by Michele Gernhardt As a relatively nascent law librarian, I felt some intimidation over the prospect of attending an AALL Annual Meeting. The cost, time commitment and travel involved can be overwhelming for a first-time attendee. This year, the convenient location, a generous VALL grant, and a fantastic roommate provided the opportunity and incentive I...Read More

by Fred Dingledy This year’s AALL Annual Meeting and Conference was held in Washington, D.C., which not only proved a convenient location for VALL members, but also gave conference-goers a chance to meet their U.S. Representatives and Senators as a part of the 2009 Day on the Hill, sponsored by the AALL Government Relations office....Read More

by Isabel Paul Back when my employer was economically disposed and generous enough to fund my attendance at the AALL Annual Meeting, it was understood that I would be gaining knowledge of some value to the library. Fortunately, I could always uphold more than my end of the bargain, and, as the 102nd Annual Meeting...Read More

by Robert L. Davis, III One of the benefits of being a DC resident is that I walk everywhere. By the time I walk to a metro-rail stop I am halfway to my destination. So, I just keep on walking. Since I love to walk I usually dress casually and comfortably. Dressing casually was somewhat...Read More

by Robert L. Davis, III In my personal life I often advise folks who are seeking anything to “go for it!” and “don’t let them tell you ‘no’.” But I have neglected to do that for myself and my library. Sure, I was trying to be altruistic and give librarians who were new to the...Read More

Dear Leanne and Fred, Just a quick note to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to attend AALL this past week as VALL's VIP guest. It was a wonderful experience! I learned so much, made many new professional acquaintances and connections, and came away tremendously impressed with the state of law librarianship as...Read More

OPERATIONAL SUPPLIES: Location Quantity Date batteriesbook trucksboots, rubberbrooms, regularbrooms with squeegeescleaning compoundsextension cords (3-wire, grounded, 50 feet)first aid kitsflashlightsfungicide (Lysol)garbage bagsgenerator, portableidentification badgeslight sticks, chemicallights, shopmop bucketsmopsplastic sheetingprotective masks and glovesscissorsshovelwalkie-talkieswet/dry vacuum(s) PACKING SUPPLIES: boxes, cardboard bread trays, plastic buckets freezer or waxed paperhoses, waterlabels, adhesivesmilk crates, plasticnotepadspacking slipspens/pencilsplastic sheetingscissorstape, filament DRYING SUPPLIES:clothesline (30lb monofilament...Read More

Ready, Set, Preserve—Redux!Sally Wambold, University of Richmond Law Libraryfor the VALL Preservation Committee A considerable time ago, the VALL Preservation Committee issued a challenge to the membership to develop a Disaster Preparedness Kit. SOLINET, now Lyrasis, provided a list of items. Preservation and disaster preparedness have two powerful enemies, lack of time and lack of...Read More

The VALL summer meeting will be at Biersch Brewery on Monday, July 27 at 12:30 pm. Please see link below for directions: http://vall.pbworks.com/2009-Summer-MeetingRead More