Librarians across Tennessee offered a LIFT Posted: Wednesday, June 19, 2013 8:00 pm
The Tennessee State Library and Archives regional libraries have partnered with the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS) to train librarians on the use of the new LIFT (Legal Information for Tennesseans) web portal — http://legalinfotn.org.
The trainings have focused on best practices for librarians to use in delivering referral and legal information to patrons through the use of the new legal website resource.
LIFT was developed to provide comprehensive resources on a wide variety of civil legal issues including self-representation, divorce, domestic violence and dating problems, juvenile issues, healthcare, money problems and veterans’ issues.
The project identified libraries as major centers for free Internet use and information gathering.
It also recognized the research expertise of librarians who could serve as natural partners in this initiative.
One significant factor that influenced the development of the LIFT site was the fact that a large majority of younger and rural Tennesseans access the Internet through the use of a mobile device. In response, LIFT was developed using responsive technology that allows the site to “scale” to any device — such as a tablet or smart phone.
This feature means that users don’t have to purchase an app or learn to use an app that is different from the main website.
Obion River Regional Library director Mary Carpenter said she appreciates the training and new collaboration. “Our librarians attend many in-service trainings, and this training provides yet another tool which they’ll be able to use to help their patrons. Going to court and dealing with a legal problem can be so intimidating and this new website is user-friendly and will help people understand how to help themselves.”
The new LIFT website was developed with funding from the Legal Services Corp. and was created by the West Tennessee Legal Services and TALS. Contact Anne Fox at (615) 627-0956 for more information. Published in The Messenger 6.19.13 | 
