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The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on “Older carers of people with learning disabilities: their experiences with local authority assessment processes and personnel” written by Rachel Forrester-Jones.

This commentary considers the experiences of older carers in the context of research, legislative and policy changes over the past 30+ years.

The needs of older carers of adults with learning disabilities are well recognised within the (limited) literature. Less attention has been given to practical strategies to identify and support such carers or to their broader family context.

This commentary highlights that assessors carrying out carers’ needs assessments should consider whether adults with learning disabilities are providing care to their older relative. The recognition of possible mutual or reciprocal care needs to be acknowledged and appropriate support offered.

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to examine factors that may or may not contribute to the adoption of the innovation of virtual worlds by librarians. This chapter shares original, timely information regarding virtual world librarianship that may interest educators, librarians, administrators, and information professionals.

Design/methodology/approach – Using Everett Rogers’ diffusion theory as a framework, the study sought to identify librarians with avatars (computer simulated representations of themselves) in the virtual world of Second Life, specifically those with a rez date (date of creation of the avatar) prior to 2 years of the study. The methodology of this study was a survey adapted to align with Rogers’ five attributes. Research questions guiding the study were the following: (1) What are the most influential of Rogers’ five attributes of diffusion theory for librarians making the decision to adopt virtual worlds as a professional medium? and (2) How are Rogers’ five attributes of diffusion theory relevant to the adoption of virtual worlds when applied to the self-identified stage of adoption of librarians?

Findings – Results of the study revealed a high perception of relative advantage and compatibility with librarianship, a good deal of observation of the innovation, but a lower perception of trialability and complexity.

Practical and social implications – Findings may be useful for understanding factors of adoption, for documentation of the efforts of early adopting librarians, and will lead to a better understanding of the future of virtual world librarianship in an age of rapidly changing technology trends. A better understanding of virtual worlds helps librarians continue to explore new modes of information delivery, new platforms to promote information literacy, and new ways to provide collaborative spaces to patrons.

Originality/value – This chapter shares original, timely information regarding virtual world librarianship during the initial stages of exploration and adoption, which may interest educators, librarians, administrators, and information professionals.

Investigates the differences in protocols between arbitral tribunals and courts, with particular emphasis on US, Greek and English law. Gives examples of each country and its way of using the law in specific circumstances, and shows the variations therein. Sums up that arbitration is much the better way to gok as it avoids delays and expenses, plus the vexation/frustration of normal litigation. Concludes that the US and Greek constitutions and common law tradition in England appear to allow involved parties to choose their own judge, who can thus be an arbitrator. Discusses e‐commerce and speculates on this for the future.