When we launched the RCLLink eNewsletter, our goal is to keep you in the loop of what is going at the Law Library in Riverside County and link you to relevant news and information that empowers you to do your legal research. In keeping with this goal, beginning with this issue, you will be receiving quarterly updates from your Director. Matters covered will be related to the Law Library collection, programs, services, facilities, and events.

In the past several months since the pandemic shut down in mid-March, we have been focusing our time and energy in transitioning to digital collection, online services, and virtual programs. We are also working towards a complete redesign of the Law Library website and an upgrade of the HVAC and electrical systems of the Victor Miceli Law Library building.

When is the Law Library opening to the public? The short answer is we do not anticipate opening to the public until early Spring. However, if we reopen before that time, it will be by appointment only.  As much as we would like to get back to our normal operations as in pre-Pandemic times, the reality is we have to adapt to our new normal, be continually mindful of our responsibility to keep the health and safety of our staff and library users as top priority, provide you with secured remote access to Law Library’s electronic resources, virtual classes and programs, and facilitate your use of these services in a fiscally responsible and sustainable manner. What have we done so far? During the first quarter of FY 2020-2021, we have made the following transitions:

• Collection Materials Inventory – barcoded the entire print collection in preparation to evaluating the volume of print materials in the Victor Miceli Law Library (withdrawing outdated books, cancelling duplicative and unnecessary print subscriptions, and moving to digital collection for better public access).
• Digital Collection – added Lexis eBooks with remote access and check-out function of secondary sources such as Matthew Bender practice materials and Lexis monographs.
• Legal Databases – added remote access to California cases and statutes on Fastcase, Self-Help Nolo Press titles on Ebsco-Host, Law reviews and historical materials on HeinOnline, and CCH titles on labor and employment, employment safety and health, securities, trade regulation, etc. on Cheetah (Wolters-Kluwer), and a comprehensive California and Federal primary and secondary sources on Westlaw.
• Legal Research Classes – made available virtual classes on how to use Cheetah, Ebsco-Host, Fastcase, Lexis eBooks, and Westlaw.
• Online Reference Service – expanded access to front-desk staff to answer research questions and facilitate patron’s use of legal databases.
• Virtual MCLE Classes – held MCLE classes such as Spotlight on Professional Responsibility & Technology: What Every Legal Team Needs to Know and Hitting the Next Legal Research Gear: How AI-Powered Analytics Can Improve your Litigation Strategy in California State Court Litigation.
• Virtual Public Programming – held free community programs such as Estate Planning: Beyond the Basics, Investigate the Internet, a media literacy program and Ballot Measure Info Session, a voter education program.

In addition, our staff is diligently working on a web design product brief for a completely redesigned Law Library website with integrated web-accessibility compliant features and functionalities, easy to navigate user-interface, and relevant and updated content. We plan to launch the newly redesigned RCLL website in Spring 2021.

We have also started the process of upgrading the library computers in all locations to ensure that we have the technology to support the programs and services that we make available to county residents regardless of their physical location during these times and well into the future.

The Law Library Board of Trustees has committed to move forward with the HVAC and electrical systems upgrade of the Victor Miceli Law Library building. We anticipate the construction work to begin in February 2021.

We remain committed to serving the legal information services of our community and we encourage you all to stay connected with us.  Let us know how we can best assist with your legal research.

Let me take a moment to thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we all safely go about our business in these challenging times and continue to be mindful of our responsibility to protect ourselves and those around us from COVID-19. 

Be safe and stay informed.