Slashdot

If you are interested in law and technology, take a look at Slashdot.org-- the leading place to find "news for nerds". Although much of Slashdot deals with highly technical and scientific issues, it often features legal news in its Your Rights Online section. Recent "Your Rights Online" posts have reported on the RIAA vs. the University of Maine law clinic, open source and patents, and subpoenas requesting text messages.




Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Strategic Searching: Legal Research as Process

A comment frequently heard from law firm librarians is that young associates just jump onto Lexis or Westlaw and run searches as if they were Google. Hmmm, they are not Google nor are Lexis/Westlaw necessarily the best places to start research. All depends on what one is doing and what one has available. So, what to do? For a start attend:

Strategic Search Process - Monday, April 7, 5:10-6pm in Room 206

Need help mapping out a research strategy? A few minutes advanced planning can save you hours of research. Find out some of the questions you should be thinking about before you sit down to research.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Evening Research workshops

At the request of some of the evening students, we had scheduled make-ups of two of the Top 10 Research Skills workshops - Getting Background on your Topic and Strategic Searching. Due to sudden illness of a family member, the Getting Background session, scheduled for tomorrow night has been canceled. Due to the newly scheduled Deans' Forum, Strategic Searching has been rescheduled to next Monday, April 7 at 5:10pm in Room 206.

We regret all the confusion with these sessions - we really are trying!!! We will try to reschedule the Getting Background session. Watch this space. Remember, the podcasts are available on the Library's website and the handouts are available on TWEN.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Helpful Policies During Exam Period

The Library has a new exam period schedule! Here is the new schedule:

New Exam Period Schedule - Wednesday, April 16 - May 14
Monday - Friday 7:00 A.M. - 2:00 A.M.
Saturday & Sunday 10:00 A.M. - 2:00 A.M.

Exception
Wednesday, May 14 7:00 A.M. - Midnight

Exam Archive

Knowing the archived exam and study room policies may prove helpful also. To access the Exam Archive:

• Go to Hofstra Law School Library Main Page http://law.hofstra.edu/Library
• Scroll down. In the lower, left-hand margin click “Exam Archive”
• In the Hofstra University Library Electronic Reserves (ERes) window logon with your Novell Username and Password (this is the same username and password used to logon to the portal)
  
• You will be prompted to enter the password (contact the reference or circulation desk for the password)
  
• Click on “Accept”
• Click the professor’s folder to access the exams.

Library Study Rooms

Click here to access the Library’s study room policy.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Superman

As reported in the Times, the suit on the termination of transfer of copyright for the Superman character (noted in our display case in January) has partially resolved with a grant of partial summary judgment--awarding the heirs of Jerome Siegel a share of the character (from the time the termination took effect, in 1999). William Patry has only good things to say about the opinon, which is also commented on and made available here.




Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Social Security History

The history of Social Security, a favorite political topic during Presidential campaigns, is captured on the outstanding government web site of the Social Security Administration (SSA). A great resource for law students and researchers, the site's Social Security History page includes an overview of how the program developed, the text of the original Social Security Act, legislative history documents, and reports and studies, together with speeches and articles representing early public opinion about the controversial program. The user friendly page also highlights the history and organization of the SSA.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Podcasts of Library Workshops

Worrying about that first research assignment at your summer or new full time job? Really want to make that partner happy? Most of the Library's Top 10 Research Skills workshops are now available as podcasts on the Library's website . The handouts and PowerPoint presentations are available on TWEN. Add Top 10 Research Skills: What Employers Really Want New Attorneys to Know as a TWEN course to access these.


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

CourTopics

CourTopics is a product of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC). According to the NCSC Web site, CourTopics includes in-depth information about state court-related subjects. In particular, you will find coverage of more than 130 court-related topics, including resource guides, overviews, frequently asked questions, state links, and much more. The alphabetical list of subjects included will help you easily to get started with your research.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

National Security Archive

The National Security Archive at George Washington University School of Law is a good source for information related to national security and foreign intelligence. The site "collects and publishes declassified documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act" and advocates for the public "right to know".


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Elections 2008

So much to do, so little time. How to get a grasp on the 2008 Presidential election? The Documents Center at the University of Michigan created Elections 2008. This is site provides background information on the process, the candidates, the issues and much more. May be more than you want or need, but it is all in one spot.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat