FAULKNER UNIVERSITY, JONES SCHOOL OF LAW
THE LIBRARY LINK
Vol. 2008, No. 4 (August 2008)
WELCOME TO YOUR LAW LIBRARY!
We are pleased to welcome all new and returning students to Jones School of Law Library. Our library’s staff, collection, and services are designed to help you with your class preparation and research needs. The library website ( /jsl/library.asp ) provides you with useful information such as library hours, staff contacts, and of our recent library acquisitions. The website also has links to our online catalog, our unique “Research Vortex” (click on the “Electronic Databases & Research” link), our series of informative research guides, a schedule of our acclaimed “Databasics” workshops, and even a link to your Faulkner email account.
New students should check out our current “website spotlight” on the front page of the library website. It features a site that will help ease your transition to law school.
FALL SEMESTER OPERATING HOURS
Regular library hours for Fall Semester are: Sunday, 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm; Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 11:00 pm; Friday, 7:30 am to 9:00 pm; and Saturday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Our Research Office is staffed by professional librarians on this schedule: Sunday, 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm; Monday and Tuesday, 8:00 am to 9:00 pm; Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm; and Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you have questions, please ask any library staff member.
PARDON OUR CONSTRUCTION
You will notice some improvements – accompanied by a certain amount of noise and dust – on the second floor of the library. We apologize for the inconvenience, but think you’ll be excited about the results. We have installed compact shelving to hold some of our less frequently accessed print items (i.e., state-specific materials including state statutes, law journals, Decennial digest, and archives). This top-quality electric-powered shelving moves quietly at the touch of a button and contains safety features that keep it from moving while someone is in the stacks.
Over the next few weeks university maintenance personnel will be removing the old shelving. When that has been done the former shelving area will be used for study seating. Over the next few months we will be getting some new study carrels that have built-in lights and power plugs for your laptop. Also on tap are new, more comfortable chairs throughout the entire library! We will be asking for your input on the comfort and style of some sample chairs that will be available soon.
We thank you for your patience as these long-awaited improvements are carried out. If you have questions about the changes occurring in the library, be sure to ask Dean Chinaris or any member of the library staff.
GROUP STUDY ROOM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Our 3 group study rooms tend to be in demand, so it is important for students to follow the policies and procedures governing the use of these rooms. (For example, groups always have precedence over individuals, persons may not “claim” rooms by leaving their belonging, group time in a room may be limited.) For the full rundown, including reservation information, see a library staff member or check the library website at: /jsl/library/groupstudy.asp and /jsl/library/policies.asp .
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE THROUGH “DATABASICS” SESSIONS
For new students who want to get a leg up in LRW class, or returning students who want to brush up on their skills, our professional librarians have the perfect thing – our “DataBasics” workshop series. These short, small-group sessions are held in our Computer Training Lab on the first floor of the Library. DataBasics sessions to be offered during August and September are:
Ø Jones Library 101 – Everything you wanted to know about the law library, and more! (Wed. 8/20 at 11:30a; Thur. 8/21 at 9a; Fri. 8/22 at 4p)
Ø Starting a Paper Trail: Preparing for Your Rigorous Writing Research – Learn where to find the best sources, and how to pack your footnotes with punch. (Wed. 8/20 at 1p; Fri. 8/22 at 3p; Tue. 8/26 at 1p; Thur. 8/28 at 1p; Fri. 8/29 at 3p)
Ø States of the Union Addressed: Researching State Statutory Codes – THE source of state primary law, and you need to know it. (Mon. 8/25 at 10a; Thur. 8/28 at 9a; Fri. 8/29 at 4p)
Ø Check Out Our Books: Research Using Treatises – Yes, the “book” still has relevance in the world of legal research. Come learn why. (Tue. 9/2 at 1p; Thur. 9/4 at 1p; Fri. 9/5 at 3p; Wed. 9/10 at 1p; Fri. 9/12 at 3p)
Ø Deciphering the Federal Code: Researching U.S. Statutes – Federal law is all the rage these days, and this is your chance to learn how to find and use it. (Wed. 9/3 at 11:30a; Thur. 9/4 at 9a; Fri. 9/5 at 4p)
Ø Precedential Primaries: Common Law Case Research – The foundation of our legal system reaches way back to the “common law,” which continues to grow even today. (Mon. 9/8 at 10a; Thur. 9/11 at 9a; Fri. 9/12 at 4p)
Ø Crazy Robb’s Bargain Research Emporium – Entering the “real world” soon? Let “Crazy Robb” show you how to get the most for your research dollar in these tightening times. (Wed. 8/27 at 4:30p)
Watch for the next issue of The Library Link!