RE: Libraries as Repositories - more thought

[Jamie Ewing <tanager96@hotmail.com>]

Dissemination of information to affected communities is a topic of concern for me here in Arkansas.  I think there are EJ issues and other concerns out there, but communitites don't know they are in trouble until there are clusters of unexplained health problems.  Often, by that time it is often too late to help the residents because the facility is closed, causation is hard to prove, etc.

However, our law school library also serves as the county law library and our reference librarians are very knowledgable and willing to help every citizen that visits the library.  I was wondering, for the communities that don't have this luxury, if the prospect of getting materials through an interlibrary loan service (from a law library or university) is feasible.  

Generally, interlibrary loan services only charge for copying or nothing if it is a resource that will stay in the library.  Again the copying fee may be prohibitive, but perhaps this fee can be waived for non-profit organizations(it is for students doing research).  Perhaps engaging Environmental Law Societies (most states have at least one law school with an active chapter) or undergraduate environmental organizations to help get the information to the public also be an idea.  UALR Law School offers a community service certificate at graduation and some undergraduate programs even require a community service project.  Speaking as someone who has not lived in an affected community, but is deeply concerned about these issues, I would encourage local community leaders to look for willing activists that already display their commitment by belonging to student organizations.