Interested in becoming a member?
Send an email to publiclibraryproject@jud.state.ma.us to express your library's interest in becoming a partner library. Your library must be public and located in Massachusetts.
Technology and Hardware Requirements
In order to becoming a partner library, you will need:
- A device (such as a desktop, laptop, or tablet) with stable internet access, video and audio capabilities, and printer access. Partner libraries may determine what cost, if any, is associated with printing services they provide.
- Headphones and a semi-private or private space available for use during video hearings and chats are preferable, when available.
- Easy link to the A2J website for quick reference on any devices that are made available for use by library patrons seeking to access court services.
Promoting the Initiative
If you would like to promote the Public Library Initiative on your library’s website (or other online presence) as a partner library, please include the following language:
"The [insert library name] is proud to partner with the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries to offer access to virtual court services through the Public Library Initiative. For more information about the virtual services that are available through the Trial Court, please visit the Massachusetts Access to Justice (A2J) resources website."
Please outline any information specific to your library’s offering of services, such as processes for reserving rooms or computers in advance, hours of availability, etc.
Partner libraries may not directly embed any Trial Court content or logo into their website and are asked to link to our services as found on Mass.gov. Our virtual court services and online resources are continually being updated and expanded. This requirement helps to ensure that court users are getting the most up-to-date and accurate information about our virtual court services.
Please submit your proposed website to the Public Library Initiative for review, along with a signed "Acknowledgement of Terms for Partner Libraries". After approval by the Trial Court Law Libraries, you may refer to your library as a “partner library” under the Public Library Initiative.
Press: If you wish to promote the partnership via a press release, media advisory or other means, please contact us for review and approval of any press materials.
Schedule a Training
Schedule a training session with the Public Library Initiative for your staff prior to the launch of services at your location to learn more about our virtual court resources.