Law Library open house Thursday

    The town of Drumheller is home to several libraries: the Drumheller Public Library, three school libraries, and a number of special libraries catering to the needs of specific professions. Alberta Law Libraries is one of these special libraries, serving members of the legal profession as well as the public. The library will be hosting an open house this Thursday, October 28, from 1 to 4 p.m.
    The library is located on the main floor of the Court House in Drumheller and is open Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. -12:00, 1:00-4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 9:00 – 1:00.
    Long used by members of the legal profession, Alberta Law Libraries are in many cases unknown to members of the public. Many of the services Alberta Law Libraries provide, such as helping people find legislation, understand citations or search for case law, are offered free of charge.         “We aim to empower people to do their own research. This approach helps make the justice system more accessible to all Albertans,” says Ingrid Thornton, Library Coordinator at the Drumheller location of Alberta Law Libraries.
    In addition to providing access to a print collection that goes beyond anything found in public libraries or on the web, the libraries also provide access to a variety of electronic resources including on-line subscription databases which may be searched at no cost in the library.
    As an aid to research, the libraries have developed a series of research guides on a range of legal topics. Those unable to visit their local library during regularly scheduled hours can contact our Calgary location Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. via phone (toll free) at 866-448-6148 or through an online Ask a question service:   http://www.lawlibrary.ab.ca/contact/ask_a_question.php
    Alberta Law Libraries aren’t staffed by lawyers, which reduces the intimidation people often feel coming in to a law library. But it also means self-represented litigants can’t turn to ALL for legal advice, cautions Thornton.
    “If you want to read the text of a law, we’ll show you the book, if you want to read commentary on a specific legal topic, we’ll help you find it; if you want to look up cases on a specific point of law, we’ll help you find that too, but we can’t interpret the law for you or tell you how to use it in court.”
    Alberta Law Libraries have a mandate to help make justice more accessible to Albertans. Your questions are welcome. Visit your local Law Library today!