ABSTRACT
Academic law libraries are normally part of a university library and will be very much influenced by the policies of the parent institution. The law librarian enjoys the benefit of having other professionally qualified colleagues. Academic law librarians often have greater involvement with academics, through involvement in the law school than many of their librarian colleagues with other subject responsibilities. Freelance legal information specialists play an important role in supporting legal work in a wide range of organizations. This chapter presents a case study that describes what is involved in being a freelancer, and how an effective freelancer will typically approach their role. A number of trends have affected the role of freelancers. As online resources have spread to fee earners’ desktops, the demand for training and advice on these resources has increased. Freelance life is attractive in many ways: it can provide more variety, the chance to develop a wider range of skills and greater potential flexibility.
