Saturday, August 18, 2012

Library and Web Resources Tours

Did you miss the Library Walking Tours during the rush of 1L Orientation this week?  You can still take a Library Audio Tour. The audio files for the Walking Tour are here on the Law Library's web site.  Each of the seven parts of the tour can be downloaded as mp3 files, or heard in iTunesU.  Want more of a "walking tour" experience?  Try our QR Code Library Audio Tour.  Just pick up a brochure on the table to the left of the Circulation Desk.  Then follow the brochure map to the QR code signs at seven locations throughout the Library.  Scan the posted QR codes with your smart phone, and listen to each part of the tour at the location or download one or more parts for later listening.

Just as important as knowing your way around the Library is becoming familiar early in Fall Semester with the Law Library web site and the array of resources available there.  How do you find what you need in LEXICAT, the Library catalog?  What are the most important databases for law students (other than Lexis and Westlaw)?  What research guides, tutorials, services, and links should 1L's know about?  If you missed the Web Resources orientation session last Wednesday, take a quick webcast tour of the Library web site from either of the links on this page, located under "News and Events" and "Instruction."

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Friday, August 17, 2012

Not yet a wireless world

If you have any technology equipment at home, you are dealing with wires.  Check out this post at one of my favorites - Prof Hacker - on some great simple ideas on "wire management".  (As a teaser, those bread bag clips are not garbage after all.)  And don't miss the video on how to tie up those annoying earphone cords so they are not so annoying.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Interview With Bryan Garner

Bryan Garner is well known in law-related circles for his guide to legal writing style and usage, as well for as his editorship of Black’s Law Dictionary. Did you know, though, that he is also a SNOOT? Read an entertaining interview with Garner here, and be sure to try your hand at the brief, but diabolically difficult, language usage quiz at the end.


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Library Access and Food Policies

Access Policy

Students must present their Hofstra ID to the public safety officer to gain access to gain entrance to the Library.

Food Policy

     Snack food, sandwiches, and drinks in closed containers are permitted in all areas of the library with the following exceptions: 
  •  Foods with strong odors (i.e., pizza, fish, etc.) 
  •  Messy foods (i.e. greasy) 
  •  Foods in noisy wrappers or containers

Any exceptions to the food policy may be consumed at one of the various tables outside of the front entrance of the library

Please be considerate of others.  Remove all leftover food, food containers, and packaging when you leave the library. 

If you are using library materials or equipment after eating, please wash your hands before    handling any books or equipment.

Please report all spills to Library staff at the Circulation Desk.

Thanks and welcome back!

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Attorneys and Apple...working together!

Are you a law student or lawyer who uses a Mac?  Then visit the website MacLawyer Using MACS in the Practice of Law (http://www.themaclawyer.com/) and find out all the ways that your colleagues are making Macs a part of the new legal workplace.

And if your iPad is your life, the ABA has a wonderful article called iPad for lawyers: Practice law; tips and tricks; more, listing all the gadgets and apps you need to make your little tablet a powerhouse of legal productivity.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Monday, August 13, 2012

Welcome to our new law students!

Don't know about you, but our summer passed very very quickly.  Orientation for 1L students has already started and classes begin this Thursday, August 16th.  There are a lot of activities and a lot to learn right off the bat.  Just remember:

We offer library tours so you can familiarize your self and become comfortable with your surroundings.
We present a library website orientation.  We like Google too, but it is only one of the online tools you can access here.
Both the above are posted as tutorials on our website.
Have a question?  Any question?  Reference librarians are good at answering questions.  You don't have to be here to ask a question because we respond to IM, text and phone calls.  Pick up our Reference 411 cards at the BBQ on Wednesday as a handy reminder.

There is much more information on the Law Library and how we can help you in the Law Library pamphlet in your orientation packet.

We are here to help you and want you to succeed. 

We look forward to getting to know you during the next three years.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat