New Faces in the Library

I would like to devote this blog posting to the recognition of new faces here at our Charlotte School of Law Library.  Perhaps you have recently noticed some new faces as you’ve drifted past the reference desk during the last week.

Last week our new full-time Reference Librarian Corey Lenz began working here at the law library. Corey hails from Connecticut and his new office is located next to the reference desk. I can’t say much more about his background as he will soon be posting a short autobiographical introductory blog posting so I won’t spoil the fun!

In addition to our newest full-time member Corey Lenz, the reference department has also gained two part-time Reference Librarians, Shannon Fitzpatrick and Betty Thomas.

Shannon is a recent Juris Doctor graduate and is considering obtaining her Master of Library Science. We hope her experience at the law library will contribute positively to helping her make this decision about her career.

Betty is a recent Master of Library Science graduate who does not have a Juris Doctor but has considerable experience in academic libraries. Betty is currently familiarizing herself with legal sources and mastering our collection.

Again, I won’t give away too much info regarding their unique backgrounds so you will just have to keep your eyes peeled for their up and coming blog postings!  Feel free to stop by the reference desk and say hi to our new staff whenever you find yourself in the library.

~Leanna Fitzgerald~

More Reference Team Fun…

Fall 2011 will witness the launch of a new Library Research Instruction component to CSL’s Lawyering Process (“LP”) program. The Reference department has risen to the new challenges facing CSL in accommodating a large entering class. The Reference department has opted to forego traditional face to face instruction formats for new innovative electronic based learning formats that build on CSL’s emphasis on practice ready skills.

To achieve this purpose, the Reference team is currently creating a series of online demonstrations of legal research concepts and further enhancing the Library’s TWEN page with these online research tutorials. Expect to see plenty LP students in the library this fall as they mill about in the collection looking for the correct resources to complete the Research Exercise that has been chosen for them by members of the Reference team in conjunction with the LP faculty. Rather than remain isolated in the classroom, LP students will find themselves embroiled in adventure in the stacks.

Wish them good luck and feel free to lend them a helping hand by pointing them to the nearest Reference Librarian!

~Leanna Fitzgerald~

Reference Summer News

This summer is turning out to be pretty busy at Charlotte Law Library! Even as I write this I cant help but feel that I should be working on the multiple tasks that I have been assigned to do this week.

The Reference staff is in the process of updating our library research instruction curriculum for the new term. We are also updating the Reference Manual, pro se patron information handouts and various LibGuides. Additionally, I am working on our Interlibrary Loan procedures.

Lots of fun! I could tell you more but it might be too exciting for you. Stay tuned for more juicy Reference tidbits!  Cheers!

~Leanna Fitzgerald~

Stop by and say hi to Leanna!

I joined Team Charlotte as a Reference Librarian in November of 2010. I am a native Floridian and I grew up on a ranch in the Space Coast area before moving to South Florida to finish my education at Florida Atlantic University. I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida Atlantic University while working as an Organic Chemistry tutor and a substitute teacher for Broward County. After completing my Bachelor of Arts degree I worked for a local tax law firm in Fort Lauderdale and studied for the LSAT exam. I attended law school at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During law school I worked for the South Florida Water Management District; a regional governmental agency that oversees the water resources in the southern half of the state, as an academic extern. After graduating from law school I enrolled in the Master of Library Science program at the University of South Florida in order to obtain my Master of Library Science degree. While studying for my MLS degree I was employed full time as an Interlibrary Loan and Circulation Specialist for St. Thomas Law Library in Miami Gardens, Florida. I enjoy traveling and I have participated in a study abroad program. I also have backpacked across Europe several times. I have a small dog that I am incredibly fond of, my pomeranian, Leo. I am a freelance writer and I also love dancing, particularly salsa, samba, and various forms of Latin dancing. I am excited to find myself living in Charlotte and I look forward to making my home in the Carolinas.

-Leanna Fitzgerald-