Virtual Library Cat's Eye View

New York and Memorial Day

2012-05-26T19:43:00.000-04:00

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced this week the opening of a brand new exhibit: New York: Birthplace of Memorial Day. The exhibit features photos, music, documents, and other artifacts highlighting New York's officially recognized role in the beginnings of what is now an official national holiday. While everyone is welcome to visit the state Capitol in Albany to view the exhibit, you may prefer to take a few relaxing minutes or a short study break to enjoy the online exhibit here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Happy Memorial Day

2012-05-25T10:00:00.000-04:00

We will be open and I will be prowling for part of the Memorial Day weekend. Our hours are below. As always, check our web page for details and updates on Library and Reference desk hours.

Fri. May 25 - Mon. May 28
Fri. May 25 - 8am - 5pm
Sat. May 26 - 10am - 6pm
Sun. May 27 - 10am - 6pm*
Mon. May 28 - CLOSED*

*The Library closes completely as of Sun. May 27 at 6pm through Tues. May 29^that 8am .

There is no 24/7 access during this time for students and 2012 graduates.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Link Rot for Resources at the Government Domain Level

2012-05-23T16:53:00.001-04:00

The Chesapeake Digital Preservation Group is releasing the results of its fourth annual analysis of link rot among the original URLs for law- and policy-related materials published to the Web and archived by the Chesapeake Group. The analysis also explores the prevalence of link rot among top-level domains.

For this study, the term "link rot" is used to describe a URL that no longer provides direct access to files matching the content originally harvested from the URL and currently preserved in the Chesapeake Group's digital archive. In some instances, a 404 or "not found" message indicates link rot at a URL. In other cases, the URL may direct to a site hosted by the original publishing organization or entity, but the specific resource has been removed or relocated from the original or previous URL.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

The Government's App Initiative

2012-05-22T09:14:00.000-04:00

The President Wants More Mobile Apps!

Do you want to find government information with the click of a 'button?' The new presidential initiative is to provide more mobile apps for users, hopefully making goverment information more accessible.

"President Barack Obama has ordered all government agencies to offer more of their services in the form of mobile apps.
A new memo called “Digital Government: Building a 21st Century Platform to Better Serve the American People” requires each agency to make at least two services, used by the public, available on mobile devices within 12 months.

“For far too long, the American people have been forced to navigate a labyrinth of information across different government programs in order to find the services they need,” says the memo.

“Americans deserve a government that works for them anytime, anywhere, and on any device,” Obama said in a statement."

Read more about it at Mashable here: http://on.mash.to/Kd7w3G

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Google Introduces the Knowledge Graph

2012-05-21T10:38:00.002-04:00

Google says the new search technology "Knowledge Graph" understands "things not strings" and shows relevant details in a results sidebar. It can help you "find the right thing". Queries can be ambiguous and the results are offered in a manner that allows the searcher to select the most relevant results.

You will get the best summary. Google summarizes relevant information around the topic including key facts one is likely to need to understand the topic. The idea is to understand the relationship between things.

You can go deeper and broader because the Knowledge Graph connections can help one make unexpected discoveries.

Knowledge Graph is still in the roll-out phase but it appears that it is an enhanced Google search experience.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Electronic Filing Reaches All Federal Courts

2012-05-19T14:58:00.000-04:00

The announcement caught my attention as many of you leave for summer work or embark upon your future profession in the "real world" of clients and cases. As of this week, every United States federal district, appellate, and bankruptcy court now accepts electronic case filings through the courts' CM/ECF system for document filing and case management. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C., was the final court to join the system. It adopted, effective May 17, revised Federal Circuit Rule 25 provisions that require, with certain exceptions, electronic filing of court case documents. Joining the CM/ECF system will permit the Federal Circuit to make its electronically filed documents available in the PACER (Online Service for Access to Court Electronic Records) database. To learn more and keep current on PACER and electronic filing in federal courts, begin here. Current Hofstra law students and faculty should see a reference librarian for access to PACER.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

CONGRATS !!!!!!!!!!!

2012-05-18T12:31:00.002-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS to all !!!!

3Ls - you made it through. Best of luck on the Bar Exam and everything that follows. Come to visit us in the Library - you are always welcome.

2Ls - you made it through another year. Two down, one to go.

1Ls - you survived your first year. It gets much easier and will be lot less stressful here on out.

Have a great Summer everyone. As I mentioned in my Summer Hours post on Wednesday, we will be here all Summer.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Is Bigfoot Legally Fair Game?

2012-05-17T09:24:00.001-04:00

Those of you who may be considering a Sasquatch hunt during your Summer break may want to start in Texas. This article will explain why.

(Acknowledgement to Legal Blog Watch.)

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Summer Hours Begin Today

2012-05-16T09:43:00.000-04:00

The library's summer hours begin today!

Our summer hours through August 13 are:

Monday - Thursday:    8:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Friday:                        8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Saturday-Sunday    10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

Exceptions:

Sunday, May 20, 2012	10 AM - 8 PM
Monday, May 28, 2012	CLOSED
Wednesday, Jul 4, 2012	CLOSED

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Your Facebook "Likes" Are Not Free Speech

2012-05-15T18:00:00.000-04:00

Be Careful Who You "Like"

In the article Your Facebook 'likes' can get you fired, the author notes that "Applying old laws to new technology can be tricky. ...

In the case of "Bland v. Roberts, Bobby Bland and four coworkers in the sheriff's department in Hampton, Va., clicked the "like" button on the Facebook page of Jim Adams, who was running against their boss, Sheriff B.J. Roberts, in 2009. Roberts won, and promptly fired all five, citing budget constraints, unsatisfactory work performance, and a lack of "harmony and efficiency" in the office. But Bland and his cohort contended it was liking Adams' Facebook page that got them canned."

The judge ruled that clicking the like button on Facebook isn't free speech. But has the application of the law, or the applier, really caught up with technology?

"That's fine as far as it goes, say legal scholars, but the act of liking something on Facebook may be far more of a statement than the judge apparently realized. "Judges in general do not really understand Facebook," observes Eric Goldman, who teaches at Santa Clara University School of Law in Silicon Valley. He also directs the school's High Tech Law Institute and writes a blog on high-tech legal issues."

So, remember to be careful who you "like."

(Read more here at Your Facebook 'likes' can get you fired)

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

iPhone J.D.

2012-05-14T17:43:00.000-04:00

iPhone J.D. is a site for lawyers using iPhones and iPads published by Jeff Richardson, an attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana. All right you know how to use your iPhones and iPads, but this site has some interesting posts on some of the technology trends. Today's post is a review of the book Paperless by David Sparks.

Suspect a lot of people are looking forward to an electronic casebook. May arrive sooner than we think.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

NYC Green Book Goes Online

2012-05-12T14:38:00.000-04:00

Since 1918 New York City has published the Green Book, its official directory--a compendium of information and contacts (staff, telephone numbers, web sites) for City agencies, departments, and services, along with other interesting facts and useful NYC information for residents and researchers. As of yesterday, the Green Book has gone green in a new way. It is now online and free. The online version, which the City expects to become the primary version of the Green Book, is organized with tabs, is searchable, and will be updated on a continual basis. There are many links to the City's web site, NYC.gov, for further information on departments and officials.

However, the online version is still a work in progress in some respects. It lacks some sections of specialized information available in the most recent print version, the 2008-2009 Green Book, including the sections on the New York City Courts and the Supreme Court Libraries. Our Library has a copy of the latest print Green Book in the Ready Reference collection behind the Reference Desk, as well as two copies available to law students in the Office of Career Services. In June, a 2012 print edition of the Green Book will be available for purchase, but will be published in limited quantities. The City's press release has more information.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Federal Court Blocks Sweeping Illinois Eavesdropping Statute

2012-05-10T13:27:00.000-04:00

Over a half-century old, the state law makes it a felony for anyone to produce a recording of a conversation unless all parties agree. In particular, it sets a maximum punishment of fifteen years’ imprisonment if a law enforcement officer is recorded.

Critics of the law have argued that it infringes upon the rights of citizens to document law enforcement officials’ misconduct. Read more here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

UK Supreme Court Proceedings Available Live

2012-05-08T19:23:00.000-04:00

Law from the UK's highest court streaming online in real time!

Et. Seq., HLS's Library Blog notes that, "Live streaming of the UK Supreme Court’s hearings and judgments began on May 16, via Sky News.

According to the press notice, the Sky News site provides links to the Supreme Court’s case summaries for those being webcast. Check the Court’s Sittings Page to plan your UKSC viewing, being mindful of the 5 hour time difference." (Read more about the televised court proceedings here)

"On this page you can watch live the hearings of the UK Supreme Court, the final court of appeal in the UK for all civil cases and for criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but not Scotland." (see Sky News UK Supreme Court page here)

Hat tip to BIALL Blog via HLS Library Blog.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Still time to tell us who should be the Employees of the Semester

2012-05-07T18:00:00.006-04:00

There is still time to give us your input. A survey will be resent to you soon asking you to nominate the "Employees of the Semester, Spring 2012". Please let us know who you think should be recognized for their extraordinary work during the Spring 2012 semester.

You are requested to nominate 1 staff member and 1 administrator.

It does help us if you can provide a name, although, we have figured out nominations from some pretty esoteric clues.

Please note that faculty members/professors – are not eligible.

The survey is anonymous and the input is greatly appreciated.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Law Firm Pronunciation Guide

2012-05-05T16:26:00.000-04:00

When the conversation in the Library this week isn't about exams, it's about jobs. Here's something new to eliminate at least some of the job search stress facing law students. You no longer have to fear mispronouncing the names of prospective employers such as Sughrue Mion PLLC, Gardere Wynne Sewell, LLP, and hundreds of others. Georgetown Law's Office of Career Services has just launched their Law Firm Pronunciation Guide. Click on any firm name in the list to hear an MP3 audio file with the correct pronunciation before you set out for that interview.

Acknowledgment to Legal Blog Watch.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Spoiled for Cloud Choices

2012-05-04T10:17:00.000-04:00

Since I live in the Cloud, of course, I store all my documents in the Cloud. One of my favorite tools is Dropbox - see my original post from 2009. Now, of course, Google, has entered the fray with Google Drive . These are not the only players - the Cloud storage/sync realm is now crowded with other resources. How is a cat to keep them all straight and find the best tool for my needs??

Check out Google Drive vs. Dropbox, SkyDrive, SugarSync, and others: a cloud sync storage face-off a great article complete with screen shots and a feature comparison chart.

Hat tip to another favorite - ProfHacker - with another good analysis of Google Drive, DropBox and the other options.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Supreme Court To Rule On Ineffective Assistance Of Counsel Claim

2012-05-03T13:00:00.002-04:00

In a move relevant to all attorneys, whether aspiring or practicing, the U.S. Supreme Court granted a writ of certiorari on Monday in the case of Chaidez v. United States. The Court will rule on petitioner’s ineffective assistance of counsel claim. Read more here.

(Acknowledgement to Jurist.)

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA)

2012-05-01T19:02:00.000-04:00

Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA) Passes the House of Representatives

CISPA is headed for the U.S. Senate. So, what is CISPA and how did it get to the Senate? "CISPA’s designed to let private business share information about cybersecurity threats with one another and with the U.S. federal government."

(Read more about the CISPA controversy here: http://mashable.com/2012/04/29/where-cispa-stands-now/)

Although the cybersecurity legislation has many supporters, there are others who do not believe that citizens' privacy is adequately addressed. "In a statement, Michelle Richardson, [the American Civil Liberties Union] ACLU legislative counsel, said that “CISPA goes too far for little reason. Cybersecurity does not have to mean abdication of Americans’ online privacy. As we’ve seen repeatedly, once the government gets expansive national security authorities, there’s no going back. We encourage the Senate to let this horrible bill fade into obscurity.”"

(For more information about CISPA supporters and critics, see: http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/cispa-whos-for-it-whos-against-it-and-how-it-could-affect-you/2012/04/27/gIQA5ur0lT_story.html)
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Employees of the Semester, Spring 2012

2012-04-30T13:33:00.002-04:00

A survey will be emailed to you soon (May 1) asking you to nominate the "Employees of the Semester, Spring 2012". Please let us know who you think should be recognized for their extraordinary work during the Spring 2012 semester.

You are requested to nominate 1 staff member and 1 administrator.

It does help us if you can provide a name, although, we have figured out nominations from some pretty esoteric clues.

Please note that faculty members/professors – are not eligible.

The survey is anonymous and the input is greatly appreciated.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

California’s Death Penalty To Be Put To The Vote

2012-04-26T13:05:00.000-04:00

As most New Yorkers are aware, over the years, capital punishment in this state has been considered and re-considered, passed and repealed. Now, it’s California’s turn to reconsider the policy. Read more about the pending initiative here.

(Acknowledgement to Jurist)

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Online Resources: Industrial & Labor Relations Review

2012-04-25T12:36:00.000-04:00

If you are looking for a journal that discusses work and employment issues, try the Industrial & Labor Relations Review. Relevant topics in this publication include the organization of work, the nature of employment contracts, human resource management, employment relations, conflict management and dispute resolution, labor market dynamics and policies, labor and employment law, and employee attitudes and behaviors at work.

This site contains the full text of articles and book reviews dating from April 2003 (Vol. 56, No. 3). You can view and download recent and current articles, download (a) any book review archived and (b) any archived article that is at least 18 months old.

To access Industrial & Labor Relations Review:

Go to the Library's home page, click "Online Resources"
Click the "Labor and Employment Law" link
Scroll down to "Industrial & Labor Relations Review"

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Study Guides

2012-04-23T14:02:00.000-04:00

The Law Library does not have Emanuel's or Gilbert's but we do have some study aides for our students. Check out the recently updated Study Guides to discover the resources available.

Good luck on your exams!

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Bills.com: One-Stop Personal Finance

2012-04-21T19:03:00.000-04:00

Law school, and starting out in legal practice, isn't made for financial wimps these days. We can all use help saving money, eliminating debt, budgeting, and handling other important aspects of personal finance. For an amazing array for valuable resources and tools to help you make the most of your money while keeping it simple, check out Bills.com. For estimating everyday savings that makes a difference, try the Savings Machine Calculator. Just select a favorite expense, rate of return, and a time period, to calculate what you will gain from what you choose to lose (from coffee to cable TV). There are budgeting guides, expert advice on credit cards and credit reports, and the site's interactive Debt Coach for analysing your personal debt situation and selecting strategically among alternative debt solutions. From an article on planning a wedding budget to a video on student loan consolidation, it's all on Bills.com.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Other great libraries

2012-04-20T15:29:00.001-04:00

Of course, I am partial to prowling around this library, but did you know that your local Public Library offers free, yes FREE access to databases and eBooks?

The databases range from business to art to music to current newspapers. Libraries lend many popular eBooks for free (although you sometimes still have to wait for the popular ones due to licensing restrictions). All you need is a library card. You may need to go to the library to set up your account, but once you do, you never have to leave your couch or windowsill.

Check out a listing of links to Nassau County libraries or just Google your local library.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat