Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/87421
iPad technology hits a sweet spot, generating excitement and curiosity among lawyers. The second was a series of tips, distributed to all lawyers via email on a regular schedule. My skills as a research librarian came in handy as I put together the "Apps for Lawyers" guide, since I needed to do it before I actually had an iPad in hand. After acquainting myself with recommendations, lists and guides produced by lawyers and other law librarians, I narrowed my selections down to about 25 apps likely to be of interest to practicing attorneys in a law firm setting. My library-branded guide was divided into categories, including Legal Research, News and Company Information, Productivity, and Reference. Apps were annotated with brief descriptions, prices, images of their screen icons and links to the iTunes App Store or other download sites. I've updated the list a few times since then, but many of my original choices remain. I plan to review and revise "Apps for Lawyers" about every six months to ensure the information is accurate and current. The more labor-intensive and more rewarding iPad initiative was to start and sustain a series of weekly tips sent to all attorneys via email. Soon after the iPads were distributed, I sent out my first iPad tip of the week: an overview of the Fastcase app with a brief description of the app's content, some instructions on getting set up and how to use the app's basic features. I also included a quick "just for fun" tip about using the Kindle app to access Kindle books via the iPad. 62 AALL/ILTA White Paper I try to vary the content in the tips of the week so they're useful to both beginners and advanced users. I also alternate between providing "how to" tips (e.g., how to use the device's advanced email features), app comparisons (e.g., comparing three PDF reader apps), in-depth reviews of specific apps (e.g., an examination of the features available from the WestlawNext app) and practical advice (e.g., how to conserve battery power). Some of the most popular tips I've shared have been about nonlegal topics, such as travel-related apps or external keyboards. I also throw in something fun every once in a while, like a review of cooking apps right before Thanksgiving, a best-dressed lawyer tip covering fashion and the ever-popular How To Tie a Tie app. Building Rapport and Respect Attorney response to the tips has been great. I've been with the firm for over 18 years, and I don't think I've ever received as much positive feedback as I have about the iPad tips. I've had great conversations and interactions with lawyers that otherwise never would have happened. This endeavor positioned librarians as the experts on the right thing at the right time. It's been a good lesson in the advantages of identifying a real information need before adopting a new technology. The technology driving the delivery of legal information changes so dramatically and so fast that librarians are often