As the legal landscape constantly shifts, law libraries must innovate to guarantee equitable access to justice for everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation. This program highlights LAWPods (Legal Access Workspaces), a groundbreaking initiative by the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library that tackles critical barriers like financial constraints, limited transportation, and the digital divide. By placing these standalone, sound-dampening pods in public libraries throughout the county, the program brings essential legal resources and support directly to underserved communities, successfully bridging the justice gap and digital divide. However, the crucial final step is ensuring the public is aware of this valuable resource.

This program will first detail the genesis and implementation of LAWPods, from the initial concept aimed at overcoming access barriers to the crucial partnerships forged with local government and public library systems that secured funding, strategic locations, and essential promotion for the program. Attendees will then learn about key promotional strategies and tangible impacts. This includes promoting LAWPods by distributing branded items at all outreach events and creating informative videos in collaboration with the Harris County Public Library to reach a wider audience. The program will also cover the replicability of the LAWPod model for other libraries, offering a practical guide for leveraging community partnerships, prioritizing accessibility, and fostering innovation within resource constraints. Participants will learn to develop promotion strategies and content, such as specific characters or approaches, that resonate directly with the target demographic of each community.

The program is intended to be a conversation. We will discuss the items and steps we use while encouraging a dialogue. The program will conclude with a Q&A with an invitation to tie the materials to their particular situation. "We have this in my library, how can your model be used?"

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Public Libraries are the primary audience. However, anyone with a great solution to a library problem that needs a method for getting their answer out to the public are welcome. Our LAWPods resolve the issues regarding Access to Justice and the Digital Divide.

TAKEAWAYS:

1. Participants will understand the comprehensive process of planning, securing funding, and implementing effective legal resource access initiatives, using LAWPods as a model, to strategically break down barriers and serve underserved communities.
2. Participants will learn how to overcome common hurdles like funding and accessibility issues by developing actionable strategies and fostering crucial collaborations with community partners to successfully expand and enhance library services for all. 
3. Participants will gain the tools and motivation needed to create innovative programs addressing justice gaps, the digital divide, and the unique deficiencies in their communities, promoting equitable access and empowering vulnerable populations.

SPEAKERS:

• Andrew Bennett, Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library
• Marie Brignac, Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library
• Jacqueline Gutierrez, Harris County Attorney's Office
• Edward Melton, Harris County Public Library

COORDINATOR/SPEAKER:

• Andre Davison, Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library

AALL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE DOMAINS: Teaching + Training, Marketing + Outreach

CANCELLATION AND OTHER POLICIES:

No refunds will be given for any purchased AALL conference recording. This applies to non-AALL members only as the recordings are free for AALL members.

The opinions shared during this program represent the views of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL). Recording, capturing, or using AI tools to duplicate, transcribe, or otherwise reproduce an AALL program in any form is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from AALL. This includes, but is not limited to audio, video, or any other content shared. By accessing an AALL recording, you agree to adhere to this policy.