Law library outreach and relevancy in the age of artificial intelligence: A first-time AALL attendee’s takeaways

This year was my first time attending AALL, having started as a Librarian at the Syracuse University College of Law Library last November. I had an incredible time at AALL while participating in engaging conversations, informative sessions, and countless opportunities to learn from peers and experts in the field. My main takeaways are the challenge (and importance) of maintaining library relevance in the age of AI alongside the growing impact of artificial intelligence on legal research.

As an academic librarian with a focus on emerging technologies and reference services, I attended many events focused on AI and legal information technologies. There were many sessions, roundtables, and other related workshops to choose from. At the Exhibit Hall, I met several vendors and learned how niche areas are integrating AI tools into their products. AI in law librarianship is not limited to large, multi-purpose legal databases; I saw first-hand how it is being added to everything from market research to court docket providers.

I also attended programs that explored the growing importance of passive outreach for engaging students. Engaging students is a top priority of an academic librarian, especially in the age of AI. We need to recenter the library as a key component in teaching and researching the effective, efficient, and ethical uses of artificial intelligence in law. Information and AI literacy is more important than ever, and passive outreach can remind students that the library is a supportive environment that can help them navigate coursework, internships, and the practice of law beyond campus.

Casey E. Orr

Reference & Emerging Technologies Librarian

Syracuse University College of Law