New International Law Library

If you have ever tried to track down an elusive case from an international court or human rights tribunal, the best news this week may be the launch of the International Law Library, self-described as the "most comprehensive free-access international law library on the Internet." The International Law Library site contains links to over 25,000 decisions of international courts and tribunals and over 30,000 United Nations documents and other treaties and agreements. It is searchable across all types of documents and all collections.

Developed by the Australasian Legal Information Institute (AUSTLII), this digital library is updated regularly with new materials from legal information institutes around the world that are part of the World Legal Information Institute (WorldLII), and from other sources. It also features a citator that tracks where international cases, treaties and law journal articles have been cited, as well as links to other international law materials on the Internet. Anyone involved with international law study, research or source gathering should definitely check this out.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Slow Confirmation Rate For President Obama’s Judicial Nominees

According to a recent news story, President Obama’s judicial nominees are being confirmed at the slowest rate since the days of the Nixon administration. Read more here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Accessing Library Databases From Home

We have received a few questions from students having trouble accessing library databases, such as HeinOnline and LegalTrac, from off-campus. To access library databases from off-campus, students need to use the links on our library's website.

This is because, while a subscription database like HeinOnline can automatically grant you access while you are on campus, because HeinOnline recognizes your location as Hofstra University (which pays for access to the database), the same database cannot recognize your home, the coffee shop in your neighborhood, or any other similar place as a location that is linked to a HeinOnline subscription. So, you have to verify yourself as a user who is linked to Hofstra's HeinOnline account, by using the links on the library page and entering your name and 700 number.

(In the even that you still can't get to the database you are trying to access, please contact the law library.)

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

HeinOnline Enhancement: Faceted Searching Expanded to more Libraries!

Faceted searching was only available in HeinOnline's Law Journal Library, but there is good news to report! HeinOnline added faceted searching to two additional HeinOnline Libraries: Kluwer Law International Journals and Bar Journals. Click here to read more.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat