Law Librarian Blog

Call for St. Louis Annual Meeting Program Ideas

Now is the time to start thinking about programming opportunities for the 2006 St. Louis Meeting.  As in the past, the deadline for proposing programs and ideas for 2006 will be in August, just following our conference in San Antonio.  Because of this small window of time, the ALL-SIS Program Planning Subcommittee would like to encourage all ALL-SIS members to start thinking about programs and plan to attend a brainstorming session on programming ideas at the ALL-SIS Program Committee meeting to be held on Sunday, July 17 from Noon to 1:15 pm, Marriott Rivercenter Conference 12

The theme for the 2006 meeting in St. Louis is "Pioneering  Change," as described in the recent message from incoming AALL President Claire Germain, accessible at: http://www.aallnet.org/press/ftdo_claire_germain_050305.asp
Don't forget to check out the information contained in the Program Planner's Handbook for particulars on proposing a program, accessible at: http://www.aallnet.org/events/ProgramPlannersHandbook.pdf

We're looking forward to your programming ideas and questions at the meeting on July 17!  If you have questions about the process or suggestions for a program in the meantime please contact any of the ALL-SIS Program Committee members:

Lee F. Peoples (Chair)  (405)208-6030  lpeoples@okcu.edu
April L. Schwartz (Vice-Chair) (631)421-2244 x321  aschwartz@tourolaw.
Mr. Eric W. Young    (513)564-7624  younge@exchange.nku.edu
Kira Zaporski     (312)915-8515  kira.zaporski@marquette.edu
Ajaye Bloomstone (Sub-committee Chair) (225)578-4044 llajaye@lsu.edu
Ruth Levor    (619)260-4604  rlevor@sandiego.edu

Submitted by Lee Peoples, content by Ajaye Bloomstone (Sub-committee Chair) and Ruth Levor.

Questions Solicited for Core Collection Program in San Antonio

We are presenting a program on The "What is a Core Collection Anymore" program will be presented on Tuesday, July 19 from 4-5 p.m. The program will focus on the application of the ABA's draft standards 605 and 606 to academic library collections. See Text of the March draft of the Standards.

Join three law library directors, (Phyllis Marion, California Western School of Law, Rita T. Reusch Univ. of Utah School of Law and Chris Simoni, Northwestern Univ. School of Law) for a stimulating panel discussion addressing this continually evolving standard. If you would like to suggest questions for the panel, please feel free to email them to Lisa Arm, Collection Development Librarian, Boston University Law Library.

Some suggested questions so far are:

• "How do I maintain and build my collection in the wake of constantly changing standards?"
• "I'm director of XXX law library and I have an inspection coming up (next year), what are some of the things I should be doing this year in light of the new standards…"
• "I'm a collection development librarian and not a director. Where can I see an updated standard?" Is there a particular blog or listserv that is following this closely? (if not a director)
• "I am planning to put XXX into offsite storage (or withdraw paper copies). Will I be penalized by the ABA if I don't have the physical volumes on my shelves, even though I have access electronically? Access vs. ownership, is access enough?
• "If collection count is not being used any longer, how will I be able to compare my library to other libraries of similar size?"?

Current Population Survey (CPS) Table Creator

From the U.S. Census Bureau:

The CPS Table Creator gives you the ability to create customized tables from the Current Population Survey's Annual Social and Economic Supplement.

Seven easy steps include rows and columns with variables, years, and subsets by age, state, race, Hispanic, nativity, employment. Variables include age, race, nativity, employment, poverty, income, household type. Various options for formatting.

Check it out.

by Ron Jones, Unv Cin Law Lib

AALL Launches Student Caucus Listserv

Recently. JIm Milles (Associate Dean for Legal Information Services, Director of the Law Library and Associate Professor of Law, University at Buffalo Law School) announced the launch of studentc@aallnet.org, the new AALL Student Caucus
listserv.  All interested members of AALL are invited to subscribe by going to the AALLNET Online Discussion Center page.

CRS Releases Value-Added Tax as a New Revenue Source

From the Report:

The imposition of a VAT would cause a one-time increase in this country's price level. But a VAT would not affect this country's future rate of inflation if the Federal Reserve offset the contractionary effects of a VAT with a more expansionary monetary policy. If the United States continued its policy of flexible exchange rates, then the imposition of a VAT would not significantly affect the U.S. balance-of-trade. There is no conclusive evidence that a VAT would increase the rate of national saving more than another type of major tax increase.

The high revenue yield from a VAT would cause administrative costs to be low measured as a percentage of revenue yield. A federal VAT would encroach on the primary source of state revenue, the sales tax. But precedents exist for the federal government to levy a tax that some states have already imposed. A federal-state VAT could be collected jointly, but a state would lose some of its fiscal discretion. The hypothesis that a federal VAT would increase the size of the U.S. government has not been proven empirically.

Additional information, including a link to the report, at TaxProf Blog.

What Is Going On With Tax Court Documents?

The Chicago Tribune is reporting (in a local story) that it is investigating the procedure in Tax Court where a reviewing judge has taken the findings of lower courts and adopted them in his decisions.  What prompted the story was a tax case involving a prominent Chicago attorney where Judge Howard Dawson said he adopted the rulings of the trial judge.  In fact, he reversed them.  The Tribune later discovered that Dawson was the reviewing judge in 512 cases out of 640 since 1991.

The paper requested copies of the lower court rulings, only to discover that many documents in initial rulings are not retained.  There are implications in the story that the Tax Court does not want the judicial process and documentation readily available to the public in spite of a Supreme Court decision to the contrary earlier this year,

The opinion is Ballard v. Commissioner (pdf).

Mark Giangrande, DePaul Univ Law Library

New Title from Brookings on Policy Responses to Greenhouse Gases

Statehouse and Greenhouse
The Emerging Politics of American Climate Change Policy
Barry G. Rabe
Brookings Institution Press 2004
c. 240pp.
Cloth Text, 0-8157-7310-2, $47.95
Paper Text, 0-8157-7309-9, $19.95

From the description:

Few public policy issues seem as hopeless as global climate change. Mounting evidence shows that accumulating levels of greenhouse gases are already beginning to alter climate patterns, and this only intensifies concerns about long-term dangers. In turn, potential policy remedies appear feckless. Prospects for implementation of the Kyoto Protocol are highly uncertain even among nations that have ratified the accord. At the national level, the United States, which is the leading source of greenhouse gases, remains completely disengaged from the Kyoto process. Increasingly, other developed nations severely criticize the United States for its perceived failure to engage this issue.

But a quiet yet growing trend for state governments to assume a leadership role in reducing greenhouse gases suggests that a far more robust process for American policy development is under way. Conventional analyses assume that climate change can only be addressed by international regimes and national governments. However, many states have developed active, multi-faceted programs to address carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases within a diverse array of policy sectors, including energy, environmental protection, transportation, natural resources, and agriculture.

In Statehouse and Greenhouse, Barry G. Rabe examines this evolving policy process. He devotes particular attention to the factors prompting so many states to take significant steps toward greenhouse gas reduction. These states cut across regions and traditional partisan divides; agency-based policy entrepreneurs appear to be central players in developing policy ideas and forming viable coalitions. Rabe argues that this recent flurry of experience can move the debate over climate change from hyperbole to the realm of what is politically, economically, and technically feasible. He also offers alternatives for future policy development. These would build on recent state initiatives and actively engage them in long-term policy formation and implementation.

Barry G. Rabe is a professor of environmental policy in the School of Natural Resources and Environment and professor of public policy in the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan. He also directs the university's new Program in Environment. Rabe is the author of two previous Brookings books, When Federalism Works and Beyond NIMBY.

CRS Reports for the People!

Welcome to the Internet OpenCRS.com!

From the About statement:

American taxpayers spend nearly $100 million a year to fund the Congressional Research Service, a "think tank" that provides reports to members of Congress on a variety of topics relevant to current political events. Yet, these reports are not made available to the public in a way that they can be easily obtained. A project of the Center for Democracy & Technology, Open CRS provides citizens access to CRS Reports that are already in the public domain and encourages Congress to provide public access to all CRS Reports.

CRS Reports do not become public until a member of Congress releases the report. A number of libraries and non-profit organizations have sought to collect as many of the released reports as possible. Open CRS is a centralized utility that brings together these collections to search.

Unfortunately, there is no systematic way to obtain all CRS reports. Because of this, not all reports appear on the Open CRS web site. CDT believes that it would be far preferable for Congress to make available to the public all CRS Reports.

But until then ... contribute your reports! Contribute, that is, as long as you do not violate any subscription agreements, see, e.g., the terms of GalleryWatch. As of last week, there were 8,000-plus reports online.

Human Rights Watch Seeks Clarification of Article 53 of the Rome Statute

From the Human Rights Watch:

Under Article 53 of the Rome Statute, the prosecutor has important responsibility to decide whether to initiate an investigation," and, upon investigation, to decide "that there is not a sufficient basis for a prosecution." In making these decisions, the Rome Statute states that a factor to be considered by the prosecutor is "the interests of justice." The prosecutor's decision regarding the "interests of justice," however, is subject to review by the Pre-Trial Chamber. Because the phrase
"interests of justice" is not precisely defined, Human Rights Watch believes it is important that the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) establish guidelines as to how the phrase should be construed.

Read the Human Rights Watch Policy Paper (pdf)

Opening: Law, Legal Studies, and Social Science Reference Librarian at Princeton

Princeton University
Princeton , New Jersey

Description: We seek an energetic and innovative librarian to join the Public Service Department's Social Science Reference Center team. The Center has a staff of seven professional librarians, two professional technical staff, and six support staff. The Center supports reference, research, and most statistical and data analysis in economics, law, political science, industrial relations, history, and sociology. In addition, the Center houses a data and statistical services unit and four document depository collections -- United States , United Nations, New Jersey , and the European Union. The incumbent will have primary responsibility for managing the EU depository collection. All of the Center's professional staff members are actively engaged in library instruction and outreach.

The librarian appointed to this position will provide in-depth reference and research assistance in law and the legal aspects of other disciplines. S/he will also develop and manage the collections that support these areas within the context of an interdisciplinary social science research environment. S/he will provide reference services as required in the humanities and social sciences including the quantitative social sciences. S/he will offer individual research consultations and develop a proactive outreach program that includes course-integrated instruction for undergraduates and graduate students. S/he will ensure full identification and integration of reliable electronic resources into our services and collections; closely coordinate collection development with other subject specialists; and prepare online user guides and Web pages. This position will have special liaison responsibilities for legal studies and for the Program in Law and Public Affairs. The librarian may be asked to supervise support staff and numerous student assistants and will participate in providing evening and weekend service.

Requirements: Master of Library Science or equivalent. Three years' experience providing legal reference services in an academic setting where the interdisciplinary study of law and public policy, politics, history, economics, sociology or psychology played a major role. Demonstrated success in library outreach and teaching. Strong interpersonal and communications skills, both oral and written. Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team that is committed to public service. Working knowledge of one or more modern European languages. Supervisory experience. Familiarity with standard statistical packages. Demonstrated skill with Web site creation. Familiarity with current library digital projects and trends in scholarly communication.

Strongly Preferred: Law degree

Preferred: Undergraduate degree and/or a second master's degree in a social science area

Benefits: Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience and accomplishments. Twenty-four (24) vacation days a year, plus eleven (11) paid holidays. Annuity program (TIAA/CREF), group life insurance, health coverage insurance, disability insurance, and other benefits are available.

Nominations and Applications: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Nominations and applications (resume and the names, titles, addresses and phone numbers of three references) should be sent as an MS Word attachment via email to: libhrpro@princeton.edu or by fax to 609-258-0454.

Submissions via regular mail are also welcomed and can be sent to:

Search Committee for Law, Legal Studies, and Social Science Reference Librarian
c/o Lila Daum Fredenburg
Human Resources Librarian
Princeton University Library
One Washington Road
Princeton, New Jersey 08544-2098

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER.

Opening: Director of Law School Computer Services, Pace

Pace University Law School Law Library is seeking applicants for the position of Director of Law School Computer Services

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Director of Law IT is responsible for the development, evaluation and management of the customer service-oriented Law IT department at Pace University School of Law. The Director of Law IT s responsible for all aspects of computing at the Law School and in the Law Library, works with minimal supervision and supervises other professional and part-time staff within the department. The position will also act as liaison with the University’s Department of Information Technology in the capacity of IMO (Information Management Officer) which includes attending IMO meetings and discussing policy with the CIO. Overall, the Director of Law IT s responsible for timely responses to deadlines, clear positive resolution of problems and successful execution of the responsibilities detailed in this description.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Managerial responsibilities include the following performed subject to review:

1. Representation of Law IT and the Law School at appropriate University-wide task forces.
2. Supervision and training of Law IT professional and part time staff including the development of detailed job descriptions and continuous evaluation of staff performance; responsibility for the cooperative interaction of staff members in Law IT and prompt resolution of staff conflicts.
3. Long and short range planning, implementation and continuous evaluation of increasing efficient and effective delivery of computer services; planning and implementation of training programs for new and existing staff.
4. Responsibility for preparation and distribution of accurate policy statements, manuals, memoranda, handouts and publications.
5. Recommendation and implementation, within the constraints of available funds, of appropriate risk management procedures against the fire, electrical outage, theft of equipment/services, virus infection, and the destruction of data including the formulation and implementation of a disaster recovery plan for computer based data.
6. Timely preparation of Law IT budget submissions.
7. Development of grant proposals to introduce new technologies or upgrade existing ones within the Law School Consultation on computing requirements of faculty grant applications.
8. Interaction with other Department Heads in the School to determine their needs, plan for new technological solutions and schedule computer projects. 
9. Maintain Law School portal, built on Linux-based Metadot software.
10. Maintain Law School website.
11. Management, in conjunction with the Library, of Library computer labs, evaluation and implementation of necessary technologies and policies and supervision of Lab staff and workflow.

    In addition to its managerial responsibilities, the Director of Law IT will be responsible for the timely completion of technical projects. The position will be required to contribute directly and technically or to delegate staff as needed to complete supported computer-based projects. Specific technical responsibilities include the following performed subject to review.

12. Oversee installation, maintenance and upgrades of server and workstation hardware and software and continuing update of microcomputer/printer equipment inventory. Servers currently include domain controllers, storage, web and e-mail.
13. Set policy concerning outside service vendors and oversee its implementation.
14. Management of an aggressive schedule of current computer projects including the maintenance and upgrade of email system, domain controllers, and real audio/real video server.
15. Oversee and participate in web development projects using Cold Fusion and/or other development software; assist faculty and staff in creation and maintenance of web pages in a training capacity.
16. Create and oversee training programs for faculty, staff and students of the Law School in all software supported by the department.  Prepare documentation as necessary.
17. Oversee technical implementation of legal distance education program in all phases.
18. Manage continuing update of local knowledgebase concerning all software supported within the Law School including inventory, documentation and licensing information.
19. Evaluate, on a continuing basis, the information technology needs of the Law School including equipment and software, training and documentation, networking and local applications, copier/printer use, fax and telephone services. Plan and implement projects to improve Law School information technology as deemed necessary.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: 4 full-time professional staff - Webmaster, Library Systems Coordinator, 2 Technicians

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline required; 5-10 years experience in IT preferably in roles of progressively increasing responsibility.  Experience in an academic environment preferred.  Expert knowledge of Windows NT is required as well as extensive experience with Intel based servers and workstations.  Must be familiar with the following technologies:  Windows 2000 Server, Exchange Server, Linux, Cold Fusion, Metadot and NT 4.0 Domain Controllers.  Microsoft certifications preferred    

CRS Reports Provided by the House of Representatives

Did you know that the House of Representatives provides CRS reports about itself? Me neither but it does. If you go to a page simply titled "Congressional Research Reports", you will find a list of CRS reports organized by the following topics:

1. Congress: The House
2. Introduction & Origins of Legislative Measures
3. House Committees
4. Congress: The Senate
5. Relations with the Senate
6. Presidential Relations
7. House Floor Proceedings
8. Special Rules and the Rules Committee and
9. Budget Process

If you are a process junky, you will love this resource

I also want to bring special attention to my source for this tip, namely, the St. Thomas Law Library Faculty Services Blog. To the best of my (very limited) knowledge, St. Thomas may be operating the only law faculty services blog. Not a bad idea. I particularly like the editor's use of the comment feature to update his own posts.

I do wonder, however, how many faculty members visit the blog and also take the time to comment on posts. One of the comments to the very first post (dated February, 24, 2005) observed:

Not sure how blog comments work - is this visible to everyone? might discourage some faculty from interacting in this fashion - might encourage others, though.

Congrats to the blog editor, Rob Hudson, Faculty Services Librarian, for providing a consistently high quality blog for his faculty (and the rest of us).