Dummy Books as guides
LiRN generally prefers electronic access to a title but many lawyers like the traditional print. Some libraries do a mix based upon lawyers’ preferences though budget lines are getting tighter and tighter and duplication is becoming a luxury. Access to e-LiRN expands a library collection substantially with over 500 books now available in electronic form for all lawyers to access.
For example, some of the more popular titles such as Ewaschuk’s Criminal Pleadings and Practice is an expensive, multi-volume set that most libraries cannot afford on their own. You can create a “dummy book” placeholder for this title to draw your lawyers’ attention that they now have access to it via CriminalSource.
You can use an old, empty CPD binder as a dummy placeholder.
Attached is an example from Kenora which purchased some boxes from Amazon and used them to place on the shelves as “dummy books”. They cost $ .55 each and she found them very efficient.
Customized labels for the titles available now on e-LiRN
Print Titles available on e-LiRN – Arranged by Subject
LiRN has assembled a useful resource consolidating all the PRINT TITLES now available via e-LiRN by SUBJECT. Texts available electronically by SUBJECT This List includes Lexis+, Westlaw Source products, vlex, Irwin Law, Emond Criminal Law Series, LSO CPD and CanLII texts. This list is current as of April 2026.
You can use this list to affix vendor labels from Westlaw, Lexis+ and vlex labels that were provided to the network libraries in 2025.
If you have any additional titles electronically, make sure that you include it in your catalogue so lawyers know you have it there.
The idea for custom labels came from a site visit to Renfrew which had created colour-coded labels with the vendor icon to make it easier for lawyers to identify that books were also available via e-LiRN.
- Renfrew created labels for their texts that identify that they are part of the e-LiRN collection, using the appropriate vendor labels. They report that the lawyers find this information handy (and staff have too when reviewing their collection for new purchases etc.).
- Renfrew’s presentation of their innovation which includes photos: Renfrew’s innovations for LiRN’s roving librarian
- Renfrew photo of labels using Avery Multi Purpose labels (2314) 1 x 3 inch
Templates for Avery labels:
Avery Multipurpose Label – VLEX Avery Multipurpose Label – TR Westlaw Avery Multipurpose Label – Lexis Nexis
Dymo Labelwriter
Do you have a Dymo labelmaker in your library? It’s a favourite librarian tool! If you buy one, buy lots of labels, you will be amazed how many things you will find it helpful for 😉 It can be found at Staples and other suppliers.
It can be used to create custom labels indicating that a loose-leaf is not longer up-to-date (include the date the subscription ended) and a variety of other uses in a library.
Brother Label Maker
Dufferin labels cords and other electronic devices and has found it saves them time and helps deter lawyers from accidentally taking devices, etc. home. The texture of the labels is better suited for electronic device labels but any label is helpful.
Labels Received from the Great Library for your newly Catalogued Books
Please see the page for Cataloguing for label information, labels to purchase and templates.