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Ask the Lawyer provides members timely input on human resources, intellectual property, digital rights management, vendor contracts, first amendment, civil rights, employment law, and other legal issues that can impact library operations. Each of the nine library councils hosts a question submission form for their members. Find forms here:

CDLC   CLRC   LILRC   METRO   NNYLN   RRLC   SCRLC   SENYLRC   WNYLRC

This service is available to provide answers to basic questions regarding archives and special collections. This service is staffed by archivists at several of the Councils of the Empire State Library Network (ESLN). The staff will provide advice to colleagues on all aspects of archival work, such as processing, preservation, reference, acquisition, appraisal, and digital projects. We invite all your questions on archives and special collections, big or small.

Ask Us 24/7 is an Internet-based virtual text chat service connecting information seekers with librarians, available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. The service is staffed by librarians from around the State; after hours are staffed by librarians across the various time zones.  Although information seekers will not necessarily be chatting with a librarian from their home library or community, they will receive assistance from a librarian who can help.