This document discusses legal self-help options and resources for libraries to assist patrons. It outlines that libraries are seeing increasing numbers of pro se patrons who cannot afford lawyers. While libraries cannot provide legal advice, they can provide resources on legal procedures, court processes, and referrals to legal assistance organizations. The document provides an overview of legal assistance resources in Nebraska that libraries can refer patrons to, including self-help centers, legal aid clinics, lawyer referral services, and Nebraska-specific legal websites. It also discusses common legal questions patrons may have and limitations on the assistance libraries can provide.

1. Pro-Se and Librarians: Legal Self Help OptionsBeth Goble, Government Information Services Nebraska Library CommissionJulie Beno, Bennet Martin Public Services Manager Lincoln City LibrariesLaura Johnson, Continuing Education Coordinator Nebraska Library CommissionMary Jo Ryan, Communications Coordinator Nebraska Library CommissionNCompass Live – September 29, 2010

2. What we will Cover TodayIssuesDo’s and Don’tsNebraska Legal Referral ResourcesNebraska Legal Web resourcesLegal questions you may getHelp is on the way—BTOP GrantHandoutwww.nlc.state.ne.us/libdev/ce/prosencompass.html

3. Why Are We Doing This Session?Huge number of e-government services availablePeople can’t afford to hire lawyersIncreasing Pro-Se "for himself" "on one's own behalf" A person who represents himself in court alone without the help of a lawyerIncreasing need for online legal resources

4. Impact on LibrariesALA 2009-10 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Surveyhttp://www.ala.org/ala/research/initiatives/plftas/2009_2010/index.cfm83% of Nebraska Public Libraries provide assistance in accessing e-government68.8 % provide access to jobs databases78% report they offer the only free access to computers and internet in their communitiesExpectation that libraries have access to resources and are able to help people use them

5. Pro-Se Assistance: BackgroundSummit on Nebraska Public and Law Library Resources for Pro Se LitigantsFundamental right of access to the system and system should be accessibleNebraska Supreme Court committee on Pro Se LitigationCounty court cases 55% pro seDistrict court 43%

6. Partnering with Court SystemWhat can we offer customers when they walk through our door?We do not give legal adviceBut we CAN have the attitude “Let’s see what I can offer you”

7. We Can Explain/answer questions about how the court worksProvide names, phone numbers, for lawyer referral servicesProvide contact information for legal aid servicesProvide access to legal information resources

8. We CannotSelect legal forms for customersFill in forms for peopleExplain or interpret the lawGive legal advice Tell people whether to bring a case to courtWhat words to use on court papersWhat to say in courtWhat will happen in court

9. Nebraska Legal Assistancewww.nlc.state.ne.us/libdev/ce/prosencompass.htmlSelf-Help CentersLow Income Legal ServicesLaw School Legal ClinicsLibrariesLawyer ReferralMediation CentersCourt clerks and magistrates

10. Web Resources for Self-HelpLinks on Handoutwww.nlc.state.ne.us/libdev/ce/prosencompass.html

11. Questions and Resourcesquestions about what one can & cannot legally do e.g. "Can my divorced spouse do x with the kids without my permission?" "If I know my ex-spouse is doing drugs, can I have my kids removed?" "What do I need to do to get custody of my kids?" What are my visitation rights for my children, who live with my ex? "Can a police officer legally do x when he arrested my son?" "My neighbor & I had a verbal agreement about x and now he's not following his end of the bargain." "My neighbor & I bought a snow blower together, but now he's moving & he wants the snow blower.”

12. Questions … and resourceswww.nlc.state.ne.us/libdev/ce/prosencompass.htmlHow to put a lien on a propertyConcealed weapons law in NebraskaLandlord/TenantForms…divorce, name change, small claims, etc.Living willsSetting up a trustCity ordinances on barking dogs, junk cars, weeds….Appealing my case

13. Help is on the WayLibrary Broadband Builds Nebraska Communitieshttp://www.nlc.state.ne.us/lbbnc/index.html

14. Contact UsBeth Goble, Laura Johnson, Mary Jo RyanNebraska Library Commission1200 N St. Suite 120 Lincoln, NE 68508-2023beth.goble@nebraska.gov 402-471-4017 laura.johnson@nebraska.gov 402-471-2694maryjo.ryan@nebraska.gov 402-471-3434

15. Contact UsJulie BenoLincoln City LibrariesBennett Martin Public Library136 S 14th St, Lincoln, NE 68508-1899j.beno@lincolnlibraries.org 402-441-8535