National Priorities Project

The National Priorities Project analyzes and clarifies federal data, so that citizens may better understand and influence how their tax dollars are spent. The aim of the site is to provide data on the impact of federal spending policies for states, cities and counties; to educate and train citizens, activists, media and elected officials on the federal budget, as well as the budget’s local impact and community needs; to collaborate with national groups on federal budget initiatives; and to facilitate dialogue and action between national social justice and security policy groups.


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Latest Technology Gadgets

When exams are over, enjoy a few minutes with "Gadgets, Gadgets, Gadgets!"-- a very cool presentation from the 22nd annual Computers in Libraries Conference held last month. "Gadgets" has been posted on LLRX.com by Sabrina Pacifici, founder and editor of the award-winning legal resource site and co-presenter of this fast paced overview of what's new and on the way in techno-gadgetry. From the latest Treos to a "projector phone" and the "smallest MP3 player ever," from the inexpensive and practical to the most sophisticated new inventions, this is a great sampling of items, along with prices, release dates and direct links to vendor web sites. There are even some "just for fun" gadgets that would make unique gifts for friends.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

NationMaster: World Statistics

NationMaster compiles statistics from such sources as the CIA World Factbook, United Nations, World Health Organization, World Bank, World Resources Institute, UNESCO, UNICEF and OECD. All sorts of stuff on this site in addition to statistics: encyclopedia, forum, Countries A to Z and more.

NationMaster goes far beyond providing a simple table. It shows the statistics as tables, graphs, charts and maps; and may show the correlations betweens sets such as the relationship between the number of McDonalds restaurants and the number of couples with children.

This is a great site for background information on all sorts of topics.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Summer Hours

With finals ending on Wednesday our hours will be changing for the summer. On Wednesday night we will be closing at midnight.

Then on Thursday our Summer Pre-Bar Exam Schedule begins. It runs from Thursday, May 17 to Tuesday, July 3:
Monday - Thursday 8am - 10pm
Friday 8am - 7pm
Saturday - Sunday 10am - 8pm

We are closed Wednesday July 4

Our Summer Bar Exam Schedule runs Thursday July 5 to Tuesday July 24:
Monday - Thursday 8am - 11pm
Friday 8am - 10pm
Saturday - Sunday 10am - 10pm

For hours for the remainder of the summer see our website or the signs both inside and outside the library.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Talking Areas In The Reading Room

Just a friendly reminder that any "talking" areas of the library are intended for low-voiced conversation, and, even then, primarily for the purpose of studying. Students may report what they consider to be unreasonable noise levels to the Reference Desk or the Circulation Desk.

Please be considerate of your colleagues during the stressful period of final examinations.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

World War II Digital Collection

This week marks the 62nd anniversary of the Allies' victory in Europe in World War II (May 8, 1945). Thanks to the U.S. Government Printing Office and Southern Methodist University Central University Libraries, "Historical Publications from World War II: A Digital Library" is now available to the public. The collection includes full-text images of over 300 fascinating general distribution government pamphlets, soldiers' pocket guides, "war work" and civil defense guides, and historic photos--a unique opportunity to see and explore publications such as the Army's "Pocket Guide to Italian Cities" or "Recreation and Housing for Women War Workers." This new digital collection brings us as close to the world of ordinary American citizens during the World War II era as modern technology can make possible. The site also features a thematically-organized, searchable photo gallery of sights captured on camera by American soldiers as they traveled through World War II Europe and North Africa.






Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Exam Puzzle

This is not a quiz or conundrum, but a puzzle in the Library outside the main level computer lab. Take a break and add your efforts to putting this puzzle together. A few minutes here and a few minutes there, and a lot of people helping will see the puzzle completed by the end of finals.


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Study Break

If you want to see something really interesting, take a short break and click on the web site of Jonathan Yuen, a graphic designer. Just click the red boxes at the beginning and then run your mouse over any little red circles you see as the show goes on. Jonathan has won multiple webby awards for his site.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Secret studying hideaway

Need a super quiet place to study? I get my best contemplation done on the lower level, down the stairs by Room 104. There is a bank of carrels there by the stairs that hardly anyone uses. Shh! - don't give away the secret.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

National Center for Juvenile Justice

The National Center for Juvenile Justice is a private, non-profit organization. In particular, it is the research division of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. It has its own budget, however, and it is responsible for generating its own operating funds.

The Center’s Web site offers freely available resources for independent and original research on subjects that relate directly and indirectly to the field of juvenile justice. Click the “Publications” link for an alphabetical, drop-down menu listing their various publications.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat