This week, the Robert S. Marx Law Library joins libraries nationwide in celebrating the many ways libraries lead their communities through the transformative services, programs and expertise they offer. April 8-14 is National Library Week, an annual celebration of the life-changing work of libraries, librarians and library workers. Libraries aren’t just places to borrow books or study—they’re also creative and engaging community centers where people can collaborate using new technologies and develop their skills and passions.

Libraries of all types have long been evolving to meet the needs of the communities they serve. Diverse groups including elected officials, small business owners and students depend upon libraries and the resources they offer. Resources like e-books and technology classes, materials for English-language learners and programs for job seekers are just a few ways libraries and librarians are transforming to lead their communities. Community members can also develop their own leadership skills at the library, with endless opportunity to build skills and confidence through resources and programming.

At the Robert S. Marx Law Library we are leading by providing access to e-books and other e-resources; making faculty scholarship available through our digital repository (154,207 downloads and counting); online legal research guides that are available 24/7; video tutorials on legal research for a variety of subjects that are available 24/7; and expert instruction in finding and using legal resources no matter what the format. The library helps lead our community by advocating for widespread access to crucial services and lifelong learning. Libraries level the playing field for people of any age who seek information and access to technologies to improve their quality of life.

Libraries also offer something unique to their communities, the expertise of individual librarians. Librarians assist patrons in using increasingly complex technology and sorting through the potentially overwhelming mass of information bombarding today’s digital society. This is especially crucial when access to reliable and trustworthy data is more important than ever.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. For more information, visit us on the third floor of the College of Law, call 513-556-556-3016 or see the library’s Web site at http://law.uc.edu/library. Libraries hours are Monday -Thursday 8:00AM – 10:00PM, Friday 8:00AM – 5:00PM, Saturday 9:00AM – 5:00PM, and Sunday: 10:00AM – 5:00PM. Law students, faculty, and staff have 24/7 access to the library and its many resources.