Dear Colleague,

The legal landscape as we knew it has changed. Organizations and individuals are facing decisions they never thought possible, coupled with an economic downturn that has affected many of our personal assets negatively. But no group is more resourceful than law librarians, and this issue highlights some no-nonsense advice about what to do when the unexpected happens.

Happily, the first impulse of many of our professional colleagues is to reach out (rather than retreat behind a personal wall), and that is a benefit to all of us. Read how Christine Sellers created a blog with resources for laid-off librarians to learn about technology and job opportunities. Just as important, she envisioned a community for colleagues who have been cut off from their organizations.

In our "Professional Edge" column, Charlene Cunniffe gives some preemptive advice for all law librarians to follow on a daily basis. Again, rather than lament her recent job loss, she mobilized, and she offers many tips for making any transition easier. Our personal and work lives are often intertwined, and sticky issues may arise when a separation occurs. To facilitate networking and your next professional step in any environment, follow her practical advice for keeping your records up-to-date.

Craig Eastland, our librarian relations manager based in Boston, continues his series on the financial crisis. Previously you read his overview of the underpinnings of economic decisions made across several industries. Here he explains the effects of the series of developments, some psychology behind them, and the results in the markets. What's next? Read on!

Whether you are interested in transactional work or litigation, forms are an essential time-saver for every busy professional. FormFinder in Westlaw® offers easier access to national and state-specific form collections, eforms, and official forms of various federal agencies. An easy-to-use search template is all you need to get the right form, as well as the related analytical material you have come to expect from West editors. Take a peek behind the scenes for insights from those responsible for FormFinder.

Even in troubled times, we can be confident that law librarians will continue to be connected, tech-savvy professionals who know the value of a good network. Remember that summer law librarian conferences, such as the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Annual Meeting in July, are a great way to keep in touch and further your professional development. Even if you're unable to attend, our associations offer a wealth of assistance and resources.

Sincerely,

Lori Hedstrom