Cleveland Law Library Weblog

Celebrating CLEVNET!

 

On this day, 40 years ago, CLEVNET was created. What started as a small consortium between the Cleveland Public Library and the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, has expanded across Ohio. Today, CLEVNET has 47 member libraries that operate in 12 counties and proudly serve nearly one million people across Northeast Ohio. The CLEVNET system benefits libraries and patrons, alike. Through this partnership, CLEVNET libraries can share cataloging services, administration, computer equipment, professional support, and consolidate their circulation. As a patron of a CLEVNET library, you can access the vast collections of every participating library, that is over 12 million items at your fingertips. CLEVNET has been vital to the library ecosystem of Northeast Ohio. The Cleveland Law Library has been a proud member of CLEVNET since 1985. We are here to congratulate CLEVNET on this momentous milestone! Here’s to another 40 years!

Legal Aid Cleveland: 120 Years of Justice

The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland marked its 120th Founders Day on June 12, recognizing individuals who consistently support its mission of providing access to justice. The organization has significantly expanded since 2005, growing from 55 to 145 staff members, including 75 lawyers. This expansion has fueled a 44% increase in clients and cases served, with Legal Aid handling 9,700 cases annually. This enhanced capacity directly helps more people stay in their homes, manage their finances, and ensure personal and family safety. Check out the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland's website for additional information on services, volunteer sign-ups, and giving opportunities.

 

Spotlight on the Supreme Court's Law Library

In celebration of National Library Week, Court News Ohio recognizes the Supreme Court of Ohio’s Law Library for its vital role within the Court and across the state. Housed on the upper floors of the Moyer Judicial Center, the library boasts a rich collection of legal and historical texts, along with a grand Reading Room and multiple murals. The library staff helps with everything from in-depth legal research to genealogical inquiries. They're celebrating Library Week with games, food, and fun displays— check it out!

Cleveland Public Library to Digitize Massive News Archive

According to a news article from thelandcle.org, the Cleveland Public Library has accepted custody of 250,000 news stories on 16mm film, magnetic tape video, reel-to-reel audio and glass phono-discs from the Northeast Ohio Broadcast Archives. The collection includes news from after World War II through the late 1980s. Up until 2023, John Carroll University has served as the custodian for these records. Kudos to CPL for its initiative to digitize these historic records!

Jury Duty Explained In Videos Provided By The Ohio Supreme Court

The Ohio Supreme Court has provided the courts of Ohio with educational videos that can be utilized to inform people who have been summoned for jury duty of their role in the judicial system. One video describes the jury process for criminal and civil trials (petit juries), while the other video describes the jury process for a grand jury. Both videos begin and conclude with remarks by Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy of the Ohio Supreme Court.

The video for petit juries provides a description of the Ohio court system and the jury selection process. Jurors will learn about the different stages they will experience, common terms used in a courtroom, courtroom rules, and expected behavior. Jurors will also gain insight into the structure of Ohio courts such as the roles of each court staff member. Jurors will gain a better understanding of court procedures and their overall role as a juror.

The video for grand juries provides an explanation on the responsibilities of a grand jury. The video repeatedly advises jurors that they will not find someone guilty or innocent; instead, they will be determining if there’s enough evidence to charge the accused. Those watching the video will gain better knowledge of the history of the grand jury, including their oath of secrecy. This video also provides jurors with common terms and phrases that may be used in court. 

Each video was produced by the Ohio Judicial Conference, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Supreme Court of Ohio and Ohio Government Telecommunications. The videos can be found on the Ohio Channel’s website. Their overall goals for each video are to provide an educational resource for the judges and courtrooms in Ohio and to better inform the public on the importance of jurors in the judicial system.

The Cleveland Law Library is Celebrating National Library Week

Happy National Library Week! The theme for NLW this year is "Connect with Your Library," and the Cleveland Law Library will be celebrating all week. To connect with our members both in person and online, we created 5 original library word games that can be enjoyed at the Law Library or online at this link on our web site. Help us recognize our staff for their professionalism and work ethic tomorrow, April 5th, on National Library Workers Day. We will also be offering light snacks and refreshments on Wednesday, April 6th, the day that we are open to the public. However, the highlight of our celebrations will include a virtual book discussion with Wendy Koile at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, April 7th. Wendy Koile is the author of Lake Erie Murder & Mayhem, a fascinating exploration of crimes which occurred on and around the shores of Lake Erie. This book discussion is perfect for readers who enjoy history and true crime. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Click here to go directly to the registration page.

The Cleveland Law Library's Display Case is Celebrating Women's History Month

The Cleveland Law Library is celebrating Women's History Month this March with a display cabinet dedicated to famous women authors. Highlights include a tribute to Margaret Mitchell, the author of Gone with the Wind, and former First Lady Michelle Obama, the author of Becoming. Stop in to check out our display. In addition, in 2016, the Cleveland Law Library launched its series of Virtual Displays with information on Prominent Female Lawyers In Ohio And Cleveland History.

Happy Twosday (2/22/22)-The Only Palindrome This Year

Happy Twosday-2/22/22. Today is the only palindrome we will experience this year. A palindrome is a word or number that is the same when read backward and forward. The last palindrome we experienced was about 10 years ago on 11/11/11. Some people might consider today lucky.