Law Librarian Blog

UN Security Council Resolution 1701

Here is the text of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 which calls for the end to hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel with the permanent ceasefire to be based on the creation of a buffer zone free of armed personnel other than UN and Lebanese forces. See also Hezbollah Responds to U.N. Security Council Resolution (Los Angeles Times) and Behind the Headlines: UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs) [JH]

New Online Book Swapping Service

WhatsOnMyBookshelf allows users to trade books online using a point system. The exchange of a book accompanies the exchange of credits. Each book, when registered, receives a point value based upon the new book price. Then you redeem credits to order that book. WhatsOnMyBookshelf is a very recent launch so the current catalog does not offer much. Check Wikipedia for more about the online book exchange phenomenon.

BTW: TBXN is a free book exchange network for college students. Any interest among AALL members for providing the same sort of service using this web-based format? [JH]

New Website to Host Reviews of Online Education Programs by Current and Former Students

From the Press Release:

Steve Rawlinson, a software and web developer from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada created www.OnlineDegreeReviews.org in his spare time in response to the lack of information about online degree programs available on the Internet. The website officially launched on Tuesday, July 25, 2006.

OnlineDegreeReviews.org gives the ability to current and former students to post reviews of online education programs, and rate the program based on several criteria, including the professors, educational materials, use of technology, and overall value.

When asked why he developed this website, Mr. Rawlinson responded, "There are lots of websites that list online degrees. But none help you decide which colleges are good or worth your time and money. In my own search for an online degree, I was frustrated by the lack of information, so I created this site where people can share their experiences."

Current and former students to online education now have a place to offer their knowledge of online degree programs to potential students. OnlineDegreeReviews.org allows the user to easily add to its every growing list of colleges and programs. The biggest challenge will be to receive contributions from students and have them write a review, but as the website states "How valuable would a review of your program have been to you before you enrolled? What costly mistakes might you have avoided?"

Potential students also have a place to voice their concerns and to get advice from their peers regarding online education in OnlineDegreeReviews.org's interactive community forums. It’s a place where people can share their knowledge of online degrees, experiences, and steps they took when considering distance learning as a viable way to further their education.

"The site is still relatively new,” explains Mr. Rawlinson “but I think even a small number of quality reviews are very useful. As time goes on I hope this site becomes the place for trusted online degree information."

For more information please visit http://www.OnlineDegreeReviews.org

Worst Statute in the World

Mercer Law Prof David Hricik, editor of our sister blog, Statutory Construction Blog, has nominated The Class Action Fairness Act as this week's winner of the Worst Statute in the World. Check out why. [JH]

The Future of Librarians in the US Workforce

From the Association of Research Libraries:

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has funded the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill to lead a once-in-decades project: “A National Study on the Future of Librarians in the Workforce.”

Objectives:

• Identify the nature of anticipated labor shortages in the library and information science field over the next decade;
• Assess the number and types of library and information science jobs that will become available in the US through retirement and new job creation;
• Determine the skills that will be required to fill such vacancies; and
• Recommend effective approaches to recruiting and retaining workers for these jobs.

[RJ]

New Book on National Oil Companies in the Middle East from Brookings Institution

Oil Titans
National Oil Companies in the Middle East
Valérie Marcel. John V. Mitchell, contributor.

Brookings Institution Press and Chatham House 2005
c. 322pp.
Cloth Text, 0-8157-5474-4, $52.95 
Paper Text, 0-8157-5473-6, $22.95

Blurb: Oil Titans provides rare and timely insight into how state-owned companies are striking a new balance between their national mission and their commercial needs. It provides an insider’s guide to their unique culture while demonstrating the critically important role they play in developing and maintaining their country’s economic welfare.

Senate Armed Services Committee Hearings on Military Commissions

The Armed Services Committee heard testimony on the future of military commissions in light of the Supreme Court decision in Hamdan v. Rumsfeld from the Attorney General of the United States (Prepared Statement) and the Deputy Secretary of Defense (Prepared Statement). [RJ]

YLS Co-sponsors International Conference on Access to Justice

Yale Law School, the Legal Education and Research Society (LEARS) of India, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) will co-sponsor the "International Conference on Access to Justice: Law, Policy and Institutions" in New Delhi, India, August 11-13, 2006.

The conference's substantive sessions will include presentations and discussions on the theoretical foundations of access to justice, formal and informal dispute resolution systems, alternative dispute resolution, regulatory reforms, civil society initiatives in promoting access to justice, non-governmental organizations, legal literacy and legal aid, and the present and future of legal education. Details. [JH]

Opening: Head of Public Services, Univ of La Verne College of Law

The University of La Verne College of Law Library has an opening for the position of Head of Public Services.

The Head of Public Services is responsible for the daily activities of the Public Services Department, including coordination of reference services, supervision of circulation/reserve services, and organization of stacks maintenance including loose-leaf filing. This position supervises two reference librarians, two library assistants, and student employees. The Head of Public Services works with the Director and the Head of Technical Services to set policies and directions for the Law Library. Duties will include regular shifts at the reference desk, including evening and weekend duties, and may include classroom instruction in legal research. The Head of Public Services should have the ability to work both independently and collegially. Being a self-starter and a quick learner with a positive attitude is important.

Qualifications: The successful candidate will have a J.D. from an ABA-approved law school and an M.L.S. or equivalent from an ALA-accredited library or information school, at least three-years’ recent professional experience in public services at an academic law library, strong service orientation, excellent written and oral communication skills, and facility with using both traditional and online legal research resources. It is preferred that the candidate will also have some supervisory experience, knowledge of Innovative Interfaces Inc.’s Millennium integrated library system, and a history of involvement in professional associations.

The University of La Verne College of Law is located in Ontario, California, approximately 40 miles east of Los Angeles. It is provisionally approved by the American Bar Association. There are 18 full-time faculty members and approximately 250 students. The library is a spacious facility with nearly 300,000 volumes and volume equivalents, a staff of 11, and a wireless network.

Application: Send cover letter, resume, and university application form to Chief Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department, 1950 Third Street, La Verne, CA 91750 or email to jobs@ulv.edu or apply on-line at www.ulv.edu/hr/empa.htm, referring to position #2728. For further information, feel free to contact Kenneth Rudolf, library director, at rudolfk@ulv.edu.

ImmigrationProf Blog Editor Named Law Professor of the Year

Kudos to UC Davis Law Associate Dan Kevin Johnson for being named the Law Professor of the Year by the Hispanic National Bar Association. Dean Johnson is one of the editors of our very popular sister blog, ImmigrationProf Blog. Read more about it. [JH]

Draft U.S. Amendments To The War Crimes Act

Interesting article in the Washington Post:

"The Bush administration has drafted amendments to a war crimes law that would eliminate the risk of prosecution for political appointees, CIA officers and former military personnel for humiliating or degrading war prisoners, according to U.S. officials and a copy of the amendments."

Check out the rest of the story. [RJ]

Understanding Public Confidence in American Courts

Interesting article from the Journal of Politics:

“While studies of public confidence in institutions have long been a part of the public opinion literature, systematic analysis of public confidence in America’s lower courts has been missing. This is troubling, especially since support for the rule of law is integral to a democracy and support for courts essential to the operation of the rule of law. I offer an explanation of public support for lower courts, finding that experience with courts, perceptions regarding the fairness of court procedures, and choices made over institutional design, all play a role in explaining the public’s support for state courts.”

Check it out. [RJ]

A Better Way on Detainees

Interesting article from the Washington Post by Professors Jack Goldsmith and Eric Posner, who propose an alternative to Military Commissions..."detention of enemy soldiers without charge or trial until hostilities end".   Check out Jack Balkin's post on the subject. [RJ]

Coast to Coast Podcast on Blogging at Large Law Firms

From Legal Talk Network:

"Blogging has become a very popular way to share facts and opinions on any topic that you could imagine. The majority of legal bloggers are attorneys from small and individually owned firms, while lawyers at large firms have, for the most part, stayed away from it. Join hosts and Law.com bloggers, J. Craig Williams and Bob Ambrogi as they speak to top blawggers, Attorney Denise Howell, whose blawg is "Bag and Baggage," Attorney Ernie Svenson, who writes “Ernie the Attorney” and Attorney Howard Bashman, whose blawg is entitled “How Appealing.” Coast to Coast is sponsored by Law.com."

Check it out. [RJ]

Government Monitoring of Political Activity in California

This ACLU-NC report tells the stories of individuals and organizations that have been targets of surveillance for their political activity, analyzes current law enforcement policy, and recommends specific policy reforms to safeguard Californians’ rights to privacy and free speech. Check it out. [RJ]

Opening: Circulation Librarian, Fordham Law

Fordham Law Library would like to announce a opening for a Circulation Librarian.  This administrative position manages the circulation/reserve department of the Leo T. Kissam Memorial Library.  The Circulation Librarian reports to the Assistant Law Librarian for Public Services.  Duties include, but are not limited to: Supervising full-time clerical, paraprofessional and part-time employees, which includes scheduling work times and training.  Managing the library system circulation module (Millennium), which includes training of staff members, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Requirements: Education and Experience:
M.L.S or equivalent from an A.L.A accredited library school.  Two years experience in circulation operations; minimum one year supervisory experience in circulation operations is preferred.

A full job description has been posted on the Fordham University Human Resources department website.

If you wish to be considered for this position, please send your resume and the names and contact information of three references, to:

Michael Slauenwhite
Fordham Law School
140 W 62nd Street
New York, NY 10023
You may also send your information by e-mail to kmcleod@law.fordham.edu.

Elon University School of Law's Inaugural Year

Law students for the inaugural class will be formally greeted today at the Elon University School of Law. About the law library. [JH]

Carol Jane Parris

Carol Jane Parris, State Law Librarian for Kentucky, passed away Tuesday afternoon after a courageous battle with cancer. A memorial service for Carol will be held 4 pm Friday, August 11, 2006 at Centenary Methodist Church on Tates Creek Road, Lexington, Ky.  Carol’s family will receive friends immediately following the service.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Markey Cancer Center, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536, or the MS Society Blueridge Chapter, One Morton Drive, Ste. 106, Charlottsville, VA 22903. Kerr Brothers Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Lieberman: the Unmaking of a Senator: How Bloggers Pulled It Off

Interesting article from Time.com:

"With Lieberman's primary loss, the netroots movement has established itself as a power center among Democrats."

Check out the rest of the story. [RJ]

U of California System To Digitize for Google Book Search

The Chronicle of Higher Education is reporting that the U. of California system's 100 libraries has joined Google's book-digitalization project making the U of California system the sixth major participant to join Google's Book Search project. According to the report, the University plans to continue working with the Open Content Alliance, a competing mass-digitization project, that includes 30 universities as well as Yahoo and Microsoft. [JH]