Winter Break Hours

Touro Law Center and the Gould Law Library will be closed for winter break from Thursday, December 24, 2009 through Saturday, January 2, 2010.

Law Library Opens 24/6

The Gould Law Library is open as a study hall 24/6, through Friday, December 18 (the last day of final exams). During this period the library will close Fridays at 3:00 p.m., then reopen Saturdays at 6:00 p.m., but otherwise will be open round-the-clock. The only exception will be Thanksgiving weekend, when the Library will close Wednesday, November 25 at 11:45 p.m., remain closed Thursday and Friday November 26 and 27, then reopen Saturday, November 28 at 7:00 p.m. Students using the library after midnight must sign in and out at the security desk. Library services will not be available during the overnight period, although a security guard will
be on duty.

The Library also will expand its “quiet zone” for finals. Effective Monday, November 23, the entire library (except for the circulation desk, the reference office, and enclosed study rooms) will become a quiet zone to maximize available study space. After exams, the soft seating area on the main floor will resume its status as a quiet conversation area, in accordance with student requests.

Drinks in enclosed containers and light snacks (such as candy and chips) are welcome in the library, but please enjoy other food (sandwiches, salads, hot meals) outside of the library. The library staff extends its support and best wishes to students as the final exam period approaches.

Google Scholar

Google Scholar now has an Advanced Scholar search option which enables you to search for: patents; legal opinions and journals; United States federal court opinions; and most state court opinions.

Library to Open 24/6 for Final Exam Preparation

The Gould Law Library will open as a study hall 24/6, beginning Sunday, November 22,through Friday, December 18 (the last day of final exams). During this period the library will close Fridays at 3:00 p.m.,then reopen Saturdays at 6:00 p.m., but otherwise will be open round-the-clock (though no library services will be available overnights). The only exception will be the Thanksgiving weekend, when the Library will close Wednesday, November 25 at 11:45p.m., remain closed Thursday and Friday November 26 and 27, then reopen Saturday, November 28 at 7:00 p.m.

Thanksgiving Schedule

The Gould Law Library Thanksgiving Schedule

Wednesday, Nov. 25: Closes at 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 26: Closed
Friday, Nov. 27: Closed
Saturday, Nov. 28: Closed
Sunday, Nov. 29: Opens at 9:00 a.m.

Sunlight NY

Project Sunlight was created in 2007 with the purpose of making New York State government information more readily available in a digital format. This year, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo unveiled Sunlight 2.0 which contains new data and a more user friendly format. Information currently available on this website includes: the 2009-2010 state budget; bill jackets; legislative information; campaign finance records; corporate information; and an interactive map of state local officials.

Legal Research Practice Exercises

Are you a new legal researcher interested in practicing newly learned skills or a more seasoned law school student interested in reviewing/brushing up on you legal research skills?
Westlaw offers quick ten minute practice exercises on researching using American Law Reports (ALR), case law, key numbers, KeyCite, statutes, and secondary sources. To locate these exercises log onto Westlaw and under the Home tab, click on Westlaw training.

New CALI feature

CALI has added a new feature to its website, CALI Puzzles. This new section contains crossword puzzles created by several law professors on various legal topics, including family law, torts, discovery and strict liability.

CALI Lessons for Graduated Students

CALI has extended its lesson access to students for at least six months after graduation. Recently graduated students can continue to access CALI at cali.org with their law school login id.

Half-Hour Library Tours

The reference staff is offering half-hour library tours to familiarize students with library services and the locations of important legal research sets. No registration is needed. Please arrive in the Reference Office five minutes early. The Reference Office is the glass-walled room located directly behind the Circulation Desk on the main floor of the Gould Law Library.

• Wed., Sept. 9, 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. (Roy Sturgeon)
• Wed., Sept. 9, 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. (Christopher Tucker)
• Thurs., Sept. 10, 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. (Roy Sturgeon)
• Thurs., Sept. 10, 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. (Christopher Tucker)

Fast Library Facts

Welcome (back) to the Gould Law Library! The following are a few quick facts intended to (re)acclimate students to the library:
• Library hours can be located on the library’s webpage at http://www.tourolaw.edu/library/hours%20and%20calendar.asp• The Library has thirteen study rooms available by reservation through the Library Circulation Desk.
• The Library subscribes to a variety of online databases, including Westlaw, Lexis, JSTOR and HeinOnline, all of which can be accessed via http://www.tourolaw.edu/library/onlinedatabases/.
• Light snacks (chips, pretzels, candy) and beverages in spill-proof containers are permitted in the Library.
• For a complete description of Library policies and services please see the Library Guide.

Library Superhero Video

James Durham, Head of Public Services for the Gould Law Library, has created a short video called “Library Superhero.” The video captures a first-year law student who faces the vast unknown… and a Library Superhero.

Employment Delays

According to an article in yesterday's New York Law Journal, Weil, Gotshal & Manges will delay the start dates for some of its summer associates who receive employment offers this year until 2012. Associates who accept the deferment will receive a $75,000 stipend and health benefits and will be expected to complete 1,000 hours of public service.

Free PACER Dockets

FreeCourtDockets.com is a new website that offers free access to dockets that originate from PACER. Currently, dockets from the following courts can be accessed: U.S. District Civil and Criminal Courts, U.S. Bankruptcy Courts, Federal Court of Claims and International Court of Trade, and the U.S. Supreme Court. (The Supreme Court's docket is available through the its own database as opposed to PACER.)

Updated Resource for US Supreme Court Nominee

The Senate Committee hearing for U.S. Second Circuit Judge Sonia Sotomayer's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court bench can be viewed via webcast at the U.S. Senate Committee on Judiciary website.

Library of Congress and Social Networking

The Library of Congress has recently joined Facebook! You can also keep up-to-date with and follow the Library of Congress through Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, and iTunesU.

New West Programs

West recently announced two new programs that are aimed at supporting pro bono initiatives as well as supporting displaced attorneys seeking new employment or networking opprotunities.
Do Justice is a program that supports law firm pro bono initiatives by providing Westlaw access to firms engaging in pro bono work.
Between Cases is an online resource for unemployed lawyers that provides job search tools, legal education opportunities, and special Westlaw offers. Between Cases also offers displaced lawyers freee resources to engage in pro bono activities.

LexisNexis for Recent Grads

LexisNexis has recently launched a new program which offers complimentary Lexis service to 2009 law school graduates engaging in public interest work. The program entitled LexisNexis Associates Serving Public Interest Research (ASPIRE) will provide qualifying law school graduates with access to federal and state caselaw, codes, regulations and law reviews through September 2010.
To join this program, go to www.lexisnexis.com/aspire.

Recent US Supreme Court decisions

The U.S. Supreme Court concluded its 2008-2009 term today. The Court's final two decisions for this term were Cuomo, Attorney General of New York v. Clearing House Association and Ricci et al. v. DeStefano. The Cuomo case addressed whether several national banks violated New York's fair lending laws and the Ricci case dealt with an issue of discrimination within a firefighter

Extended Hours for Bar Exam Preparation

Friday Study Hall in the Gould Law Library

To assist Touro students who are studying for July bar exams, the Gould Law Library will remain open as a study hall each Friday afternoon from 2:45 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. through Friday, July 24. As usual, circulation and reference services will close at 2:45 p.m. on Fridays, but a security guard will be available in the law school atrium. Happy studying!
The new hours are effective beginning on Friday, June 12, 2009 through Friday July, 24, 2009.

Resource for Supreme Court Nominee

The Law Library of Congress recently launched a new legal resource containing information about Supreme Court nominee and current justice of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals Sonia Sotomayor. This site contains links to articles and books written by Judge Sotomayor; transcripts of her two confirmation hearings; and web resources pertaining to Judge Sotomayor.
The site can be accessed at http://www.loc.gov/law/find/sotomayor.php.

Summer Bar Study

Many area law school libraries have restricted summer access for students from other law schools who are studying for the bar and several require that a pass be purchased to use the library.
A chart detailing the bar access policies of area law schools can be accessed here or through the library's homepage at http://www.tourolaw.edu/library.

Summer Library Hours

Effective Thursday, May 21-Saturday, August 15, 2009 (for Touro Law
students, faculty and administration):
Sunday: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m. *
Monday-Thursday: 7:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m. *
Friday: 7:00 a.m.-2:45 p.m.*
Saturday: closed.
* From 7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m. Monday-Friday, and from 11:45 p.m.-2:00 a.m.
Sunday through Thursday, the Library is open as a study hall. Circulation
and reference services are not available during these times.
The Library will be closed on the following dates: Sunday, May 24
(Commencement); Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day); Thursday, May 28
(Shavuot-closes at 2:45 p.m.); Friday, May 29 (Shavuot); and Friday, July 3
(Independence Day).
Updates to the library calendar, as well as visitor hours for Friends of the
Library and Alumni Association members, are available online at
http://www.tourolaw.edu/library/.

Library Survey

Congratulations to third year student Kathryn Fieseler, who won a Starbucks giftcard by responding to the Library's Monthly Survey for April.

Library Monthly Survey

Congratulations to student Lisa Brockington, the winner of a $5.00 Starbucks giftcard. Lisa won the giftcard by completing the Library's Monthly Survey for March.
To be eligible to win a $5.00 giftcard, you must complete the Library's monthly poll which can be accessed from the Library's webpage.

Library Extended Hours

The Gould Law Library will be open as a study hall around the clock through Wednesday, May 20, except for Friday afternoon-Saturday evening. The Library will close Friday afternoons at 5:00 pm (in observance of the Jewish Sabbath), but will reopen Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm. Except for that closing period, the Library will remain open 24 hours a day. Students using the Library after midnight will be asked to sign in at the security desk. There will be no Library services available during the overnight period.

Legal Blogs

Interested in searching for or reading blogs on legal topics?

The Library of Congress has compiled an online collection of legal blogs which can be searched by keyword, subject, name or title. This online collection covers legal topics such as: antitrust; civil procedure; constitutional law; criminal law; family law; intellectual property; legal ethics and tax.

Nassau Academy of Law Moot Court Competition

Today's New York Law Journal reported that a team of Touro Law Center students won the Nassau Academy of Law Moot Court Competition. This was Touro's third straight victory at this competition.
Congratulations to the Touro team of Jessica Mannix, Scott B. MacLagan and coach Catherine Reyes on their success!

Library Surveys and Starbucks Giftcard

In order to better serve the Touro community and to gather greater user feedback, each month the Library will be posting a short poll. Please take a few moments to complete February’s survey located on the Library’s webpage at http://www.tourolaw.edu/library/ in the column labeled About the Gould Law Library.

If you complete the survey, you will be entered into a drawing to win a $5 Starbucks giftcard.

New CALI Lessons

CALI (The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction)has just posted new lessons on its website. The new lessons are in the following areas of law: Contracts, Constitutional Law, Criminal Procedure, Legal Research, Professional Responsibility and Real Estate Law.

Westlaw and Lexis Summer Access

Both Lexis and Westlaw limit students’ access to these databases during the summer. However, access may be extended during the summer months for students who are: taking summer courses; working as research assistants for professors; conducting research for law review or moot court; or involved in a non-profit organization. To extend a Westlaw password please go to: www.lawschool.westlaw.com. For Lexis, go to: www.lexisnexis.com/lawschool. Once logged on, both databases have banners on their homepages advertising summer access registration.

A Cookie with the Librarians: Research Skills for Summer Jobs and Clerkships

Monday, April 6, from 2:30 - 3:20 p.m. in the FCR (Faculty Conference Room / located next to the cafeteria). Two librarian / lawyers, Christine Morton and James Durham, will provide cost-effective, in-depth research suggestions for your summer job or clerkship. The session will highlight free web sites for New York legal research, subscription databases available to you as a Touro student, and guidelines for using Lexis and Westlaw in an employment setting. Chocolate chip cookies and beverages are provided to the attendees. Please RSVP by email to JDurham@tourolaw.edu.

Library Opens 24/6

Library Opens 24/6 for Final Exam Preparation
By James G. Durham, Head of Public Services

Beginning on Sunday, April 19 and ending on Wednesday, May 20 at 11:45 p.m., the Gould Law Library will be open as a study hall around the clock, except for Friday afternoon – Saturday evening. The Library will close on Friday afternoons at 5:00 p.m. (in observance of the Jewish Sabbath), but will reopen on Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m. Except for that closing period, the Library will remain open 24 hours a day. Students using the Library after midnight will be asked to sign in at the security desk. There will be no Library services available during the overnight period. The library staff extends best wishes as our student body enters the final exams period.

Library Training: Using the Library’s Online Public Access Catalog for Legal Research

The Gould Law Library has many useful resources which may be found using our Online Public Access Catalog (“OPAC”). Learning how to use this tool will allow students to more effectively and completely research legal topics and beyond- OPACs are now found in almost all libraries and information centers. On Monday March 30, at 2:30 learn more about the OPAC by stopping by room L308 (the library’s large computer lab). Christine Morton, Reference Librarian, will be giving a short presentation on how to use our catalog.

CALI

CALI (the Center for Computer Assisted Legal Instruction) has posted five new lessons on its website. These lessons address the topics of criminal procedure, constitutional law and real estate transactions.
Also, the library still has copies of the 2008 CALI Lessons DVD. If you would like a copy, please stop by the Reference Office located on the first floor of the library.

Directory of Lawyer Licensing Databases

A recent article published on llrx.com contains a state-by-state directory of lawyer licensing databases and telephone numbers. This directory is extremely useful for anyone who is looking to ascertain in which state(s) a lawyer is licensed to practice.
This article was published in January 2009 and is an update to an article originally published in December 2006.

Economic Stimulus Plan

Both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives have passed versions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. These two bills must now be reconciled with each other and one bill presented to the President for his endorsement.
The Senate Committee on Finance has created a chart that highlights the differences between these two bills. The House and Senate bills differ as to the amount refundable for higher education credits and as to whether computer technology and equipment is a qualified expense.

Chief Judge Appointed to Court of Appeals

Jonathan Lippman, the presiding justice of the Appellate Division, First Department, has been officially appointed as Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals. Judge Lippman was nominated for this position by Governor Patterson and faced virtually no criticism during the confirmation process. Governor Patterson's press release containing his official nomination of Judge Lippman can be located on the New York State Court system's website.
With Judge Lippman's appointment, the Court of Appeals will now consist of four male judges and three female judges.
The Chief Judge's current salary is $156,000.

Vendor Training Sessions

Both Westlaw and Lexis are offering advanced training sessions this semester geared toward assisting students in conducting subject specific research; appellate research; job search research; prepare to practice and cost effective research.

A schedule of training sessions for Westlaw can be located from the Westlaw homepage, by clicking on Training Calendar under the Support heading.

A schedule for Lexis training sessions can be located from the Lexis homepage, by clicking on My School and selecting the Training option on the left-hand side of the page.

New Library Poll

Each month the library will post a brief survey regarding new and/or existing library services. Please take a few moments to answer the survey as user feedback is important to the Library and can impact Library services and programs. February's survey can be located on the Library's webpage in the column labelled About the Gould Law Library.

Free Legal Research Site

American Law Sources On-Line is a site that compiles links and provides access to free legal sources for the United States, Canada and Mexico. It also contains links to law commentaries and practice aids.

United States materials are broken down by state. For New York, there are links to the New York Constitution, Consolidated Laws, law reviews, court rules, as well as a link to a useful diagram of the New York State court system.

Potential Student Tax Break

Students who do not pay income taxes may soon become eligible for the Hope tax credit for tuition. According to a January 28, 2009 Chronicle of Higher Education article, the United States House of Representatives is prepared to pass bill that would grant students who do not pay taxes a refund worth up to $1,000. The bill will also increase the maximum tax credit from $1,800 to $2,500 and include the cost of textbooks and other school related expenses.

The amendments to the Hope Tax Credit are contained within the proposed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 0f 2009, H.R. 1. The progress of this bill can be tracked through Thomas (Library of Congress.)

Compilation of Presidential Documents

Interested in keeping track of President Obama's actions or in searching for past presidential documents?
The Compilation of Presidential Documents are the official publications of presidential documents released by the White House Press secretary. These documents are now made available daily in electronic format through the Government Printing Office (GPO). The most current document available is a pdf of the Inaugural address. You can also search for presidential documents dating back to 1993.

Welcome Back!!

The Library has resumed its regular hours for the Spring semester. The Library is open to students:
Sunday: 9 am to 2 am
Monday-Thursday: 7 am to 2 am
Friday: 7 am to 2:45 pm

There are no circulation or reference services Monday to Friday between 7 and 8 am and Sunday from 11:45 pm to 2 am.

The Reference Office hours are as follows:
Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm
Monday-Thursday: 9 am to 9 pm
Friday: 9 am to 2:30 pm

Light snacks (pretzels, chips)and non-alcoholic beverages in spill-proof containers are permitted in the Library.

Free Legal Research Site

The Public Library of Law (PLOL) is an online site that claims to be the "largest free law library in the world." PLOL brings together law that is freely available across the internet and organizes it into one searchable site. PLOL offers free access to U.S. Supreme Court and Court of Appeals cases; state cases from 1997 to date; federal statutes and codes; and state regulations and court rules.
PLOL is sponsored by Fastcase, a U.S. company that offers unlimited access to legal materials on a subscription basis.

Interesting Website

Track This Now is a website that enables you to track news from around the world in real time. Track this Now also has a feature that enables you to track You Tube videos from around the world.
To track a news item or video, enter a key word and select a country to be tracked. Placemarks will appear on a world map and you can click on the placemarks to view the news item/video that is being tracked.