Criminal Law Library BlogJimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, is widely celebrated for his humanitarian efforts and steadfast commitment to global peace. Yet, beyond the halls of politics and diplomacy, Carter has carved out an extraordinary legacy as a man of letters—a poet, novelist, memoirist, and philosopher whose works illuminate the depth of his intellect and the compassion of his soul. He published 32 books. Through his poetry, he reflects on the natural beauty of his beloved Georgia and the universal struggles of humanity. His novels and memoirs weave together personal experiences and historical narratives, offering readers both intimate glimpses into his life and profound meditations on the human condition. As a philosopher, Carter’s writings are infused with moral clarity, challenging readers to contemplate the values of justice, faith, and service. In his December 30, 2024 article in the New York Times, Jimmy Carter: Poet, Novelist, Memoirist, and Philosopher, Rick Rojas explores these dimensions of Carter’s life, presenting him as an artist of words whose literary contributions stand as a testament to a life devoted not only to leadership but also to reflection and expression.
Articles Posted in Library News and Views
Achieve Your Professional Goals in 2025 Through AALL
The new year is the perfect time to set and achieve your professional development goals. By focusing on small, actionable steps, you can grow your education and enhance your professional skills. Here are some opportunities offered by the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) to inspire your 2025 journey:
- Nominate yourself or a colleague for a 2025 AALL Award.
- Apply to lead as the next editor of AALL Spectrum when the call opens on January 28, 2025.
News Briefs and Decision Summaries from the NJSBA, December 23, 2024
These News Briefs and Decision Summaries are from the the New Jersey State Bar Association. They are an exclusive benefit of the Association in partnership with the New Jersey Law Journal. A subscription may be necessary to access the full text of some of the items listed
NEWS BRIEFS:
Temporary Fix to Public Notice Law Easily Approved in NJ Senate
The Golden Years, How Americans Invented and Resisted Old Age: a Review
Chappell, James. The Golden Years, How Americans Invented and Resisted Old Age. Basic Books, 2024 (publication date November 19, 2024).
Chappell shines a light on the early idealistic efforts to repair lives disrupted by war and slavery in the post-Civil War era. These movements, though ambitious, were thwarted by political deadlock and systemic inequalities. The author paints a vivid picture of how old-age support became a prominent issue, yet remained mired in compromises that excluded many, particularly African Americans. The 1935 Social Security Act—a cornerstone of the New Deal—marked a turning point, but its benefits were initially restricted to industrial workers, leaving agricultural and domestic laborers, disproportionately Black, on the sidelines.
News From the Informed Librarian Online
December, 2024.
WHAT’S NEW:
*” The Informed Librarian Online is partnering with Emerald Publishing to bring you full-text access to Emerald’s library journals. At all times you have free access to all of the Emerald journals and the backfiles of these titles. You can read them, print them, and search for articles at their site. To view and link to the titles, go to <https://www.informedlibrarian.com/emeraldaccess.cfm>
The Potential Impact of Forced Chrome Divestiture on Legal Research in Law Libraries: Some Thoughts
The Justice Department’s potential move to compel Google to sell its Chrome browser could significantly reshape the digital landscape, with direct and indirect consequences for the ability of law libraries to utilize computer-assisted legal research (CALR) to serve patrons effectively. This essay explores how such a divestiture might affect CALR resources, access, and functionality, while also considering implications for law libraries’ broader operational frameworks.
- Changes in Browser Compatibility with CALR Platforms
Most computer-assisted legal research tools, such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Bloomberg Law, are optimized for popular web browsers, including Chrome. Google Chrome’s dominance in the browser market (approximately 60% as of recent statistics) has led developers to prioritize compatibility with Chrome over other browsers. If Chrome’s ownership changes, there is a possibility that its development priorities, security protocols, or support for certain legal research tools could shift. This could necessitate costly adjustments by CALR providers and law libraries.
David Badertscher Retired Law Librarian Honored at the 14th Annual FellowshipLIFE Foundation Gala
David Badertscher Honored at the 14th Annual FellowshipLIFE Foundation Gala
David Badertscher, a resident of Fellowship Village in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and former resident of Westfield, and publisher of the Criminal Law Library Blog was honored at the 14th Annual FellowshipLIFE Foundation Gala. The event took place at the Heidrich Hotel in New Brunswick, where David was recognized with the following citation:
David Badertscher, Fellowship Village Gala Honoree Citation:
Bridging the Gap Between Law School and Legal Practice
An AALL/Bloomberg Partner Webinar.
November 19, 2025 at 1:00PM (CST).
“Participants will hear from research experts at Bloomberg Law as they present the survey findings and discuss how Bloomberg Law is equipping students with the necessary tools and knowledge for successful legal careers. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and learn how to better prepare law school students for the challenges of the legal profession.”
The Future of Law Librarianship: AI as a Powerful Ally
Although retired as an active law librarian, I try to keep up with current developments by maintaining memberships in AALL, SLA, ABA, and maintaining contacts with friends currently active in the profession. I also have been publishing articles on the Criminal Law Library Blog since 2007 on various subjects, including those related to law, law librarians, and artificial intelligence.
I am grateful to have been able to maintain all of these relationships through the years and hope the below article will help my professional colleagues realize the potential of AI as a powerful ally. In my view, AI has the potential to revolutionize the services provided by law librarians through various means including those outlined below.
- Enhanced Legal Research
The Evolution of AI in Law Libraries
Law libraries are undergoing a transformation fueled by Artificial Intelligence (AI). While AI isn’t replacing librarians, it’s becoming a powerful tool that’s changing how legal research is conducted and how libraries serve their patrons.
The history of artificial intelligence in law libraries is a fascinating journey marked by technological evolution, legal industry demands, and the gradual integration of advanced tools to support legal research, information management, and decision-making processes. Here’s a historical overview of this subject:
Early Beginnings and Development