Final testing is underway for a new service that will allow lawyers to consult law librarians in real time, via chat, over the Internet. The service, Legal Reference Services Inc., began a six-week pilot Feb. 10 with five law firms in New York City. They are using the service for free to help identify any issues or problems that need to be addressed prior to the service being launched more broadly. When it does launch, the service initially will be available 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST Monday through Friday, although its operators hope to build it to 24/7 within a year. LRSI, based in Huntington, N.Y., will operate its site using Virtual Reference Services software, developed by Library Systems and Services Inc.

Photo of Bob Ambrogi Bob Ambrogi

Bob is a lawyer, veteran legal journalist, and award-winning blogger and podcaster. In 2011, he was named to the inaugural Fastcase 50, honoring “the law’s smartest, most courageous innovators, techies, visionaries and leaders.” Earlier in his career, he was editor-in-chief of several legal publications, including The National Law Journal, and editorial director of ALM’s Litigation Services Division.