by PSL Law Library
2. February 2011 09:14
Picture Source: http://morguefile.com/archive/display/10223
The Academy Awards are less than a month away and I’ve started thinking about law & movies. How many movies out there involve a criminal act, arrest or trial? How many of those movies are nominated for an Academy Award and win? Also, is the legal system depicted accurately in those movies?
As many of you already know the library has a comprehensive collection of movies and TV shows that deal with legal matters. However, did you know that you can also find several books about the legal system and movies? By conducting a simple keyword search using the catalog I was able to locate at least three books that may answer some of the questions above. What terms did I use? Well that was easy “law and movies”. I then opened one of the results and looked at subjects contained in the record. By selecting these subjects I may be able to locate even more books dealing with my subject matter. This technique can be used when conducting research for any subject. Now it’s time to jot down the call number, grab the book and see if I can answer those questions.
by Sarah Prosory
31. January 2011 08:40
Want to win a prize?! Are you ready to test your knowledge of legal research?
Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, February 1st 2011 the Law Library will post a new puzzle feature called Library Loot to the Footnotes1 blog each Tuesday. The puzzles will rotate each week in the following order: a scavenger hunt, a research question, and a crossword or word search. To win the Library Loot, the student must follow the instructions based on the puzzle of the week:
· Scavenger Hunt: A question will be posted on the blog and will involve physically searching the print or microfiche collection in the library. A golden ticket will be placed where the answer is found. The student will take the golden ticket and their answer to Circulation desk, where they may retrieve one item of loot (candy) from the treasure chest if their answer is correct.
· Research question: A question will be posted on the blog. These questions will be more in depth, and may have many steps involved. The first student to answer the question correctly in the comments section of the blog will be the winner. The student must provide their PSL email address for the librarian to contact them. The loot for this game is one Passing the Bar board game or Bar flashcard set.
· Crossword or Word Search: A crossword or word search consisting of legal research, law related questions, or vocabulary will be posted on the blog. The first person to bring their correct answer to the Circulation desk will win the loot, which is a $10 gift card.
THE FINE PRINT: Library Loot Puzzle Rules
1. Puzzles may be completed by current Phoenix School of Law students only.
2. All library staff members are exempt from participating.
3. One prize will be given to the first person to complete the puzzle with the correct answer. Even if more than one person worked towards getting the correct answer, only one prize will be given for the puzzle completed correctly.
4. Contest rules are subject to change at anytime.
HAVE FUN!! Good luck!
by Sarah Prosory
24. January 2011 09:39
Attention all incoming 1L's! We have a workshop especially for you! (And any other students who wish to brush up on study skills!) The Law Library wants you to be successful, so we've created a new workshop...Tips & Tricks for Success!
This 30 minute workshop will introduce you to searching effectively with the Law Library's catalog, and show you how to register and use AudioCaseFiles (listen to your cases!!) and CALI (online quizzes to help with your studies!).
A librarian will be available to help you with any other questions you may have (help with Westlaw or Lexis perhaps?) following the workshop.
Join us (click on the dates to RSVP):
An RSVP is helpful but not required. We hope to see you there!! 
As always, if you have any questions feel free to contact us by email or (602) 682-6898! For upcoming workshops this semester visit www.phoenixlaw.edu/libraryworkshops and www.phoenixlaw.edu/librarycalendar.
Good luck with your classes!
by Sarah Prosory
21. January 2011 12:53
When you don't have a law library that subscribes to Westlaw, LexisNexis, or other databases, Google Scholar is on the path towards being your friend in these times of need.
Read all about Google Scholar's Advanced Search improvement (from Legal Blog Watch).
What other free online sources do you use that are helpful? Comment below!
by Sarah Prosory
17. December 2010 09:57
When you return to Phoenix Law in 2011, ready to start the new year fresh, don't be caught off guard by the change from Westlaw to WestlawNext! You will still have access to "classic" Westlaw, but now the option to use WestlawNext will be available. Also, some searches in Westlaw will send you to WestlawNext. We want you to be prepared! So here's the scoop!
How to access WestlawNext:
Log-in to Westlaw as you normally would, but then choose WestlawNext at the very top of the screen:
Also, if you conduct your searches using the Legal Research Center (in the middle of the page after you login), your results will automatically be retrieved using WestlawNext:
PLEASE NOTE: Currently you cannot print to the Westlaw printer using WestlawNext!
Choose another printer in the meantime.
View this PDF for tips on how to get around the printing issue.
What does WestlawNext look like?
With a single search box, you don't have to select a database to begin a search. No need to truncate words or use connectors either, but you can if you like. The single search box doesn't mind. Just type in what you're looking for and select a jurisdiction.
The results will be returned by relevancy and sorted into categories for ease of use.
Wait! I like to limit and use terms & connectors!
The single search box allows you to enter terms & connectors if you'd like, and you still have the option of limiting your search ahead of time:
Also, the Advanced Search feature...
...will help you build a Boolean Terms & Connectors query:
So... test it out! Get familiar with the interface so you can be an efficient researcher!
Need help?
- Don't hesitate to ask a librarian for assistance with the new interface! Email us or call us at 602.682.6898. Visit the reference desk in the law library during the hours librarians are available for reference.
- There are trainings and user guides online that are extremely helpful. Once you've signed into Westlaw under the Home tab choose either "User Guides" or "Training" and follow the prompts to WestlawNext.
Enjoy your holidays, and look forward to the changes in January! 
(All images used belong to Thomson Reuters)
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