Modern Library: Value of the Business Case

By Michael Feit | Best Practices

Sep 21

The Modern Library evolves and shifts as needs of the firm or organization change. By being proactive to change, the law library brings added value to the firm or organization. A well-developed business case responding to changes and needs provides solutions to current issues and showcases the value the law library brings to the firm or organization.

Don’t discount what your law library can do. If you are an administrator, be open to considering business cases for new ideas, products, or processes. If you are a librarian or director, think about what solutions or new value the law library can bring.

In your business case, include the factors driving the reason for the proposed idea. Be specific, and clearly state what problem you are solving. Include a financial review with comparables. If there are several options, state each, but include your recommendation and the back-up for it. Surveying or interviewing current or potential users or recipients of this proposed idea can bring value to your business case.

Budget season can serve as an optimal time to deliver business cases. As you develop your budgets, include business cases for budget increases or changes. In short, a law library that presents well-planned business cases not only impacts the bottom line in the long run, but also showcases the value of the law library, transforming it into a Modern Library.

 

About the Author

Michael Feit earned his J.D. from the Loyola University School of Law in Chicago and was an executive at Westlaw before founding Feit Consulting 16 years ago. Feit Consulting partners with law firm administrators and legal information professionals to optimize vendor contracts and the management and delivery of legal information resources by providing leading-edge, customized solutions. Contact Michael at mike@feitconsulting.com