LexLibris

With exams just around the corner, the Law Library would like to remind you of some useful study aids available through the library’s website: http://local.law.umn.edu/library/home.html

A thorough bibliography of the most current and helpful Treatises, Hornbooks, Nutshells & Study Aids for Law Courses is available at: http://local.law.umn.edu/library/studyaidpubs.html The most recent editions of the books on this list are in the reserve collection, available by request at the circ desk.

Other study aids and information about study facilities, including sample course exams, bar review exams, and conference/study room information, are available at: http://local.law.umn.edu/library/obsolete/tools/studyaids.html

Over 50 research guides and pathfinders have been compiled by the Law Library’s reference librarians. The guides are posted here: http://local.law.umn.edu/library/pathfinders-directory.html

Still not finding the right research tool or study guide? Make sure to stop by the reference desk and ask a reference librarian for help.
Reference Office hours are: M-Th 9 am – 8 pm; F 9 am -5 pm; Sat 11 am-5 pm; Sun 1-5 pm.

As always, please let us know if you have any questions. We’re happy to help you prepare for exams…just let us know how we can help! You can email the reference office at law-ref@umn.edu or send a general inquiry to the library at lawlib@umn.edu.

Posted by University of Minnesota Law Library at 08:58 AM | Permalink

During May 1-16, part of the first floor of the Law Library is designated as a QUIET ZONE.

We have posted signs near the area and would appreciate your cooperation in keeping this part of the library as quiet as possible.

When studying in this area please be sure to:
• turn-off the sound on your laptop,
• turn-off or silence your cell phone,
• and refrain from talking.

Please avoid walking through this area, unless you plan to study there, and please keep voices low in nearby areas as well.

If you are looking for a place to study in a group, please check at the circulation desk for an available study room.

Thank you.

Posted by University of Minnesota Law Library at 08:35 AM | Permalink

Every so often, we'll review what we find on YouTube that could be used for legal research or education. On the topic of Employment Law, not only will you find informational videos that deal with specific topics such as discrimination, compensation, or non-compete agreements, but you'll also find fun videos that feature a "sing-a-long" review of employment law reminders for Human Resource professionals (see below).

You can generate a list of these topics and more, by going to YouTube.com and searching for "Employment Law."

Source: Career Revolution Blog

Posted by University of Minnesota Law Library at 09:40 AM | Permalink

The University of California at Berkeley has created several video tutorials that demonstrate how to do Congressional research in the following areas, each of which is highly useful for law students:

Finding bills and Congressional debates from 1989 forward on Thomas

Finding a Congressional report on LexisNexis Congressional

Finding debates from 1873 to the present in print in the Congressional Record.

Note that the video tutorials last from two to five minutes apiece, and that they require Macromedia’s Flash player to be installed on your computer.

Source: Virtual Library Cat's Eye View blog

Posted by University of Minnesota Law Library at 02:08 PM | Permalink

Today is Earth Day, which was started on April 22, 1970 in protest over the smog and dirty rivers in the United States (according to the EPA's history page). In addition to any other fun activities you might be enjoying (like riding the bus to work or planting a tree), why not check out a few Earth Day resources from the government:

Earth Day 2008 This page from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides links to events and actions you can take at home, work, school and more.

2008 Photo Contest This contest from the EPA let citizens send in pictures of the environment and the creatures in it and all I have to say is wow! If you want to see a picture that looks like it is out of a fairytale, check this one out!

EarthDay.gov Okay, this site doesn't have the fancy pictures or quite as an in-depth set of resources, but I thought it should at least be mentioned.

Finally, if you want environmental law resources, why not check out the Law Library research guide.

Source: Government Publications Library at the Univ of CO-Boulder blog

Posted by University of Minnesota Law Library at 12:35 PM | Permalink

As a result of user demand, the Law Library has installed an outdoor book return. It is the maroon and gold box located next to the blue US Postal Service boxes near the front entrance to Mondale Hall. Any University of Minnesota library book can be returned there. However, please do not return RESERVE materials or keys via this drop box: high-demand or small items should be returned inside the library to ensure safe and timely check-in.

You can also still return items to the circulation desk during library hours or to the inside book return after library hours. We intend the outdoor book return to be an additional convenient way to return items.

As always, please let us know if you have any questions. Email lawlib@umn.edu or call 612-625-4300 for more information.

Posted by University of Minnesota Law Library at 01:34 PM | Permalink

The National Library Week Book/Media Drive was a success!

The law library collected over 15 boxes of books, magazines, CDs, videos and other media for area hospitals, nursing homes and community organizations.

Missed the donation? You can still drop off items for a few more days. Just bring your items to the circ desk on 1st floor and tell the staff person to give your items to Paula Seeger, Circ Librarian. Questions? Contact Paula at 612-625-1547 or seege030@umn.edu

Thanks for making National Library Week a success!

Posted by University of Minnesota Law Library at 09:02 AM | Permalink

In preparation for the Women's Law Student Association (WLSA) Careers in Academia and in the Law School panel on Monday April 21 at 12:20 in Room 45, the law library provides the following resources for exploring law librarianship as a career.

American Association of Law Libraries (AALL): The Recruitment Committee has a number of resources on its website, including several profiles that highlight "a day in the life" of a law librarian (the above photo was the winning entry in a photo contest for "Day in the Life of the Law Library Community" in 2005, but keep in mind that most law librarians do not shelve books in stilettos!). The site also features several articles about issues in law librarianship, such as which academic degrees are necessary and what the future holds for the profession.

Want to know the future of the profession, by the numbers? Check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook for librarians.

What are law librarians thinking and talking about? Investigate some of the many blogs administered by law librarians. Or take a look at some recent AALL publications.

Want to hear about the profession first hand? Go to the law library and speak to a law librarian!

Posted by University of Minnesota Law Library at 11:36 AM | Permalink

GovEngine is a Web portal for uncovering information about federal, state, and local government. Links on the sidebar of the website lead to pages on each of these subjects.

There is also a map of the U.S.A., where one can click a state and then go to a page that contains links to the state's home page and constitution. In addition, there are lists of Web pages that contain further links to sources dealing with the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the state in question.

Source: Virtual Library Cat's Eye View blog

Posted by University of Minnesota Law Library at 02:41 PM | Permalink

Recent news and notes from Westlaw:

Browser Blocking
Starting in March, westlaw.com platforms do not support Web browser versions earlier than the following: Internet Explorer 6.0, Netscape 7.0, Firefox 1.0, and Safari 1.1. The browsers that are blocked are no longer supported by the companies that created them, and this lack of support can generate problems during development and with issue resolution. Most importantly, these browsers are not receiving security updates, which could lead to a security risk. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Westlaw technical support at: 1-800-WESTLAW (1-800-937-8529).

New Litigation Tab
Now finding litigation resources is easier than ever using the new litigation tab. The new tab organizes materials into logical groups that are easily accessible using the menu across the top. If you already have a personalized litigation tab, you will continue to see that tab; everyone else will only see the new tab.

Hot Topic: Subprime Podcast and New Handbook
Here's a link to a just-released podcast discussion on one of the most important issues this year. The participants are authors of the brand new Mortgage and Asset Backed Securities Litigation Handbook. To access the podcast visit http://feeds.feedburner.com/Westcast. For more information about purchasing or borrowing the Handbook, please contact x-asap@umn.edu.

Posted by University of Minnesota Law Library at 10:25 AM | Permalink

From the ALA:

"First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support.

All types of libraries - school, public, academic and special - participate.

More information is available on the National Library Week fact sheet."

Celebrate with the law library by donating your used books and media! Read about this initiative at this previous post.

Posted by University of Minnesota Law Library at 01:21 PM | Permalink

A new intellectual-property law clinic at the University of San Francisco School of Law will assist students accused by the record or film industries of violating copyright law by swapping multi-media files online. The clinic will give advice on how to respond to pre-litigation letters and walk students through the steps of bringing an effective defense should suit commence.

From the article:

A new legal clinic at the University of San Francisco, created by Professor Robert Talbot of the USF School of Law, matches tech-savvy law students with frightened undergrads. The future lawyers get experience; the music fans get counsel.

"It helped. I didn't feel so alone," said a 20-year-old San Francisco State University psychology student who asked that she not be identified because it would expose her to embarrassment. Accused of sharing songs on her computer through the service Limewire, she received an RIAA letter last month threatening suit - and telling her that she had 20 days to pay $6,000 or face up to a $20,000 fine.

"It made me realize that more and more students are going through this," she said.

Read more at: http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/news/91511.html
Source: Government Innovators Network at Harvard Business School

Posted by University of Minnesota Law Library at 09:48 AM | Permalink

To celebrate National Library Week, the law library will be hosting a book/media drive April 14-18. Bring your used books, magazines, CDs, videos, or other media to the circ desk drop-off bin. All items will be donated to local hospitals, nursing homes, and community organizations.

For more information on National Library Week see:
http://www.ala.org/ala/pio/natlibraryweek/nlw.cfm
or
http://www.aallnet.org/sis/ripssis/TeachIn/2008/index.html
or
http://west.thomson.com/librarian/Lib_Rel_NLW/games.asp

Since Beautiful U Day is April 17, this is a perfect way to recycle your reading/media during your spring cleaning! See http://www.buday.umn.edu/ for more about Beautiful U Day.

Questions? Contact Paula Seeger, circulation librarian, at 612-625-1547 or seege030@umn.edu

Posted by University of Minnesota Law Library at 03:15 PM | Permalink

Via the HeinOnline Blog, here are two useful research tips:

Do you have the name and author of an article from a Law Journal, but do not know the journal name or citation and need to find it in HeinOnline? This tip outlines how to conduct a search for the article in 4 easy steps, starting at the log in screen. Read how at: http://heinonline.blogspot.com/2008/04/heinonlines-tip-of-week-looking-for.html

A Code of Federal Regulations Quick Reference Guide is now available in HeinOnline. This guide outlines the various options available for navigating this collection, from browsing to using the Title and Part Quick Locator, to searching for specific variables. If you often find yourself looking for a specific section of a part, check out the various search examples in the guide.

This guide can be accessed from the Educational Resources page or by clicking on the Resources tab inside the CFR library and then clicking on the link under the Help & Training section. See how at: http://heinonline.blogspot.com/2008/04/cfr-quick-reference-guide-now-available.html

And don't forget about the HeinOnline YouTube Channel, full of research tips and demonstrations. Visit at http://www.youtube.com/HeinOnline08

Posted by University of Minnesota Law Library at 02:56 PM | Permalink

From the AALL's Washington Blog comes news of this new resource center:

OMB Watch, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting open government, accountability and citizen participation, recently launched its Regulatory Resource Center. The goals of the Resource Center are to educate citizens on how they can become involved in the regulatory process through its Advocacy Center and to inform the public about the workings of the regulatory process through its Policy Library.

The Advocacy Center provides instructions and links to find and comment on rules and file petitions for rulemaking. The Policy Library contains an in-depth explanation of the federal rule-making process, a look at the tools used by regulatory decision makers, a glossary of key terms, and more.

The Regulatory Resource Center serves as a valuable tool for those looking to understand the regulatory process for the first time and for those who want a more in-depth look at the background, rules, and procedures of federal rulemaking!

Posted by University of Minnesota Law Library at 11:02 AM | Permalink

Student lender Access Group has announced a contest entitled “One Less Worry.” The contest will award $10,000 to the most deserving video posted on YouTube describing “what law students worry about.” Access Group will select the ten finalists based on “creativity, humor, quality, realism and overall appeal” and and then open up public voting on July 1. Whoever gets the most votes by July 31 will win a $10,000 scholarship for the 2008-2009 academic year.
View the video annoucement at the Law Librarian blog.

Good luck!

Posted by University of Minnesota Law Library at 03:17 PM | Permalink

The Law Library Distinguished Lecture: Lecture by Senator Patrick Leahy in honor of Walter F. Mondale will be held Monday April 7 at 12:15 pm, with reception following.

For more information, contact lawlib@umn.edu or view the brochure. Attendees were to RSVP by March 26.

Posted by University of Minnesota Law Library at 02:28 PM | Permalink

JSTOR notified users of a new platform upgrade planned for this Friday April 4 with this letter:

We are excited to announce that the new JSTOR platform will be launched on Friday, April 4. The behind-the-scenes process for switching from the existing JSTOR to the new platform will begin around 7:00 a.m. EDT. We will be making changes throughout the day, but the vast majority of users should experience no interruption or downtime. If you do have any difficulties, though, please contact support@jstor.org.

A document describing features of the new platform is included in the JSTOR Sandbox
(sandbox.jstor.org). The Sandbox also has links to tutorials and training materials focused on the new JSTOR interface. In addition, a list of newly scheduled webinars appears at the end of this announcement, with links to online registration.

We would like to thank all of you for your comments over the past few months and your patience more recently as we performed additional testing. As always, your comments have proven to be invaluable. We look forward to your ongoing feedback as we continue adding enhancements and new content to the archive.

The following training webinars are led by JSTOR User Services staff. A phone and a computer with online access are required. To register, follow a link in the list below.

Highlights of the New JSTOR Interface
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/507861435

Using the JSTOR Interface
Thursday, April 17, 2008 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/780793020

Highlights of the New JSTOR Interface
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/469266764

Highlights of the New JSTOR Interface
Wednesday, April 23, 2008 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/401053120

Using the JSTOR Interface
Tuesday, April 29, 2008 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/680252260

Highlights of the New JSTOR Interface
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/958097487

Posted by University of Minnesota Law Library at 01:30 PM | Permalink

Here is the list of new titles the law library acquired in March 2008. The list is also on the library's home page.

March Acquisitions

Posted by University of Minnesota Law Library at 10:45 AM | Permalink