BC Library Conference: Clicklaw Featured in Another Puzzle

Spreading the word about Clicklaw

Last week Clicklaw was featured in a jigsaw puzzle as part of the launch of our LawStartBC campaign.

LawStartBC Crossword Puzzle

This week Clicklaw was featured in another puzzle: a crossword puzzle that highlighted our LawStartBC display table at the 2010 BC Library Conference. The conference, held in Penticton this year, brings together librarians from across BC, from all types of libraries — public libraries, academic and schoool libraries, and special libraries (such as ourselves at Courthouse Libraries BC, where we like to think it’s a good thing to be called “special”).

A highlight of the conference was an award presented to the Law Foundation of BC for its support of public legal information and in particular our LawMatters program at Courthouse Libraries BC. Nominated by Surrey Public Library, the Law Foundation won the Keith Sacré Library Champion Award, presented to an individual, organization or business that has a record of support of libraries, literacy, and public access to information.

Mary Mouat accepting the Library Champion Award on behalf of the Law Foundation of BC, with Drew and Janet of Courthouse Libraries BC

With our LawMatters program at Courthouse Libraries, we work with over 240 public libraries across BC to assist them in providing current legal information, including print versions of many of the plain language materials that are available through Clicklaw. We also provide training to public library staff to enhance their ability to answer legal reference questions from the public.

More photos from the BC Library Conference 2010:

Law Day 2010: Photos, Questions, and Puzzles

Spreading the word about Clicklaw
Jamie and Gordon from Clicklaw contributor organizations Access Pro Bono and Peoples Law School

At Law Day 2010, we launched LawStartBC, a new promotion campaign from Courthouse Libraries BC. LawStartBC features Clicklaw, the HelpMap, LawMatters and Courthouse Libraries as four “pieces of the puzzle” for legal information and assistance for the public in BC.

At Law Day in Vancouver on Saturday there was a great tone to the day, with lots of community connections and questions from the public. A sampling:

  • I’m an aspiring filmmaker; I want to learn about copyright and how to protect my rights to the films I’m making
  • My wife & I are separating, and I don’t qualify for legal aid but can’t afford a lawyer; are there other options for legal help?
  • What can I do about people trespassing on my property?
  • What are the rules for holding a contest with prizes?
  • I need to probate a relative’s estate; where do I start?

This last question is actually the most popular “common question” on Clicklaw: “I am the executor of my mother’s will and am doing the work myself“. There are now 100 common questions on Clicklaw, and more coming as the site continues to evolve.

We weren’t the only ones fielding questions; the Attorney General was among those fielding some challenging questions during one of the public forums. More photos from Law Day 2010 here.