Lawyer Lincoln on the Web

Part of what I do as a Virtual Library Cat is to prowl the web (what else?). This week I hunted for sites to inspire law students facing the challenge of a new academic year. What could be more inspiring than a virtual look inside the law offices and of Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President? Before he entered Congress and the White House, Lincoln was a thriving general practice attorney litigating civil, criminal and appellate cases out of his office above a federal courtroom in Springfield, Illinois. A “360 degree virtual tour” of Lincoln’s mid-19th century office, and the federal courtroom directly below, restored to appear as they did then, is provided at the web pages of the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site. After the virtual tour, scroll down to view the short video that recreates, through contemporary images, Lincoln’s life as a circuit-riding young attorney. A good description of Lincoln’s law practice, including the types of cases he tried and his typical fees, is provided at the Papers of Abraham Lincoln web site.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Time has Flown

It is almost that time of the year - next week is First Year Orientation AND the start of classes. No more all-day napping for me, time to get back to work. You will find me prowling (and the Library will be open) next week at the following times:

Monday - 9-8pm
Tuesday - 9-10pm
Wednesday - 9-10pm
Thursday - 9-10pm
Friday - 8-9pm
Saturday - 10-8pm
Sunday - 12-midnight

You will also find my (and the Library's) hours posted at the Library's web page .

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Are you familiar with wiki? Wiki is a piece of server software that allows users to freely create and edit web pages. The Wikipedia is an online encylopedia created and maintained by, well everyone and anyone. Probably not a good tool for scholarly research, but if you are a fanatic on a subject, it may have an article on your topic written by others who share your interest. This is not the only wiki online and you can find more by adding the word "wiki" to your google search. Fun and useful colloborative online sites. Find the wiki for your passion!
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Free Database research

So much on the web is now available only if you pay a hefty subscription fee. Our Library subscribes to many of these, but if you want a quick way to search some of these premium databases - with some links to the full text!! - try Yahoo Search Subscriptions . Unlike Google Scholar , the focus is on current content with a business and news focus. The resources available through Yahoo Search Subscriptions include Consumer Reports, the (London) Financial Times, Factiva, a collection of market research reports, investment news and the New England Journal of Medicine.

Where did I learn about this??? Stay tuned to this blogspace for a great tip on where to find great tips!!

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat