Statistical Abstract of the United States to be published commercially

The Statistical Abstract of the United States is often the starting point for U.S. statistical research. Published since 1878 it is the authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political and economic organization of the United States. Due to budget cuts the U.S. Census Bureau had to make painful decisions on programs to cut and this publication was one of them.  Fortunately, this title has been saved by a commercial publisher. Bernan Press will continue the publication starting with the 2013 edition.  ProQuest will aggregate the content and provide editorial services.

Hat tip to Law Librarian blog.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

The End of the Dollar Bill Bill - is There an Echo?

Ladiesss and gentlemennn. . . in this corner we have  Metal Dollar Maniaaaa!  In the opposing corner we have Give Me My Greenbackkks!  Now, I draw your attention to the center of the ring for our featured match-up -- the Currency Optimization, Innovation and National Savings (COINS) Act.

S.2049  was introduced in January by Sens. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.). The senators’ bill is a companion piece to House bill H.R.2977 , the Currency Optimization, Innovation and National Savings (COINS) Act, introduced in September by Republican Reps. David Schweikert (Ariz.) and Jeb Hensarling (Texas).  The bill calls for a transition from the paper dollar to the dollar coin within four years; the House bill now has 12 co-sponsors. 

The paper dollar became part of the U.S. currency during the Lincoln administration in the early 1860s.  However, there has been a long-running battle to replace the paper dollar with the dollar coin and the movement has "gained fresh momentum."  So much so, Crane & Co., the Massachusetts-based firm that provides the paper for the currency and Sicpa Securink Corp., a Swiss-based in company that supplies ink for the paper currency have stepped up their lobbying initiatives. 

Proponents of the initiative argue that replacing the paper dollar would be better for the environment and save the taxpayer dollars – as much as $50 million a year.   Those opposing the elimination of the one-dollar bill suggest that the environmental impact is not accurately portrayed, since the currency paper is made from cotton and linen fibers.   Moreover, an October, 2011, poll from Lincoln Park Strategist found the Vast Majority of Americans Reject The Idea Of Getting Rid Of The Dollar Bill And Moving To A Dollar Coin.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Einstein Archives Online Relaunch

"Albert Einstein wrote famously that imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge, he said, was limited. "Imagination encircles the world."
...
“Knowledge is not about hiding, it is about openness,” Hebrew University President Menahem Ben-Sasson said at the launch of a new public website that archivists hope will soon provide easy access to all of Einstein’s personal and professional writings.

The archive, which is made of more than 80,000 documents spanning Einstein’s 76-year life, includes manuscripts of his scientific and nonscientific writings, his correspondence with scientific and nonscientific colleagues, and writings with friends and family." (See more at CNN.com here)

"The Einstein Archives Online Website provides the first online access to Albert Einstein’s scientific and non-scientific manuscripts held by the Albert Einstein Archivesat the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, constituting the material record of one of the most influential intellects in the modern era. It also enables access to the Einstein Archive Database, a comprehensive source of information on all items in the Albert Einstein Archives." (See more at the Einstein Archives Online here)

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

National Archives Release 1940 Census

Want to find out what the United States was really like in 1940?  The National Archives released 1940 Census data today.  Fox News gives a snapshot of information available:

The Census Bureau paints the picture of a very different country -- sample professions in 1940 included frame spinners and rivet heaters.
In 1940, there were 5.1 million farmers. Today there are 613,000.

Several famous names are among those still alive today who were counted in 1940, including Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman.

For a little context, the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred Dec. 7, 1941. 

 Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Research Resources: Medline Database

If you are interested in locating journal articles in the field of medicine, nursing, dentistry, the health care system, medical law and policy, take a look at the Medline database. This database provides comprehensive full text articles for 1,470 journals as well as citations and abstracts.  Coverage begin for all journals from 1949 with full text coverage from 1965.  

To access Medline:

• Go to the Library's home page, click "Online Resources"
• Click the "Health Law/Medicine" link
• Scroll down to "Medline"

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Google Launches "Account Activity"

I'm really trying to nap more during Spring Break while the Library is quiet.  However, a new announcement from Google this week got my attention.  On Wednesday, Google's official blog posted an announcement of a new feature called Account Activity.  If you sign up, Google will send you each month a link to a password-protected report giving you information about how you use your Google account services.  Items in the report include which browsers you searched, how many emails you sent, your top queries, and even a chart depicting "How You Spend Your Time Per Week," based on information Google has collected.  While promoted as a good way to manage your information and protect your account, it also provides insight into the information Google collects about us in the form of a simple report.  Take a look.  Google is also asking for feedback from those who try it out.

Hat tip to Law Librarian Blog.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Time for R & R

At long last, it is time for a well-earned break.  I will be taking some long overdue and postponed naps in the sun (hopefully the weather will cooperate).  In between naps, I will check out the Library and see what is going but only during limited hours since the Library will be operating on a reduced schedule - set forth below.  Please note that there will be times when there is no swipe card access.

** = NO SWIPE CARD ACCESS

SPRING BREAK SCHEDULE - Friday, March 30 - Sunday, April 8

Fri., March 30                                 8:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M.

Sat., March 31                              10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

Sun., April 1                                  10:00A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

Mon., April 2 - Wed., April 4         8:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.

Thurs., April 5                                8:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.** 

Fri., April 6 (Good Friday)                     CLOSED**

Sat., April 7                                 10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.**

Sun. April 8 (Easter)                              CLOSED**

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Supreme Court Wraps Up Health Care Arguments

Today, three days of unprecedented oral arguments on the multi-state lawsuit challenging the health care law wrapped up.  

On Monday, the justices heard 90 minutes of argument to decide whether the court action is premature – “whether penalties prescribed for those who do not buy health insurance by 2014 amount to taxes under the obscure 1867 Anti-Injunction Act –the law forbidding tax challenges.”  The act states that “no suit for the purpose of restraining the assessment or collection of any tax shall be maintained in any court by any person.” “It was designed to make sure that the flow of tax collection necessary to keep the government running was not disrupted by lawsuits.”

Transcripts of oral argument        Audio recording of oral argument

On Tuesday, the Court heard arguments “about the so-called “individual mandate.”  The argument covered the central issue of whether Congress overstepped its authority by requiring Americans to purchase health insurance starting in 2014 or pay a penalty.

Transcripts of oral argument        Audio recording of oral argument

On Wednesday, The Court heard arguments on the Severability issue and Medicaid issue of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act cases.

Transcripts of oral argument        Audio recording of oral argument

Transcripts of oral argument        Audio recording of oral argument

This has been a historic three days of arguments.  Now, we wait . . .  94 days, 93 days. . .

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Women and Social Movements in the United States, 1600-2000

In honor of Women's Herstory month, Axinn Library highlights a resource containing primary accounts of the role of women in social movements in the United States from 1600-2000.  This database includes 53,000 pages of full text sources and 5,000 additional pages are added on average each year.  It includes a chronology of U.S. Women's history which is useful to put movements and events into context.  The Scholar's Edition, which is the version licensed by the Library, also includes 90,000 pages of publications of federal, state, and local government Commissions convened on topics related to women's issues.  There is also a five-volume biographical dictionary, Notable American Women (1971-2004).

To access Women and Social Movements in the United States, 1600-2000 Scholar's Edition, or any other Hofstra University Library (Axinn) Research Databases, please visit the Axinn Library's homepage at

http://www.hofstra.edu/Library/index.html, and click on the Research Databases link. 

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Research Resources: Health Care Policy Report (BNA)

If you are interested in a daily report that provides health care regulation, policy and law, take a look at BNA's Health Care Policy Report. The Report provides coverage of federal and state health care policy proposals, insight and analysis from experts in the field, legislative and judicial news in health law policy and more.

To access the  Health Care Policy Report  (BNA):

• Go to the Library's home page, click "Online Resources"
• Click the "Health Law/Medicine" link
• Scroll down to "Health Care Policy Report (BNA)"

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat