Articles Posted in Uncategorized

Law Librarian – Do you have what it takes?: Ever think about applying for a job as a law librarian? Here’s a job description from a recent posting for a law school reference librarian (not supervisory, not managerial, not directorial, all of which would require additional skills).

Required: Master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited institution is required. Demonstrated experience with legal research materials, techniques and strategies; especially electronic resources. Substantial knowledge of web-based subscription services, web-based instructional technology tools, and Internet resources. Knowledge of HTML and web-authoring tools; demonstrated experience with creating and maintaining web pages.. Strong service orientation, ability to work well independently, and with others. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills. Strong organizational and planning skills. Ability to establish and maintain a good working relationship with colleagues. Strong public service philosophy.

Preferred: JD from an ABA-accredited institution is preferred, however relevant and directly related experience may be considered. Experience with database design and previous experience working in a law library is a plus. WESTLAW and LexisNexis knowledge is a plus. Demonstrated familiarity with library computer applications and internet based-communication tools such as blogs, wikis, and podcasting.

If you want to see more job law librarian job descriptions, visit the American Association of Law Libraries web site and click on the Job Hotline. Jobs as paraprofessionals in law libraries often require substantial skills too. I’ll talk more about those later, but don’t even think about asking “do you have any openings for jobs where I can sit at the desk and read?” That happens only in the movies, on TV, and maybe in libraries that are going to be in big trouble in a few years.

Writing, Law, Blogs: I browse through a lot of blogs over the course of a week. You might think I would be an RSS user, but I’m not. One day I’ll try and articulate why not. But I am an RSS advocate so don’t feel you need to sell me on its merits. I probably just prefer the randomness of my own system for keeping up with my favorite blogs, though I suspect there is more to it than that. In any event, from all of today’s blogs-pickings (see the intriguing Language Log posting on Plural Shifting) the one that keeps coming back to me is from LLRX. The specific posting is this one on “Reining in your inner change freak.” The author (Connie Crosby, a worthwhile read any time) pulls this wonderful and pithy quote from Jim Frazier:

“Change is NOT inherently good. Stop believing that. Change is, without question, inevitable. But it is not good or bad. It just is. Change is not the issue. It is what conditions you are changing and what alternatives you are offering that should be the real topic of discussion. (p. 7)”

First, I think it is funny that we need permission to feel this way – but the truth is we sometimes do. Second, click on Connie’s link to the quote’s source. Apart from the simple pleasure of browsing the document for the odds and ends that are also “wonderful and pithy,” what really jumped out at me was how the creator of this publication did what few others do. He sized the PDF to fit onto a computer screen so one didn’t have to scroll down a full screen of an 8-1/2” x 11” page. Online is not print. He Got It in 2000, which was when this was written. Imagine that.

Jury Duty Scam Returns: KOIN reports that the jury-duty scam is back.

EPA Libraries Closing?: News on the librarian listserves says that EPA Libraries may be closing due to budget cuts. Here is a story from Yubanet about the closings. There may be other stories over the next few months as the situation develops. For further information, contact your Congressional representatives from here or here.

Veteran’s Issues and Legally Speaking: Tonight on Legally Speaking, a TVCTV cable access program, our host, Jim Hilborn, and guest, Doug MacEllven, Washington County Assistant Veteran’s Services Officer and attorney, will speak and take calls on veteran’s legal issues. I’ll appear for a few minutes for the public law librarian perspective. The program airs live on the 4th Thursday of the month at 8 p.m. and is rebroadcast at different times throughout the month.

OJD Web Site Temporarily Unavailable this Weekend: Do your OJD research today. The OJD web Site posted this notice today: “Due to scheduled maintenance, the Oregon Judicial Department Website (http://www.ojd.state.or.us/) will be unavailable from 6:00 pm Friday, August 18th until 6:00 am on Monday, August 21st. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.”

Hearings on the MCLE Elimination of Bias Requirement:

“The Supreme Court will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 19, 2006, to accept comments on the Board of Governors’ proposal to amend the MCLE Rules to delete the requirement for elimination of bias (EOB) credit.”

The full notice on this and other hearings before the Supreme Court can be found at the OJD News Site, here (if it links properly) or here (if you need an alternate link – click on News and then use the drop down menu).

Law Office Technology: I keep saying this and so do all the best lawyer and law tech bloggers, but it’s obvious you’re not paying attention:

“An AOL, Yahoo or Hotmail address is not very professional and should be reserved for use by friends and family, not your clients.”

This quote is from an excellent August 9th posting at I Heart Tech, which has answers to some of the most frequently asked tech questions from the pros and the newbies. This is an easy blog to follow, with postings only every few days and easy to follow time-saving tips and fixes for common tech problems.

I’ve mentioned other blawgs (aka law blogs) useful to solo and small law firm attorneys, but they are worth mentioning again and again. The short list includes Jim Calloway and MyShingle. Longer lists can be compiled by you very easily by exploring these two sites and looking at other sites these two attorneys recommend. Blogging attorneys are sharing invaluable information, freely and happily. Revel in it and learn.

New Veteran’s Web Site: A new government web site for veterans can be found here. Link is courtesy of beSpacific.

Crook County M37 Case: The recent Crook County Circuit Court Measure 37 case can be found at the Association of Oregon Counties web site.