CSI Effect

The April 25, 2005 U.S. News & World Report (on the Library's magazine rack) has an article on what is called the "CSI Effect", or in other words the effect that television shows are having on American juries and their decision making. It turns out that some of the forensic science on the show is not - how shall I say this - well, it's not real. This is a problem for you - the trial attorney - since the juries seem to expect that the science they see on television be used for their trial and are disappointed when it is not. For further discussion of what this means for the lawyer, see this on llrx.

The llrx article also discusses The National Clearinghouse for Science, Technology and the Law at Stetson University College of Law. The Clearinghouse is a work in progress, but they already have a database for the current status of the science in several areas. Useful for the attorney, but also fun to discover if what you see on TV is really possible.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Curling up with a Good Book

As a Virtual Cat, comprised of bits and bytes, you might think I have little use for paper and ink. You would be most mistaken. Remember, I am first and foremost a LIBRARY feline and as such, have a vested interest in bricks, mortar, and most especially books! But, I am not the only one (well, maybe the only virtual cat) who still maintains that one chief pleasure in life is curling up with a good book. If you do not want to take my word for it, see yesterday's editorial from the New York Times - Yes, Obi Wan, There Still Are Books .

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Nassau County Property Records

Public Information in Nassau County has gotten pretty high tech. Take a look at the Nassau County Department of Assessment's Land Records Viewer. Pick "property search" from the top of the page. You can search by section lot & block if you know it, by address, or even by map location. You will find photos of the property in question, assessed value, area maps, tax maps, comparable sale information, and much, much more. Enjoy the fruits of my (and maybe your) tax dollars. This site is a keeper!
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Noodle Tools

It must seem that we are always recommending new search engines for you to use. Although we have been telling you to try more than one, some are actually better for certain types of research than others. How do you know what to use? Try Noodle Tools. For every type of foreseeable "information need" it gives you a "search strategy" describing the tool it is recommending.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Old Exams

As many of you know, the Library makes available some copies of previous exams through the Electronic Reserve system at http://eres.hofstra.edu/coursepage.asp?cid=151&page=01 . At the current time the university is upgrading the reserve system and as a result it is not available. We expect to have access again in a short time, and will let you all know by posting a message here when the upgrade is completed

We thank you for your understanding and patience in this matter.


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Uncle Sam's Reference Shelf

The crown jewel of United States statistical information re: pretty much everything is the Statistical Abstract of the United States. Published by the Census Bureau, the 2004-2005 edition is now available online. This JUICY publication provides statistical tables and charts covering various aspects of social, political, and economic life. Emphasis is on the United States, but some tables cover comparative international statistics. Information is gathered from all agencies of the federal government and from private, commercial, and professional sources. This is a great read, for substantive information and trivia alike. The Publication dates back to 1878. For historical coverage, choose "selected earlier editions" from the link above.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Elegus: searching government websites

A service just launched in March 2005, Elegus is a new tool for searching federal and state government websites. Elegus supplies you with an index of all the government websites that it has included and it allows you to choose one site or a combination of sites for your search. For more information on Elegus and other "New Tools for Government Research" read this article on LLRX.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Research AND Participate in creating law

Researching an administrative area, such as environmental or securities law? Need to follow recent developments in the federal regulations in your area? Want to give the appropriate agency your 2 cents on pending regulations? If you answered yes to any of these questions, check out Regulations.gov .

On this site, you can find, review, and submit comments on Federal documents that are open for comment and published in the Federal Register, the GovernmentÂ’s legal newspaper. As a member of the public, you can submit comments about these regulations, and have the Government take your views into account.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

PROHIBITION REPEALED!!!!

Yes, the Library has tentatively ratified the 21st amendment - in other words, you may now bring your coffee, your soda, and all other manner of beverages into the Library. To ensure that this new policy is ratified permanently (and to keep our new carpet in good condition), please make sure to IMMEDIATELY report any spill to the Library staff.

Also, since I adamantly REFUSE to hunt creepy crawly creatures, do not succumb to the temptation to bring in food. The creepy-crawlies are especially fond of chips, candy, and other snacks and like to hang out in the Study Rooms, so please take a study break outside of the Library when you are hungry.

Now, time for my morning coffee. Purrrrrrrr.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

To the Graduates

First, and foremost, WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I also want to make sure that you know that as Law School alum, you are always welcome to visit and use the Library, as well as to purr with me here in the blogosphere. In fact, as Hofstra Law alum, not only may you use the Library materials, but you can get a free network account which will allow you to use the computers in the Library. You will even get a one-time $20 printing credit. To get this account, you must first get an Alumni ID and then apply at Hammer Lab. Contact us for details.

Have a great time at Commencement and don't be a stranger. Once again . . .

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat