Open Data Index

The 2013 Open Data Index is an interesting assessment of the state of release by governments around the world of key data, and the extent to which that data is "legally and technically usable" by citizens, organizations, and businesses. It was coordinated and recently released by the Open Knowledge Foundation, a global non-partisan group dedicated to "opening up knowledge around the world and seeing it used and useful."  The Open Data Index scores and ranks 70 countries in key data areas such as election results, national statistics, government budget, company registrations, and emissions of pollutants.  The results, based on contributions from a publicized list of advocates and experts, rank the United States high overall.  You can explore more about the Foundation's open data concepts and definitions here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

OneSearch for non-legal research

Ever notice there are soooo many databases to look in for non-legal articles - EconLit, Business Search Complete, Academic Search Complete, ArtSTOR, JSTOR - do I need to go on?

Courtesy of Axinn Library, you can search most of their databases in one place - OneSearch .  So when I do my favorite search - cat law - I get results from the Univ. of Michigan Journal of Law Reform, Labor Law Journal and the Journal of Accountancy (I might be able to deduct for cat expenses!) amongst many others.

For those trying this at home, you will be asked to log into the Portal.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Trolleys, Duty, Morality, and Brain Scans?

Philosopher Thomas Nagel addresses these issues in a review, available here, of a recent book about neuroscience and moral reasoning. Of particular interest is Nagel’s discussion of the Trolley problem. In tort law, for instance, what are the implications of the Trolley problem in defining affirmative duties to act?


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Federal Reserve Archival System for Economic Research (FRASER)

The Federal Reserve Archival System for Economic Research (FRASER) preserves and provides access to economic and banking data and policy documents including:

• Publications of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
• Publications of District Federal Reserve Banks
• Statements and speeches of Fed policymakers
• Archival materials of Fed policymakers
• Government data publications
• Statistical releases
• Congressional hearings
• Books
• Reports by various organizations

"To search FRASER, use the blue navigational bar and/or search bar located at the top of each FRASER page.  You can also stay current with FRASER’s consolidated monthly newsletter of links to their published research, data news, and latest economic information. Subscribe here."

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Ansa App Covers Your Text/Video/Pic Tracks

The Ansa app allows you to switch to "Off-the-Record Messaging." As their website explains here, you can "[c]ommunicate off the record, so no trace of your conversation is left behind." Ansa.com

Ansa is available for iPhone and Android.  Protect yourself from your carelessly sent texts and pictures today!

Read more about the Ansa app here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Tomorrow - Tuesday - is an election day

Are you registered to vote in Nassau County?  If you are, please remember to vote tomorrow.  There are some important races especially on the county level.

You can check your voting eligibility and polling place at the Nassau County Board of Elections.

You can see who is running in Long Island elections at Newsday's Interactive Voters' Guide.

There are 6 ballot propositions in New York and you can see them at WIBX950.


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat