Research Reality Check   Tags: 3ls, low_cost_legal_research, new_lawyer, research_strategies, research_tips  

WHEN: Thursday, April 12, 2012 from 11-11:50 a.m.

WHERE: Cartwright 203

WHO: Taught by your friendly law librarians

RSVP: Lunch will be provided, so email Rebecca Lutkenhaus by 4 p.m. on April 11 if you plan to attend.

It is our hope that this refresher will help graduating 3Ls as well as 1 & 2Ls who have a summer position at a law firm.  It may have been some time since you took Legal Research & Writing, are you prepared for the research reality of the world outside law school?  

If you have trouble answering the questions below*, this guide may be for you:

1. If you are given a research problem where do you start? How do you know when to stop?
2. How do you use the Code of Federal Regulations?
3. What are Administrative Law decisions? How are they published? Who publishes them?
4. Do you know how to use the print equivalent of online sources? What if there is no online source - do you know how to find information in print?
5. What is Iowa's Administrative Code? How does it relate to the state's version of the Federal Register?
6. How do you research state legislative history?
7. What are the names of the major looseleafs in your practice area? Do you know how to use them?
8. What other general secondary sources and those specific to your practice area are available? Are they in print or online? Do you know how to use them?
9. How much does a search cost in Westlaw and LexisNexis?
10. Do you know the low-cost (or free) online alternatives to Westlaw and LexisNexis? What is included in them? How do you use them? 

* Questions adapted from Kelly Browne, The Top 10 Things Firm Librarians Wish Summer Associates Knew, 8 Perspectives 140 (2000).

Research Help
During the regular academic year, reference librarians are typically available Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to provide research guidance. Consult the reference schedule for the most current information.

John Edwards (271-2141, john.edwards@drake.edu) 
Rebecca Lutkenhaus (271-2053, rebecca.lutkenhaus@drake.edu)
Karen Wallace (271-2989, karen.wallace@drake.edu)
David Hanson (271-2077, david.hanson@drake.edu)
Deborah Sulzbach (271-3784, deborah.sulzbach@drake.edu)
Julie Thomas (271-2052, julie.thomas@drake.edu)

Computer Help
See the computer help directory for guidance on who to contact for your issue.

After you graduate, or while you're working in the summer, remember that we offer the following services at no charge to members of the Iowa bench and bar:

• Borrowing Privileges. The Drake Law Library extends borrowing privileges to local practicing attorneys. Materials may be renewed by phone (if other patrons do not need them).
• Reference Assistance. Basic reference assistance is available during normal business hours. If an immediate answer is not possible, a follow-up response normally can be expected within a few hours.
• Westlaw and Shepard’s Citator Services. Computers in the Law Library lobby provide free access to the Westlaw primary law collection (including KeyCite) and Shepard’s service for cite-checking. Ask for assistance at the Information Desk.
• Law Library Web Page. The Law Library’s Web page provides access to the online catalog and Web links to a wide variety of Iowa, U.S. federal, and topical legal information that can be accessed by attorneys in their homes or offices. The Web address is: http://www.law.drake.edu/library/.