Legal Reference
Though legal issues can feel intimidating for library staff, public libraries are well positioned to help patrons with civil legal questions by providing more access points to legal information and services. A wide range of resources and examples are available to help support library staff in both connecting with local and regional experts, and developing their own skills in answering these essential reference questions.
Eviction Resources for Libraries: A new collection of resources focused on strengthening library staff’s ability to respond to eviction questions with confidence. We’ve summarized highlights from this focus on eviction in Libraries Learn from Eviction Focus, with what we’ve learned about eviction and how libraries can help.
Learn more about WebJunction’s project with Legal Services Corporation, Improving Access to Civil Legal Justice through Public Libraries, and access the free four-part course series, Creating Pathways to Civil Legal Justice, available in the WebJunction Course Catalog.
Most Recently Added
Closing Equity Gaps with Community Partnerships: Key Resources from WebJunction
Publish Date: News / 17 May 2022
At the Public Library Association’s 2022 conference, Dr. Audrey Barbakoff gave a talk on "Digital equity through community partnerships," in which she discussed how community partnerships can be building blocks for sustainable digital inclu...
New Justice Gap Study Confirms Problem Persists
Publish Date: News / 10 May 2022
The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) released a far-reaching new report on the crisis in civil legal aid, The Justice Gap: The Unmet Civil Legal Needs of Low-income Americans, in April 2022.
Libraries Learn from Eviction Focus
Publish Date: News / 8 February 2022
As a continuation of the Improving Access to Civil Legal Justice initiative, WebJunction focused on the eviction crisis, developing resources that strengthen library staff’s ability to respond to eviction questions with confidence and help close the ...
Libraries and Eviction: Further Questions and Answers
Publish Date: Webinar / 12 January 2022
WebJunction offered another special session to provide you with the opportunity to share questions and experiences about how your library is assisting patrons facing eviction.
Successful Partnership Model Provides Legal Assistance Across Colorado
Publish Date: News / 16 December 2021
Ric Morgan is a humble man who brushes off any accolades to himself and gives all the credit to librarians. “Go give the librarians a hug. Thank the librarians, they’re the ones who make this all possible!” Morgan is referring to successes of the Vir...
Libraries and Eviction: Continuing the Conversation
Publish Date: Webinar / 8 December 2021
Building on a recent webinar, this special interactive session provides an opportunity for attendees and guest panelists to share questions and experiences about how libraries are assisting patrons facing eviction.
Understanding Eviction and How Libraries Can Help
Publish Date: Webinar / 18 November 2021
Learn how you and your library can better connect people to eviction-related information and services.
Eviction Resources for Libraries
Publish Date: News / 17 November 2021
Housing insecurity is widespread, in part due to unemployment and related financial issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. The civil legal process of eviction is complex and can be confusing to renters and landlords alike. People experiencing eviction ...
Glossary of Eviction Terms
Publish Date: News / 4 November 2021
This glossary defines key terms in the eviction process in plain English.
Five Phases of Eviction
Publish Date: News / 4 November 2021
While the details of the eviction process are determined by state, county or local laws, the general phases of eviction are consistent. This document provides an excellent overview, with particular attention to the earlier phases when eviction is mor...
