Clutter-free Web Reading and Printing

I have discovered another great web browser add-on. Readability lets me see a web page without all of the advertising clutter . Once installed in my browser, I click on the "Read Now" button to the left of the address bar and . . . presto change-o . . . no ads. This is also great for printing an article without the unnecessary clutter.

(Hat tip to ProfHacker)

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

MySpace Parodies Protected in Pennsylvania

The Third Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that two Pennsylvania teenagers cannot be disciplined at school for MySpace parodies of their principals that the students created from off-campus computers.

"Today's court decision states that you cannot punish students for off-campus speech simply because it offends or criticizes (school officials)," said Witold Walczak, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, which represented both students. Read more here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Constitution by Crowd

Well, not exactly. But Iceland is bringing the general population (and followers around the globe) into the process of creating a new national constitution this summer, using the new social media. Iceland is soliciting citizen suggestions on the Constitutional Council website, where the most recent draft is posted in Icelandic, along with an English translation by Google Translate. A JURIST post has more on the process, which also involves Twitter and Facebook pages and a YouTube channel (in Icelandic), not only to facilitate comments but also to post interviews with delegates and live broadcasts of Council meetings. It's all part of the Council's stated intention to "open communication with the Icelandic nation" and give "the people an opportunity to participate in the formation of a new Constitution of the Republic of Iceland." A 21st century version of the constitutional convention has arrived.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Effective Procrastination

It's summer. Let's face it, especially with a fur coat (yes, I know it's virtual), it's been too hot to do anything. So, I have found the ultimate procrastination tool. And the best part is, I even get work done (eventually).

Try Read It Later . It is a browser extension (supports Firefox, Chrome, IE, Safari and others) that lets you create a list of web sites that you can read later. So, when I see a reference to a really interesting article just before heading down to the beach, I add it to my Read It Later list. Then, when I am ready, I click on the reading list icon in my favorite browser.

I can sync between my desktop and laptop, as well as my iPhone or Android phone. All I need to do is create a free account.

Is that cool, or what?

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

HeinOnline from off campus

Right now, if you try to get to HeinOnline from the link on our homepage while you are off campus, you will be prompted for a HeinOnline ID and password. You can get this login information from the reference desk, but you can also get to HeinOnline without needing that ID and password by clicking on a link to a specific database within Hein from our online resources list.


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Stealth Overruling and Shepardizing

An article in the May ABA Journal explains how the Supreme Court has recently taken to hollowing out precedents it wishes to overrule, rather than explicitly overruling them. This can create problems for attorneys doing legal research, because these drastically-changed, hollowed out opinions do not say "overruled" when you try to validate them in KeyCite and Shepard's. This is just one reason why, when you intend to use any case that has been treated negatively (i.e. cases that have yellow, orange, and red KeyCite and Shepard's symbols), you need to do a brief review of that negative treatment and its effect.


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Explore Long Island

After Memorial Weekend but not yet officially Summer, it is still time to explore Long Island and take advantage of our wonderful location. An easy way to get started is to look at ExploreLI.com offered by Newsday. If you cannot access this site, try Things to do on Long Island, NY. Take some time to have fun!
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

MoOM: The Museum of Online Museums

While prowling around the web, I came across a great site for summer and all year round. The Museum of Online Museums (MoOM) provides links to online museums, and to online collections form brick and mortar museums, encompassing the full range of intellectual and mundane interests in artistic, historical, cultural, and hobby collections. A brainchild of Coudal Partners, a design and advertising firm in Chicago, the site is easy to use and fun to explore. The main page of links is divided into three sections: the Museum Campus (links to the home pages of specific museums, such as the Museum of the History of Science at Oxford); the Permanent Collection (online collections ranging from the Letters of Vincent Van Gogh to Very Small Objects); and Galleries, Exhibits, and Shows (currently viewable exhibits covering an amazing array of topics and interests, from the Casio Museum of Handheld Games to the Gallery of Vintage Price Stickers). The site is"updated continuously, and new exhibitions are hung each quarter," but there is also a link to previous selections. So check it out and come back often. And if you need a bar exam study break, MoOM makes a great diversion.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

The Legislative Process Goes Digital

The Office of Legal Counsel decided recently that it is permissible for congress to send the president bills electronically and for the president to sign them electronically. A fully digitized legislative process may be around the corner.

(thanks ConLawProfBlog)


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Online Resources: International Trade Reporter (BNA)

If you are looking for a source that will provide access to coverage of developments affecting U.S. trade and international business policy and the policies of major U.S. trading partners all over the world, try the International Trade Reporter.

To access International Trade Reporter (BNA):

• Go to the Library's home page, click "Online Resources"
• Click the "International Law" link
• Scroll down to "International Trade Reporter (BNA)"

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat