Exams Loom on the Horizon

Students are about to attend the last classes of the semester. Everyone is thinking about finals, and while first year students are in that special hell that is a rite of passage, all law students are feeling the pressure. Panic will not help, but there are resources that can help you through the next few weeks. Here are some tips on preparing for and taking exams:
- Consult the exam archive and use the exams as practice exams. See the blog entry dated November 14 for more information.
- Use CALI to review and test yourself on concepts you’ve learned in class. Go to www.cali.org. If you need to register as a first time user, you can get the CALI authorization code at the Circulation desk or from a librarian.
- Use the study aids, tapes, videos, and nutshells on reserve.
- Consult the Academic Success page on the law school website or speak with Alice Silkey, Academic Success Program Director.
- Look at the Lexis and Westlaw websites for study tips.
- The library has earplugs available at the Circulation desk.
- Be sure to get plenty of sleep, take some time for relaxation, and avail yourself of the coffee and other goodies you will find set out for you in the library!

Got Games?

As finals approach, students spend a lot of time studying, worrying, studying, worrying....but instead of worrying, why not take a break and give your brain something other than legal theory to chew on? The library has an array of puzzles and games in the area outside the Reference office for your entertainment and relaxation. Feel free to use them there. Yes, you can write in these books!

CALI has a game for you as well--check it out at http://www2.cali.org//lessons/web/game02/index.html.

Thanksgiving Tips

Many students have already left the library and the lawschool to make their way to their Thanksgiving Day destinations. The library staff wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving--and remember to include some relaxation with the studying you will be doing! Now is the time to re-charge in preparation for exams! Library hours during Thanksgiving Break are:

Wednesday Nov. 22 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday Nov. 23 CLOSED
Friday Nov. 24 9:00 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday Nov. 25 9:00 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday Nov. 26 9:00 a.m. - Midnight

Exam Archive

When preparing for an exam, it is sometimes helpful for you see in advance what one of your professor’s exams might look like. The law library has a collection of past exams available to students. There are hard copy exams from 1978-2002 on the shelves in the reference section of the library (there’s even a handy index!). The call number is KF 282 .H35 A24. There is also an exam archive available online. Use this link or use the link on the library’s home page to access it. When you access the electronic archive you will be asked to enter the name of the professor whose materials you want to view, then choose the exact material you want. Next, you will be asked to enter your name (use your first and last name, no initials) and your library bar code number. To find your library bar code number, look on the back of your Hamline ID card (the library bar code starts with 20523...). Note: the library's exam archive is limited to exams given to us by the professors.

Preventing Theft in the Law Library

Nothing can be more stressful than law school exams, unless it is having your laptop or backpack with all your class notes stolen just before exams start! As you do your studying in the library, please remember to be vigilant about your personal belongings. Laptops, book bags, backpacks, cell phones, purses, and other items are easily stolen if left unattended. Don't leave your personal belongings unattended at carrels or tables, even for a few minutes. Theft can occur in a matter of seconds!

Wednesday will be too late!

Tomorrow is election day in Minnesota and around the country. DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!After you do, you may want to look at CQ's Election Night website to see the results coming in. Another site to check is the New York Times' 2006 Election Guide.
The Wall Street Journal has an interesting article on poll watchers who have taken an active interest in maintaining the integrity of the polling places. Many of these people have become active because of the disputes that arose in the 2000 and 2004 elections as a result of the use of electronic voting machines. Read the article here.

Historical Code of Federal Regulations Now Available on HeinOnline

HeinOnline has announced the availability of historical Code of Federal Regulation material. The range of regulations available in searchable PDF is from 1938 (the inception of CFR) through 1983. Currently, 1938-1949 and 1977-1983 are indexed to the part level. Users can view a video describing the new content at http://www.projectstreamer.com/users/wshein/cfr3/CFR3.html.
The introduction of this database will allow users to bypass using historical CFR material in microfiche format. HeinOnline may be used on-campus or off-campus via the proxy server.

Law School Exams

Continue to read the blog! Over the next few weeks I will post information about law school exams--how to take them, study aids available in the law library, how to relieve stress associated with them, and other items.

Voices of Jihad Website

The Rand Corporation has added a new site to its Terrorism and Homeland Security Database. It's the Voices of Jihad site. In it, Rand has compiled speeches, interviews, statements, and publications of "jihadist leaders, foot soldiers, and sympathizers." Most of the material is in English and is searchable by date, author, affiliated group, online source, and keyword. Rand says they hope to "enhance counterterrorism analysis, policymaking, and response" through the publication of this website.