The job of librarians is to know the resources and services available to patrons regarding legal documents and forms. It is the patron's job to draft his or her own legal documents and to choose a particular form and complete it. It is also the patron's responsibility to determine how and with whom to serve or file a legal document or form.
When helping a patron who is searching for and needs to complete legal forms, librarians:
TRY TO
- Inform patrons about the existence of court approved legal forms
- Show patrons how to navigate a particular website that contains court-approved forms
- Inform patrons of any known legal services groups that are available to help them complete legal forms
- Recommend form books for examples of legal forms
- Suggest books on specific legal topics that may include forms
- Show patrons how to use the index and table of contents for a particular form book
- Point out that annotated codes, legal encyclopedias, and treatises may reference forms relevant to a legal topic
TRY NOT TO
- Prepare legal documents or complete forms for patrons
- Advise patrons on how to fill out forms
- Interpret the language in a form for a patron
- Suggest that a patron use a particular form
(Source: University of South Carolina School of Law)
Using AI Tools to Assist with Legal Questions
Public librarians can guide patrons in using AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to learn about legal topics. This helps patrons access general legal information independently, with librarians providing access and support—rather than interpretation or advice.
Practical Tips
- Use AI as a teaching tool, not a legal advisor
Show patrons how to ask short, clear questions to get general information.
- Help patrons understand legal terms and processes
Guide them to use AI tools for plain-language explanations of legal words and steps.
- Support follow-up questions
Encourage patrons to rephrase or ask again if the first answer isn’t clear.
- Compare responses from different AI tools
Encourage patrons to try more than one tool (like ChatGPT and Gemini) to see how answers may differ—and to think critically about what they read.
What to Keep in Mind
- Explain the limits of AI
Let patrons know AI gives general legal information, not advice for their personal situation.
- Encourage privacy-conscious questions
Suggest patrons avoid typing names, addresses, or other personal details into AI tools.
- Promote verification
Recommend checking AI answers against official websites or with legal aid organizations.
- Use simple disclaimers
Remind patrons that AI may be wrong, outdated, or incomplete—and it is not a substitute for a lawyer.
- Stick to sharing resources
Help patrons find tools and information, but do not interpret laws or give advice.