Overview
As do many other professionals, attorneys require
both specialized and general information. The
highly sophisticated electronic information storage
and retrieval systems available for researching
the law are extremely complex. Sometimes this
complexity creates problems for information seekers
and can limit their access to relevant information.
For this reason, many lawyers rely on knowledgeable
information professionals to obtain the information
they seek.
To prepare working professionals for a new career
or advancement in legal information management,
Emporia State University and the libraries of the University of
Kansas School of Law and Washburn University School of Law collaborate to offer a legal information management certificate.
The objective of the program is to prepare knowledgeable
information professionals who can identify, retrieve,
repackage, and reorganize information required
in legal research and case preparation. Certificate holders are qualified to work
in a variety of academic and nonacademic professional
settings, including law firms, corporate law departments,
and government agencies. They are also qualified
to practice as information brokers and entrepreneurs
in established and emerging markets.
“The legal information management program
is an exciting proposition and an excellent door-opener
for anyone interested in getting into the field
of law librarianship.”
--Marie Mack, JD, MLS, Emporia State University
(1999); Academic Account Manager, West Group
“I wish the legal information management
program had been in place when I was going through
school. I see program graduates as having job
opportunities in the court system and in county,
state, law firm, and academic law libraries.”
--Kaaren Pupino, Head of Technical Services,
Thormodsgard Law Library, University of North
Dakota; Graduate, Emporia State School of Library
and Information Management (1996)
The Program
The program blends knowledge of law with knowledge
of information management to produce information
professionals who provide client-centered information
services for the legal profession.
The program was developed for a national audience
because of its unique approach and need. Courses
are delivered using a combination of face-to-face
and Internet-based methods. Many courses are delivered
solely via the Internet.
All face-to-face classes occur in an intensive
weekend format especially suited for working professionals.
Classes meet Friday evening, all day Saturday,
and Sunday morning, once or twice a semester.
The certificate is awarded by Emporia State University and may be earned in conjunction with a Master of Library Science degree. Persons already holding a Master of Library Science degree, a Juris Doctorate, or a Master of Business Administration may apply for admission to the certificate program.
Delivery of Courses
Classes for the certificate
program are delivered in formats designed for
students who work full time. Many courses will
be offered as Internet courses.
The courses are offered in Lawrence on the University
of Kansas campus, in Topeka at the Washburn University School of Law, and at the ESU MetroLearning Center in Overland Park, Kansas.
Application for admission
Students wishing admission to the certificate program only must apply by May 15 of each year. Students accepted for admission to the certificate program only will start classes in the fall semester of each year. Students wishing to complete the certificate as part of the Master of Library Science degree program may apply for admission at any time.
For more information, contact Daniel Roland, droland@emporia.edu
, or at 800-552-4770.
