JONES SCHOOL OF LAW
THE LIBRARY LINK
Vol. 2005, No. 3
November 2005
“DATABASICS” WORKSHOPS NOW IN FULL SWING
If you need a refresher on a research topic that’s a little unclear to you, or if you want to explore a new research horizon, check out the library’s continuing series of short, informal, small-group workshops called “Databasics.” We are now in full swing with our Databasics classes. They are offered on the average of three times per week at different times and days, in order to make it easier for you to fit some into your schedule.
Sessions last from 30-45 minutes and are held in our Computer Training Lab on the first floor of the Library. A calendar of this month’s Databasics sessions is posted in the library and on the library website. A total of 13 Databasics sessions will be offered during November:
ü MPRE Exam Review (Nov. 1 at 5:00p, Room 215 – see below for more details)
ü LexisNexis Tips & Tricks – Whether you're a frequent user or new to the system, we may be able to teach you a thing or two about getting the most out of the LexisNexis online research system. (Nov. 3 at 10:30a; 9 at 4:30p; 11 at 2:00p)
ü Exam Preparation – Only a few more shopping days until finals. Come hear how the library can help you alleviate the anxiety and ace those exams. (Nov. 4 at 11:00a, 8 at 5:00p)
ü Law Review and Journal Research – If you can find a good journal article on a topic, it goes a long way toward helping you on your research. Our library has some research tools to make your legal periodical research quick and effective. (Nov. 14 at 10:30a; 18 at 2:00p; 22 at 4:30p)
ü Federal Statutes and Legislation – Quick! What's the United States Code Service? What's USCAAN stand for? You'll need to know when you're clerking and practicing. We can give you a refresher on the nuts and bolts of federal statutory research and legislative history. (Nov. 17 at 11:00a; 18 at 1:00p; 21 at 4:30p)
ü Shepard’s and KeyCite – Case and statute citators can be your best friend - not just to show you if your law is still good, but also as a research tool. After you've recovered from shopping, and the turkey and pumpkin pie have had time to digest, let us show you how. (Nov. 30 at 4:30)
LIBRARY OFFERS MPRE REVIEW ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 1
Expanding the scope of our usual Databasics legal research refreshers, the library is pleased to offer a pre-MPRE review session for students who are taking the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam. Associate Dean for Information Resources Tim Chinaris, who was Ethics Director of the Florida Bar for many years and is very active in legal ethics circles, will meet with interested students at 5:00 pm on Tuesday November 1 in Room 215. Dean Chinaris will highlight some key areas and will be available to answer your last-minute questions. If you are grappling with a difficult topic or two, come to the session – and bring your questions!
LIBRARY WEBSITE CAN HELP YOU FIND EMPLOYMENT
Our library website continues to expand. See it at /jsl/library.asp . The revamped site lists our library and Research Office hours, shows staff contacts, features a “website spotlight,” and contains links to a wide variety of useful information resources.
The library has entered subscriptions to 4 new databases whose focus is on connecting you to gainful employment. The “Electronic Databases” portion of our website, which can be accessed at /jsl/library/databases.asp , contains links t
Ø Attorney Jobs Online (WestGroup Career Services) – An extensive database of entry-level, mid-level, and senior-level positions for attorneys nationwide and abroad. It includes information on bar admission requirements, alternative legal careers, and contract and appointment opportunities. A plus: it includes the “Law Student Jobs Online” database, which can help those students who still have a way to go before graduation!
Ø Internship Series Online – Provides links to opportunities listed in 14 publications and to many employer sites, including advertising, Congress, environment, history, human rights, international affairs, law & policy, media, resort & seasonal employment, sports, state parks, top companies, and women’s rights.
Ø Judicial Clerkship Guide – Highlights judicial clerkship hiring procedures for all state courts. Contact a JSL librarian for the username and password.
Ø Non-Traditional Legal Careers Report – Published every two weeks, the Report contains real positions for J.D.'s in non-law firm settings, including Business, Education, Government, the Judiciary, Legal Publishing, Policy, Law Libraries, Public Interest and International Positions. Contact a JSL librarian for the username and password.
Of course, for personalized assistance with your career questions, feel free to visit the law school’s fine Career Services Office staffed by Carrie W. Mitchell, J.D.
VISIT THE LIBRARY’S “RESEARCH OFFICE” EARLY AND OFTEN
Looking for some specialized research assistance? Maybe you have a more general question but are not comfortable asking it in class? The library can help! Don’t forget to remind you to visit the “Research Office” on the first floor of the library for assistance with your research and information needs. Our librarians take turns staffing the Research Office throughout the day. A librarian is on duty from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Thursday, all day Friday, and from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday. We look forward to working with you.
Watch for the next issue of The Library Link!