Law Librarian Blog

Library Bloggers Discuss the Impact of Their Work

From Library Journal: Library bloggers discuss the impact of their work.

Ron Jones, Univ of Cincinnati Law Library

Final Commission Report: Building Confidence in U.S. Elections

From the Center for Democracy and Election Management (CDEM) at American University:

Among the recommendations of the CDEM's report, "Building Confidence in U.S. Elections": State-based rather than local-based voter registration system, photo ID cards at the polls, auditable backup of electronic voting machines, and states should crack down on election fraud.

Read the full report.

Ron Jones, Unv Cin Law Lib

Identity of Anonymous Blogger Protected

In John Doe 1 v. Cahill, the Delaware Supreme Court issued a major ruling protecting anonymous bloggers against an attempt to expose them through a defamation action. UCLA Prof Stephan Bainbridge offers his analysis on his blog. Read all about it.

I don't think we have heard the last of this First Amendment issue. In fact, when all is said and done, I wouldn't be one bit surprised if the law settles on a directly opposite rule. In this case, the Court placed it analysis in the context of the exceptionalism of the Internet. Ultimately, the Internet will be viewed as commonplace as radio, TV, Cable, print journalism, etc., and will be required to abide by standards similar to other communication vehicles.

The Network's Tech Law Prof Blog covered this decision in detail yesterday. Read all about it.

Harriet Miers's Financial Disclosure Records

The Washinton Post's profile of Harriet Miers includes her public financial disclosure reports from her tenure in the White House, among other documents.

• Miers's public financial disclosure reports from her tenure in the White House (PDFs).
  • 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000

SMU's Miers Bibliography

SMU Underwood Law Library' has compilied the Published Writings of Harriet E. Miers, Nominee for Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court.

AALL 2005 Biennial Salary Survey Now Online

The AALL 2005 Biennial Salary Survey and Organizational Characteristics is now available for free in the members-only section of AALLNET.

This brand-new edition is the only source for up-to-date information about salaries for law librarians and other law library employees who work in academic libraries; private firms and corporate libraries; and state, court, and county law libraries. The survey is customized to provide information unique to the needs of these types of libraries, including position, region, gender, education, years in current position, years of experience, and membership in AALL. The section on organizational characteristics examines the salary data within the context of the size of library budgets, staff, and user ratios.

The survey was carried out this May through August in complete confidentiality by Association Research, Inc., a professional research firm in Rockville, Maryland, that works exclusively with nonprofit organizations.

Printed copies of the 2005 Biennial Salary Survey and Organizational Characteristics will be available for purchase and shipment in October; $110 for AALL members and $175 for nonmembers. The Association is accepting advance orders by e-mail at orders@aall.org, by fax at 312/431-1097, or by calling AALL Headquarters at 312/939-4764, extension 12.

Webcast of War Crimes Conference at Case Western

Reminder: The Frederick K. Cox International Law Center at Case Western Reserve University School of Law is hosting a day-long conference titled Torture and the War on Terror today. The conference will be webcast live.

Job Opening: Serials and Technology Librarian, Rutgers-Newark Law

Rutgers-Newark Law Library has recently re-opened its search for a Serials and Technology Librarian.  Position available as of 1/19/2006.

For details see http://law-library.rutgers.edu/guide/serialslib.php

Tax Forms Tutorial Available from LexisNexis

LexisNexis Interactive Tax Forms is a definitive library of government-approved forms designed for the tax practitioner. And now there is a flash demonstration. Check it out!

Iraqi Constitution (Aug. 28, 2005 Draft)

Here is the revised draft of the final Iraqi Constitution received by the Iraqi National Assembly, August 28, 2005. The text was translated from the Arabic by the Associated Press. Changes from the the August 22 draft are noted in parentheses.

Job Opening: IT Specialist, Univ of Maryland School of Law

The University of Maryland School of Law is seeking a creative, energetic, motivated Instructional Technology Specialist to advance the school's commitment to providing high-quality education. The School of Law, located on the campus of the University of Maryland Baltimore, is housed in a state-of-the-art facility that permits faculty, staff and students to use the latest technology in teaching, research and learning. The Academic Technology Department supports the School of Law with resources for multimedia technology, Web-based learning systems and instructional technology services and support. This position reports to the Director of Academic Technology.

The successful candidate will be a service-oriented, technologically-capable individual who will play a primary role in providing instructional technology support services for faculty, staff and students at the School of Law, including:

* Collaborating with faculty, staff and students to integrate technology into teaching and learning, including the development of instructional materials and tools;
* Training faculty, staff and students in the use of instructional technologies, including creating support materials and conducting formal presentations;
* Investigating and recommending new technologies to improve teaching and learning;
* Assisting in planning and budgeting for the acquisition of new technology;
* Coordinating and maintaining the Technology Department's presence on the Web;
* Maintaining and administering the school's online course management system;
* Providing daily support and advice to members of the law school community in the use of instructional technology resources.

REQUIREMENTS: Requires a Bachelor's degree in educational technology, instructional design, or other related field plus two years' related experience. (Master's degree and/or additional certification is preferred and can be used to substitute for relevant experience). Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. The ideal candidate will have excellent
organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills and a demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize multiple assignments. The ideal candidate will also have experience with a variety of multimedia applications, including those in digital video and web design; a knowledge of HTML as well as a familiarity with Web technologies, including SQL, XML, and scripting languages such as ASP and Jscript; experience with course management systems; and a strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite.

HIRING RANGE: Commensurate with education and experience

FILING DEADLINE: Until filled

ORIGINAL POSTING DATE: 09/28/05

SUBMIT RESUME TO:
Position # 6548/TA/HPI
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Staffing & Career Services
111 South Greene Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Email: resume@hr.umaryland.edu
Phone: 410-706-7171

Three Women Named Harriet Miers

Joyce Saenz Harris wrote a profile piece for the Dallas Morning News, (first appeared in the July 28, 1991 edition; made available online Oct. 5, 2005; free registration required) titled, "Harriet Miers: Reflections on a Lawyer-Politician." Here is the intro:

Depending on who is talking, there seem to be three women named Harriet Miers in Dallas.

One is the hard-nosed career lawyer, a partner in the Dallas firm of Locke Purnell Rain Harrell, who has just become the first woman president-elect of the State Bar of Texas. This Harriet  Miers is a commercial litigator with a reputation for being tough, smart and shrewd. She is a tireless champion of the law, one who yearns to set society's wrongs aright.

Another Harriet Miers is finishing her two-year term as an at-large member of the Dallas City Council. To her colleagues, she often comes across as dour, cold, uncompromising and uncommunicative -- a maverick and a cipher.

And then there is the Harriet Miers her friends and family know, the one who seldom reveals herself to fellow council members. This one is warm, sensitive, humorous, loyal, the favorite aunt of everyone's children. She is a model of self-sacrifice, a woman whose moral code will not allow her to act against her conscience.

Sorry. Copyright, you know. It is well worth the time it takes to register online.

ACS Judicial Nominiations Website

Let the new round of confirmation hearings begin. The Amerian Constitutional Society's Judicial Nominations Site is just the place to monitor them.

Michican Law's Resources on Harriet Miers

Following on the heels of their collection of resources for the Roberts confirmation, the University of Michigan Law Library is now publishing information about and writings by Harriet Miers. At this time, I think the bibliography of articles by Miers probably is the most complete on the web. Great job (again)!

New Search Engine Provides Web and Multimedia Results

Searchwebmedia claims to be the first ever search engine that spans both the world of web search results and universe of online multimedia content.  "The only search engine to provide both web and multimedia search results including music, videos, ringtones and user-generated content"

When you perform a search on searchwebmedia, the results are returned in four categories: audio, video, mobile, and games.

The new search engine is powered by the GoFish Technologies. The GoFish multimedia search directory covers a large collection of commercailly available content online and user-generated online multimedia.

Thanks to Pandia Search Engine News for the tip.

Job Opening: Collection Development/Outreach Librarian, Gonzaga Law

Gonzaga University School of Law is accepting applications for the position of Collection Development/Outreach Librarian. This is a faculty, tenure-track position.

In cooperation with the Director of Chastek Library, the Collection Development/Outreach Librarian will provide leadership in developing and maintaining the library’s collection policies, including evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the collection and identifying collection needs and priorities. The Collection Development Librarian will also assume responsibility for managing the library’s web site and help coordinate publication of the library’s newsletter and other publications. The Collection Development/Outreach Librarian will report directly to the Director.

Required Qualifications: A Jurist Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school. A Master of Library Science degree or equivalent from an ALA accredited library school. Knowledge of legal materials, knowledge of web site management, strong organizational skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to successfully motivate and lead staff in a collegial and cooperative working environment. Preferred Qualification: Prior academic law library experience.

Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience. Fringe benefits include retirement and medical plans, disability benefits, and 20 days of vacation time.

Starting Date: January 2, 2006

Application Process: Please send resume, cover letter, and names of three references to June Stewart, Director, Gonzaga University School of Law, Chastek Library, P.O. Box 3528, Spokane WA 99220-3528, by October 31, 2005.

Law Professor Blog Network Coverage of the Miers Nomination: News & Analysis

Here's a sampling of the Network's recent coverage of the Miers nomination.

From Business Law Prof Blog

The Miers Question: Why Is Her Appointment So Critical?

Harriet Ellen Miers: Now We Will Witness "Confirmation by Rumor"

From ImmigrationProf Blog

More on Harriet Miers

From Law Librarian Blog

Searching for Clues in Miers's Born Again Christianity

Bloggers To Shine a Thousand Spotlights on Supreme Court Nominee Miers

In re Harriet Miers: Some Resources

Bush Looked Beyond the "Judicial Monastery" This Time

It's Harriet Miers!

From Sentencing Law & Policy

Will a Justice Miers continue to be a vocal advocate for better funding of indigent defense?

What will a Justice Harriet Miers mean for sentencing jurisprudence?

Exploring Miers' work in support of prisoner re-entry

Nominee Miers' 1992 discussion of crime and punishment

From TaxProf Blog

Bush Nominates Miers to Replace O'Connor

From Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog

Harriett Miers Nominated for U.S. Supreme Court

Searching for Clues in Miers's Born Again Christianity

In Strong Grounding in the Church Could Be a Clue to Miers's Priorities, the Washington Post is reporting that friends and confidants say her personal values have been shaped by her abiding faith in Jesus, and by her membership in the Valley View Christian Church.

The Washington Post notes that pastors at the Valley View Christian Church preach: abortion is murder, the Bible is the literal word of God, and homosexuality is a sin.

Update

On abortion, see: Miers wanted ABA to rethink pro-abortion stance  Houston Chronicle, Oct. 3  2005; Miers Led Bid to Revisit Abortion Stance Washingtion Post, Oct. 3, 2005

Bloggers To Shine a Thousand Spotlights on Supreme Court Nominee Miers

With so little known about Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers, you can bet bloggers will make significant contributions to the Miers story.

Miers Gave President Infamous August 6, 2001 PDB
While serving as staff secretary, guess who briefed Bush about the infamous "presidential daily briefing" on August 6, 2001 -- the PDB that declared that Osama Bin Laden was “determined” to attack the U.S. homeland, perhaps with hijacked planes -- just a month before the Sept. 11 attacks. Atrios picked it up and Editor & Publisher confirmed it.

Author, Author!
Wendy Scott at BarclayBlog has dug up two articles by Miers:

• American Bar Association Study of Multistate Practice is on Fast Track, 37-FEB Ariz. Att'y 29 (February, 2001)
• Recommended Reading: Issues for the Multijurisdictional Lawyer Where Pro Hac Vice Admission Does Not Apply, 2001 Ark. L. Notes 131 (2001)

The Left Coaster is Maintaining an Updated Biographical File
The Left Coaster is drafting a Harriet Miers bio on the fly. Sections include

1. Politics
2. Cronyism
3. Legal Experience and Judiciary
4. Executive Power, National Security and Civil Liberties
5. Corporatism and Economic Issues
6. Socio-Cultural Issues
7. Law and Order and Civil Rights
8. Environmental Issues
9. Religion/Church-State
10. Other

Blogs - the 21st century version of Facts on File?

Save the Date: Oct. 7 for Live Webcast of War Crimes Conference Held at Case Western

The Frederick K. Cox International Law Center at Case Western Reserve University School of Law is hosting a day-long conference titled Torture and the War on Terror Friday, October 7, 2005. The conference will be webcast live.