2013. Applicants should demonstrate: - initiative and ‘self starter’ apt...

Ros Phillips has supplied the following - AGS PERTH HOLDINGS AMENDMENTS Australian Child Support Cases AGS: 1998 - 2006 Australian Bankruptcy Cases (New Series) AGS: Vol. 1 (1999 - 2004) - Vol. 8 (2009 - 2011) Australian Family Law Cases AGS: 1976 - 2011 Australian Professional Liability Medical Cases Publisher's run: 1992 - AGS: 1992 - 2011 Australian Tax Cases AGS: 1969 - 2011 Australian Torts Reports AGS: 1984 - 2010 ( Australian Trade Practices Reports (ATPR) ( Continued by: Australian Competition and Consumer Law Cases ( AGS: Vol. 1 (1974) - Vol. 33 (2011) ( (OR ( ( Australian Trade Practices Reports (ATPR) ( Publisher's run: Vol. 1 (1974) - Vol. 32 (2010) ( Continued by: Australian Competition and Consumer Law Cases ( AGS: Complete ( ( Australian Competition and Consumer Law Cases (ATPR) ( Continues: Australian Trade Practices Reports ( Publisher's run: Vol. 33 (2011) - ( AGS: Vol. 33 (2011) only The Tax Specialist AGS: Vol. 1 (1997) - Vol. 16 No. 1 (Aug. 2012) Wester...

Library Technician - Perth This top tier Australian law firm is looking for a library technician to join their team in Perth What the job will involve - Assist in the provision of library and information services for staff, both in the Perth office and nationally. The library technician is responsible for: organising and maintaining the Knowledge Centre's serial collection assisting with current awareness tasks undertaking collection maintenance assisting with interlibrary loans providing support to the reference service when required running day end and any other library management system reports as required allocating and supervising the tasks of the Knowledge Centre library assistant where relevant What you need to bring to the job - Essential Associate Diploma of Arts (Library Practice) or equivalent Minimum 1 year's experience in a specialist or law library Experience with an automated library system Experience in serials accessioning Excellent comput...

ALLA (WA) invites members to: save the date for the ALLA (WA) Christmas function When:  Wednesday, 5 December 5.30-7.30pm Where: The Generous Squire 397 Murray Street (Shafto Lane) Perth CBD Official invitation flyer to follow soon.

http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/like-it-or-not-facebook-posts-could-cost-your-job-20121009-27b7h.html

Fourteen people attended a talk by lawyer, Jason Raftos, at Ashurst at lunchtime on Monday, 8 October.  The topic was based on whether an employer has any powers to regulate the behaviour of employees outside the workplace.  The short answer is "yes", but it does depend on circumstances.  If the conduct is in a public place and won’t reflect adversely on the integrity of the employers, an employee will probably keep his or her job.  It is a very grey area though. Jason provided and talked on interesting cases involving Christmas parties, drink-driving, theft, physical assault and Facebook.  As Facebook becomes even more popular, Jason definitely advised against using it to vent grievances against your employer.  Overall, a very interesting and informative talk.  Thanks to Jason and also to Lei for providing the venue and drinks. Jenny Lucre

The last post was a little out-of-date.  Leanne started at Herbert Smith Freehills in Melbourne on 1 October.  Thanks to Cindy Duong for this update.

Some of you will remember Leanne Whykes who moved to Melbourne and took up a training specialist role with Thomson Reuters.  Leanne is now the Law Librarian at Deakin University.

Congratulations to Lorraine Pearce who has been appointed to the newly-created position of Library Manager at Kott Gunning. Lorraine has a background in public libraries and is new to law librarianship.  Please give her every assistance as she finds her feet in her new role.

On 1 October, the law firms of Herbert Smith and Freehills merged to create a new firm - Herbert Smith Freehills. If you wish to contact the Knowledge Centre in Perth, our email address is now knowledgecentreper@hsf.com .  Please note that our mailing address and phone numbers have not changed. Kind regards, Cindy Duong Knowledge Centre Team Leader Herbert Smith Freehills T +61 8 9211 7942 M +61 419 247 760 F +61 8 9211 7878 www.herbertsmithfreehills.com

A visit to the Francis Burt Law Education Programme was held on 21 September.  Ten people attended this fun and informative event led by the knowledgeable Dean Curtis. First we had a tour around the Supreme Court then moved across to Magistrates Court 41 where we sat and watched a Magistrate handing out justice to those accused of a variety of offences, including possession of drugs and trespass.  Then back to the Supreme Court where we were assigned roles and costumes for a re-enactment of the 1925 trial of Audrey Jacob (played by Luise Crisafulli) who shot and killed her fiancé in the Government House ballroom.  Photos were taken amid much laughter.  Overall, it was a very enjoyable morning. Jenny Lucre Librarian Department of the Attorney General

One of our members has brought to our attention that Quick on Costs (Thomson Reuters) is still referencing the Legal Practice Act 2003 (WA). Stel Podias, in his publisher liaison role, has spoken to Gregory Sarias, Editor of  Quick on Costs .  A fully-updated Quick on Costs will be relaunched in 2014.  To quote from the reply received by Stel - "...we expect that there will be some disparity in the currency between areas of the service that have been revised, and those that are yet to be, and we apologise if this causes any inconvenience. In the meantime however, I will along with the authors, check through references to the old Legal Practice Act 2003 and see where commentary needs to be updated to discuss the Legal Profession Act 2008 - especially throughout Chapters 1 and 2". Please contact Stel should you have any further concerns re this title and he will liaise with the publisher on your behalf. stel.podias@commerce.wa.gov.au

IMPORTANT NOTICES 1.               Bachelor of Laws degree - Curtin University The Chair of the Legal Practice Board, Ian Weldon, has advised that the Board has approved a Bachelor of Laws degree from Curtin University as an approved academic qualification for the purpose of admission to the legal profession in Western Australia and has resolved to amend the Legal Profession Amendment (Admission) Rules 2009 accordingly. Find out more - http://www.lawsocietywa.asn.au/visageimages/Letter%20from%20Legal%20Practice%20Board%20of%20Western%20Australia%20Amendment%20to%20Legal%20Profession%20Admission%20Rules%202009%20180912.pdf

Photos courtesy of Kirsty McPhee John Birmingham, guest speaker at the Conference Dinner Food, glorious food Yes sir, I can boogie Laser show on the Brisbane River - part of the Brisbane Festival

Good news for those tired of wrestling with obese looseleaf binders.  LexisNexis has agreed to issue a fourth volume for this title.  All subscribers will receive official notification.  The new binder is expected to be issued with an update in late October or early November.

Shane has moved to employment in the WA energy and resources sector.  We thank Shane for the support he has given to ALLA (WA) and wish him well in his new position.

John Birmingham has posted the talk he gave at the Conference Dinner on his blog Cheeseburger Gothic  - http://www.cheeseburgergothic.com/archives/4214 .

A quote from John Birmingham's column in today's Brisbane Times re the Newman Government's budget cuts in Queensland - "A law librarian with 20 years experience of ensuring that the state’s lawmakers don’t make a terrible boo-boo the next time they try to make a law? Ha! Pack your box, sweetheart, and don’t let the doorknob hit you in the arse on the way out". Read more:  http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/opinion/blogs/blunt-instrument/we-didnt-want-bligh-but-we-sure-didnt-want-this-20120917-262iw.html#ixzz26mnzSRvf .

http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayJournal?jid=LIM

Kirsty McPhee was appointed National Vice-President at the ALLA AGM on 13 September.  Hence, she will become National President of the Association in September 2013. Congratulations to Kirsty on this personal achievement which is also a fillip for law librarianship in this State.  May you have a rewarding twelve months and don't forget that you have the support of your colleagues in Perth should you need it.

 Kirsty's view from the boardroom at Ashurst Australia during the National Executive Committee Meeting   Title page of Justin's prize for tweeting with inscription by John Bimingham 

Justin Booker continues to provide fodder for this blog.  At the ALLA Conference Dinner he won a prize for one of the best tweets related to the Conference.  For his efforts, he received a copy of one of guest speaker John Birmingham's books which the author graciously signed with a personal message to Justin's tweeter alter-ego.

Kirsty McPhee of Tottle Partners and Mawghan Elverd of Jackson McDonald were awarded ALLA Certificates of Appreciation on Thursday at the national AGM.  These awards are given "to a member of the Australian Law Librarians' Association who has made a significant contribution to ALLA or to the profession of law librarianship generally in 2011-12".

It is with much pleasure that we announce that Justin Booker and Larissa Pryce were married on Saturday, 1 September.  Congratulations to you both - we wish you a future filled with happy days.  This photo was taken after the wedding reception - in a sign of the times, on Justin's iPod.

Congratulations to Cindy who has been appointed Knowledge Centre Team Leader at Freehills Perth.  We wish her all the best in her new role.

Congratulations to Sheralee Westphal on her appointment as library assistant at Tottle Partners.  Sheralee will work three hours a week assisting Kirsty McPhee.  She is currently studying for a Diploma of Library and Information Studies at Central TAFE and is new to law libraries.  Please make her welcome.

Thursday 23 August 2012 LIV WELCOMES FIRST STEPS TO LAW LIBRARY OF VICTORIA The Law Institute of Victoria today welcomed moves to establish a shared Law Library of Victoria accessible by all legal practitioners, judges, magistrates, and tribunal members. LIV President Michael Holcroft today signed the Memorandum of Understanding between the Supreme Court of Victoria, the County Court, Magistrates’ Court, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, the Department of Justice, Victorian Bar and the LIV. “This is the first stage to take our historic, but sometimes impractical, individual libraries into the 24 hour remote access platform required in the 21 st century”, he said. “Particularly for our country and suburban lawyers, the establishment of one common library facility, with 24 hour 7 day a week complete remote access, is key. “The days of physically visiting a law library and taking down a dusty tome from a shelf are almost over. The modern practice of la...

The first meeting of the new ALLA (WA) Committee was held yesterday afternoon at the Federal Court.  Lei Lin, in her role as President, welcomed the new members of the Committee - Jenny Lucre (Magistrates Court), Stel Podias (Department of Commerce) and Linda Simonis (Downings Legal). Jenny and Linda are joining Belinda Eisenhauer to devise a program of CPD and social events for the year ahead, while Stel has volunteered to take on the publishers' liaison role. A list of all Committee members and their new responsibilities will follow shortly.

This post hopes to be the first in a series of photos depicting our very own Australian Law Librarian journal with a variety of celebrities and in different locations around the world. The journal's first meet-and-greet was with members of the Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block, who were here in Australia for their NKOTBSB world tour in May. Mawghan with Brian Littrell from the Backstreet Boys.  Photo taken after he had a quick flick through the journal and asked what a law librarian was! Mawghan with Danny Wood from New Kids on the Block, after trying to explain what a Law Librarian was for about 5 minutes only to be told “I don’t understand you” Finally, a picture of Mawghan with all of the Backstreet Boys! Going on holidays? Don't forget to take the Australian Law Librarian ! You just never know who you will meet, or what you will see.

Dear CALL/ACDB Members, We want to let you know that the 8th Joint Study Institute (JSI)  “The Australian Legal Landscape: Global and Comparative Perspectives” will be held at Melbourne Law School from Wednesday evening, February 13  - Saturday, February 16, 2013 . The 2013 JSI will provide unique opportunities to network and learn about the law, legal research, legal education, legal profession and legal publishing in Australia with global and comparative commentary. For information about the program and conference events go to: http://alla.asn.au/conferences/jsi2013 Speakers will include leading academics from Melbourne Law School To register, complete the registration form at: http://www.law.unimelb.edu.au/77E3D2B0-BE61-11E1-BFE60050568D0140 and pay for your registration at: http://ecommerce.law.unimelb.edu.au/product.asp?pID=40&cID=11&c=286 The Conference Hotel is Rydges on Swanston.  To book your accommodation, go to the JSI bookin...

Tottle Partners is a West Australian law firm, specialising in dispute resolution, corporate, commercial, construction, property and insurance law. We are seeking an enthusiastic library student (technician or librarian) to join our team in the role of Casual Library Assistant.  The position will be responsible for the provision of Current Awareness Services, accessioning and maintenance of loose-leaf services.  The position involves working 3-4 hours per week, with the flexible working arrangements that will allow the successful applicant to set their own hours of work and ensure time off during study and exam periods as required. The position will report to our Knowledge and Business Development Manager. The successful applicant will be able to work autonomously, possess a keen sense of attention to detail and should have an interest in pursuing a career in law libraries.  No previous experience in a law firm is required. All applications should include a cover ...

It is particularly pleasing to announce that, after being made redundant due to a change in the management of the National Native Title Tribunal Library, Lisa commences work in the library at Clayton Utz on 13 August. Congratulations, Lisa.

Justin Booker is certainly making his presence felt on this blog.  He is leaving UWA next month to take up the position of Manager, Perth Knowledge Centre, at Corrs Chambers Westgarth. Congratulations, Justin (again!).

A visit to the Francis Burt Law Education Programme has been arranged for 21 September.  More details about this visit, together with an invitation to register your attendance, will follow closer to the date.

Yes folks, Justin Booker from UWA has been announced as the recipient of the Lynn Pollack Memorial Scholarship for 2012.  Congratulations Justin - what is next? - Australian of the Year perhaps! As this scholarship gives Justin the opportunity to attend the ALLA Conference in Brisbane in September, he has decided to decline the CCH Bursary from ALLA (WA).  More details regarding the bursary will follow.

Members of ALLA (WA) should have received a copy of the Special Resolution to voluntarily wind up ALLA Inc in the mail, together with a proxy voting form. Proxy forms can be sent to Kirsty McPhee of Tottle Partners who will be attending the ALLA AGM during the Brisbane Conference. Please send your completed proxy forms to Kirsty by 6 September - library@tottle.com .  The form should be completed as in the example below. I Jane Doe of Acme Legal being a member of Australian Law Librarians' Association Inc appoint Kirsty McPhee of Tottle Partners

Alissa Inglis (nee Sputore) has returned to WA.  She commences as a faculty liason librarian at UWA on Monday, 30 July.  Please note that she continues to work under her maiden name and her email address will be alissa.sputore@uwa.edu.au .

Dear colleagues An advert has been placed on SEEK for a Librarian (12 month contract). http://www.seek.com.au/job/22752759?tracking=JMC-000038 Closing date 27th July 2012. This is a Specified Callings Level 1 position located at the Supreme Court Law Library. Please note that relief duties at the branch library are no longer necessary. Any enquires for the position can be directed to Catherine Macgill on 9421 5370. Catherine Macgill | Law Librarian Law Library, Supreme Court of Western Australia Barrack Street Perth WA 6000 Ph: (08) 9421 5372. Reference desk: (08) 9421 5370 catherine.macgill@scwalawlibrary.com.au Addendum - Please note this is not Stephen Griffith's position but is the LPB position vacated by Stel Podias moving to the Department of Commerce. Stephen has a permanent government position which he will take up in August. Cheers, Catherine

On 1 July, the Federal Court took responsibility for the management of the library at the National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT).  This is an outcome of the Federal Government's decision to transfer the NNTT's corporate services and mediation functions to the Federal Court. Unfortunately, this has resulted in Lisa Vicary losing her job with the NNTT.  Lisa's last day is Thursday, 19 July. We wish Lisa every success in finding a new position.  If anyone can help her in this endeavour, please contact her at ljvicary@gmail.com . Please contact either Amanda or Fiona at the Federal Court library should you have any queries regarding the NNTT's library collection and services - walib@fedcourt.gov.au or 9268 7140.

The Energy Safety division of the Department of Commerce, based at Cannington, is looking for a librarian.  The role requires about 3-4 hours per week.  If interested, please contact - Laverne Castelino A/Director Business Services Energy Safety laverne.castelino@commerce.wa.gov.au Tel:  9422 5250

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet is seeking to fill the role of Senior Librarian (SCL 2) on a fixed-term, full-time basis for a period of up to 11 months. The Senior Librarian assists the Manager in the planning, development and organisation of information services and systems to ensure the effective retrieval and dissemination of timely information to the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Department of Treasury, Department of Finance, Office of the Premier, Ministers' offices, Public Sector Commission and other clients. Prospective applicants must obtain a Job Application Package, which provides details about the duties of the position and the selection criteria. The package, and information about how to apply, can be obtained from the website jobs.wa.gov.au or by calling (08) 6552 5617. Applications close at 5:00pm Tuesday, 24 July 2012. For further information about the position, please contact Alison Underwood on (08) 6552 5522. Alison Und...

Belinda Eisenhauer has returned to work today after her accident, but is confined to light duties for the timebeing.

Stel Podias has left the Law Library at the Supreme Court due to the cessation of his temporary contract and has taken a position at the Department of Commerce.

It is my pleasure to announce that the 2012 CCH ALLA(WA) Conference Bursary has been awarded to Justin Booker (UWA). Justin will receive $1500 towards the costs of attending the 2012 ALLA Conference – Respect the Past, Embrace the Future – in Brisbane in September. After the conference, Justin will give a presentation to the WA members to share the experience and knowledge he has gained. We received a number of excellent applications – I would like to thank everyone who took the time to apply and encourage those who were unsuccessful to apply again in 2013. I would like to thank CCH for their generosity and support of this award – without their financial assistance the Association would not have been able to offer this opportunity to our members. Congratulations Justin. Kind regards, Kirsty McPhee ALLA(WA) President