Library Highlights

Westlaw Classes on February 15th

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:59:00 +0000

There is still space in – and time to sign up for – our February 15th legal research classes on Westlaw Fundamentals, and Ethics Research via Westlaw. For complete details and registration forms, please visit our Classes page.

EDIT: Ethics Research via Westlaw has been cancelled. We are still accepting registrations for Westlaw Fundamentals.

WSLL at Your Service: February 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:44:00 +0000

Learn about mobile document scanning and get library news in our February 2012 newsletter.

In this issue:

What's New: Looking for mining law? Interview with DCLRC librarian; WSLL librarian published in Inside Track; Upcoming legal research classes
Looking Back, Moving Forward - Julie Tessmer, Interim State Law Librarian
This Just In... : New and updated library materials; monthly new titles list, RSS
Tech Tip in Brief: Mobile scanning

As always, your comments are welcome. Please direct them to the editor, Connie.VonDerHeide@wicourts.gov

Wisconsin Mining Law Information

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:01:00 +0000

Are you trying to find out more about mining laws and proposed laws in Wisconsin? Our mining legal topic page continues to grow as agencies and authors publish additional information.

Recent additions to this page include a new Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau bibliography on iron mining and frac sand and Wisconsin Legislative Council guides to 2011 Assembly Bill 426 regarding ferrous metallic mining. Links to recent Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources publications on metallic mining can be found under "Library Resources" in the right-hand sidebar.

We have also added additional related Wisconsin agency and statute links.

We are always on the lookout for new resources to help visitors when they reach our site. Visit our Mining (Metallic and Nonmetallic) legal topic page now and tell us what you think. If you have questions, please Ask a Librarian.

February Classes: Researching with Westlaw

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:25:00 +0000

Two new CLE credit classes are now open for registration. Westlaw Fundamentals and Ethics Research via Westlaw are both offered on Wednesday, February 15th.

Both classes have limited space available, so sign up for one or both of them today!

Celebrating Ten Years

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:51:00 +0000

January 22, 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of the library opening its doors in the Risser Justice Center.

After a decade many of us still think of this as the "new" library location. Back in 2002 when we opened the doors, users were pleased to see many added features such as a training room, a rare book room to house our oldest books, 7 public access computer stations, private user work rooms, and more. The library staff invite you to visit the library in 2012 and continue to use and enjoy our "new" location.

View of Lake Monona (from our August 2008 newsletter)

10 things you can do at WSLL

Access Westlaw at no charge
Sign up for After Hours use (for attorneys)
Enroll in a training class for CLE credit classes
Check your email
Read the Wall Street Journal in print
Research a legislative history
Browse the new book shelf
Spread out in a user work room
Rent a room for your meeting or conference
Enjoy the view of Lake Monona

How do you move a library? Check out our newest Facebook photo album: Moving into the Risser Justice Center.

WSLL Recommends: Age Discrimination Litigation

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000

With many American workers remaining in the workforce longer, the number of age discrimination cases is increasing. Age Discrimination Litigation, published by James Publishing, provides comprehensive coverage of the important issues and practice techniques involved in this growing area of litigation.

Authors L. Steven Platt and Cathy Ventrell-Monsees have tried over 100 age cases and submitted more than 50 amicus briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court and circuit courts. Updated annually, this two volume treatise with forms CD discusses all phases of the age discrimination litigation process from intake, investigation, and discovery, to proof, trial, remedies and summary judgment. Other key components include:

Administrative prerequisites to filing suit
Age discrimination in employee benefits
Attorney's fees and costs
Representing multiple plaintiffs
"Top ten" tips to making your case more summary judgment resistant
Using expert witnesses
Over 100 sample forms, pleadings, and motions

Libraries Closed: Monday, January 16

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

The Wisconsin State Law Library, Milwaukee Legal Resource Center, and Dane County Legal Resource Center will be closed on Monday, January 16th for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

To submit a question to the Wisconsin State Law Library while we are closed, you may call us at 608-267-9696 or Ask a Librarian online.

We will respond to questions and requests on Tuesday, January 17th.

WSLL at Your Service: January 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:36:00 +0000

The January 2012 issue of WSLL @ Your Service has been published.

In this issue:

What's New: Libraries closed Jan. 16; After Hours Service for attorneys; Wis. Library Hall of Fame induction
This Just In...: New and updated library materials; Monthly new titles list
Tech Tip in Brief: Social media and debt collection....do they mix?
WSLL Recommends: Proskauer on Privacy
Odds 'n' Endings: WSLL marks 10 years in Risser Justice Center; New DOJ crime notification service

Party Puzzle Answers

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:58:00 +0000

A few weeks ago we posted the word game handout from our recent party. Here are the answers for those who worked on solving our library word puzzles.

Library word game answers

Libraries Closed: Monday, January 2

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

The Wisconsin State Law Library, Milwaukee Legal Resource Center, and Dane County Legal Resource Center will be closed on Monday, January 2nd for a state holiday.

To submit a question to the Wisconsin State Law Library while we are closed, you may call us at 608-267-9696 or Ask a Librarian online.

We will respond to questions and requests on Tuesday, January 3rd.

New to the Website

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 01:00:00 +0000

Do you use our legal topics pages for your research? We aim to keep each page up-to-date with links to new articles, laws, and guides. Here is a sampling of recent changes to the website:

Power of attorney

2011 WI Act 87 "Parental Power of Attorney"

Child abuse

Walker Order 54: Mandatory Reporting Requirements of Child Abuse and Neglect
Supplemental reporting requirements for UW system employees

Immigration and citizenship

Dangers of "Notario" Fraud (American Bar Association Commission on Immigration)

News and article sources

Legal Blawg Archive (Library of Congress)

Whistleblower

Whistleblower Investigations Manual (OSHA)

Debt collection

Paying the Debts of a Deceased Relative: Who Is Responsible? (Federal Trade Commission)
Time-Barred Debts (Federal Trade Commission)

Federal law

PACER training site

Drivers and driving

Highway Safety Laws by State (Governor's Highway Safety Assoc.)

Juvenile justice

WI Statutes: 973.014 "Sentence of Life Imprisonment"
U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Life Sentences for Juveniles Could Overturn Wisconsin Law
WisBar Inside Track, Dec. 7, 2011

Evidence

Restyled Federal Rules of Evidence (Federal Evidence Review)
Includes text of rules and legislative history

Politics and elections

Obtaining an Identification Card to Vote (City of Madison)
Recent Changes to Wisconsin Election Laws (City of Madison)

Libraries Closed: Monday, December 26

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The Wisconsin State Law Library, Milwaukee Legal Resource Center, and Dane County Legal Resource Center will be closed on Monday, December 26th for a state holiday.

To submit a question to the Wisconsin State Law Library while we are closed, you may call us at 608-267-9696 or Ask a Librarian online.

We will respond to questions and requests on Tuesday, December 27th.

WSLL Recommends: Proskauer on Privacy

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 01:00:00 +0000

The Practising Law Institute publishes Proskauer on Privacy: a guide to privacy and data security law in the information age as part of the Corporate and Securities Law Library. This one volume title is updated semi-annually with the help of industry experts and packs a wealth of information. A wide range of privacy topics are covered including:

Medical privacy
State privacy laws
The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
Financial privacy
Workplace privacy law
Privacy of electronic communications
Federal Trade Commission enforcement of privacy

The opening chapter lays out a detailed history of information privacy law starting in Colonial America and ending with the current multitude of privacy laws. The treatise is updated on advances in technology and their impact on privacy with sections on text messaging, human tracking devices using geolocation technology and behavioral marketing techniques on the internet.

Of special interest to our readers may be the chapter on state privacy laws. This chapter contains statutory references and case annotations along with a discussion about the impact of state legislation which conflicts with federal legislation.

Check out this treatise for all your privacy research needs.

Library Word Games

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:39:00 +0000

Did you miss the party this week at the State Law Library? If so, you can still play the word scramble and cryptogram games.

Download the library word game handout and watch for the answers - which will be posted in early 2012.

December Newsletter Puzzle Answers

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:18:00 +0000

For those of you who completed the crossword puzzle in our latest issue of WSLL @ Your Service, here are the answers:

Odds 'n' Ending puzzle answers

WSLL at Your Service: December 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The December issue of WSLL @ Your Service has been published.

In this issue:

What's New: WSLL holiday open house; Holiday closings
This Just In: New & updated library materials; monthly new titles list
1836-2011, Celebrating Our History: Reflecting on our anniversary year
Tech Tip in Brief: CleanPrint - control how much you print from webpages
WSLL Recommends: National Business Institute books
Odds 'n' Endings: A puzzle for you!

As always, your comments are welcome. Please direct them to the editor, Connie.VonDerHeide@wicourts.gov

Sign Up for or Renew After Hours Library Access

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:32:00 +0000

Would you like the convenience of using the State Law Library later in the evening or on weekends? If so, subscribe now to our After Hours Service. If you are already a subscriber, now is the time to renew for 2012.

Our reading room: a quiet place for research and study

A calendar-year subscription includes access to the library from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and a key fob for convenient entry into the building. New subscribers will gain access from the time they subscribe to the end of the 2012 calendar year.

As an After Hours subscriber:

Gain access to the general library collection
Use the electronic resources available on our public access PCs, like Westlaw and HeinOnline
Make photocopies
Check out circulating library materials

See our After Hours page for more details, or download a first-time subscription or renewal form now.

Libraries Closed: Thursday, November 24

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:00:00 +0000

The Wisconsin State Law Library, Milwaukee Legal Resource Center, and Dane County Legal Resource Center will be closed on Thursday, November 24th for a state holiday. WSLL and MLRC will be open the next day on Friday, November 25th; DCLRC will be closed until the following Monday.

To submit a question to the Wisconsin State Law Library while we are closed, you may call us at 608-267-9696 or Ask a Librarian online. We will respond to questions and requests on Friday, November 25th.

Sign Up for or Renew After Hours Library Access

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:23:00 +0000

Our reading room: a quiet place for research and study

Gain access to the general library collection
Use the electronic resources available on our public access PCs, like Westlaw and HeinOnline
Make photocopies
Check out circulating library materials

See our After Hours page for more details, or download a first-time subscription or renewal form now.

WSLL Recommends: National Business Institute Books

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 01:00:00 +0000

Many legal practitioners recognize the name National Business Institute (NBI), a leading provider of legal and professional education not only in Wisconsin but throughout the U.S. Founded in 1983 and based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, NBI has served over 2 million professionals through training seminars presented in live, audio, teleconference, webcast, and online on-demand formats.

Each NBI legal training program is developed and taught by practicing professionals and includes course materials prepared by those same professionals. NBI provides them as downloadable PDFs, CD-ROMs, or printed publications. Sometimes the material consists of only an annotated outline, but often it's a complete narrative accompanied by excerpts from applicable statutes and court opinions. The addition of sample forms, letters and checklists gives the reader useful, practical knowledge in a particular type of case or area of the law.

NBI materials have been part of the WSLL collection for many years. Since 2006 we've purchased 20 to 25 new NBI titles every year through a standing order arrangement with the publisher. A search of the online catalog retrieves nearly 200 NBI titles, all of which may be borrowed by WSLL cardholders.

To illustrate the variety of coverage and practical focus of NBI publications, here are some of the titles WSLL has purchased so far this year:

WSLL at Your Service: November 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 02:00:00 +0000

The November issue of WSLL @ Your Service has been published.

In this issue:

What's New: Library holiday closings; Upcoming classes; MLRC & DCLRC staff news; Librarians speak out
This Just In...: New and updated library materials, monthly new titles list
1836 - 2011: Celebrating Our History: Play WSLL Trivia!
Click to It: New Legislative Document Database
Tech Tip in Brief: Bill Time, Get Paid
WSLL Recommends: Causes of Action
Odds 'n' Endings: Holiday mobile travel apps; New Wis. Blue Book; Notables for November

New Legal Topic: Mining

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Are you digging for information about mining? Our new legal topic page on metallic and nonmetallic mining aggregates regulatory agency and law links in one quick-reference page.

We are always on the lookout for new resources to help visitors when they reach our site. Visit our Mining (Metallic and Nonmetallic) legal topic page now and tell us what you think.

All Hallows Reading at the Law Library

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 21:33:00 +0000

The nights are getting longer and Wisconsin is carpeted in whispering golden leaves. It must be time for All Hallows Read.

All Hallows Read encourages people to give spooky books on October 31st. We are getting in on this new tradition by highlighting some of our spookiest legal materials:

Universal Monsters: All Hallows Read Extras

Revenge may be a dish best served cold, but vampire detective Nick Knight's Chocolate Pizza is best straight out of the oven. Make it yourself from the "Sweet Justice" chapter of The Cop Cookbook, then settle in to read something bone-chilling.

Our donated legal fiction collection, Prose and Cons, is full of mysterious ne'er-do-wells and insidious plots. Try Linda Farstein's Edgar Allen Poe inspired Entombed in which a decades-old skeleton is found behind a bricked up wall in a building once inhabited by Poe himself. Christopher Ransom's The Birthing House will keep you awake with his eerie story of a haunted house in rural Wisconsin.

For those who are reading this while doors mysteriously slam just down the hallway, these law review articles may prove invaluable:

If the House You Bought is Haunted - Ghostbusters May be Your Only Recourse, by Sharlene A. McEvoy. 21 Brief 21 (1991-1992)

Caveat Spiritus: A Jurisdictional Reflection upon the Law of Haunted Houses and Ghosts.
Valparaiso University Law Review, Vol. 28, Issue 1 (Fall 1993), pp. 207-246

From Humorous Phases of the Law (Albany Law Journal, Vol. 2, July 9, 1870 (July 9, 1870), pp. 1-3) comes a tale of landlord, tenant, and ghost:

"The question was, whether a tenant is justified in quitting a house and rescinding the contract of letting, on the ground that it is haunted by evil spirits. Jean La Tapy had hired a house at Bordeaux from Robert de Vigne, but after inhabiting it for a short time he found, like John Wesley, that he had evil spirits for his fellow-lodgers. They appeared sometimes in the shape of infants, sometimes in horrible forms, and terrified the inmates, displacing the furniture, rattling and making all kinds of uncouth noises in the rooms, and tumbling the family topsy-turvey out of their beds. This was not to be endured …"

Read these articles and search for more articles on zombies, ghosts, and mummies using the library's subscription to HeinOnline.

Universal Monsters: All Hallows Read Extras

Also on HeinOnline, find juicy primary historical materials, like:

"Famous Cock Lane Ghost"
The Book of Remarkable Trials and Notorious Characters (1871)

"Murder at Smutty Nose or the Crime of Louis Wagner"
Murder at Smutty Nose and Other Murders (1927)

Find the above historical books by entering the chapter name in quotes into the "Search all collections" box on the main page in HeinOnline. HeinOnline can be accessed from your dark, cobwebbed attic with a State Law Library card or from one of our mysterious portals - er, public-access computers - at our libraries in Madison and Milwaukee.

Spooky reading, everyone!

WSLL Recommends: Causes of Action

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Each volume of Causes of Action, 2d, published by West, comprehensively dissects the elements of a cause of action by subject. Of particular value to the practicing attorney, it then explains how these elements can be proved or defended against.

Each entry contains coverage of the critical elements of a case, practice tips, sample complaint forms, research cross-references, plaintiff and defendant checklists, an overview of the substantive law, and primary law citations arranged by jurisdiction. This consistent organization allows the user to quickly navigate to sections about a particular question or point of substantive and procedural law. Together these features provide valuable guidance for how to successfully prepare a case for trial.

A few notable entries include:

Consumer protection
Copyright infringement
Creditors and debtors claims
Defamation and slander
Family law
Fraud
Housing
Internet defamation
Motor vehicles
Personal injury
Physician and medical claims
Trusts

Causes of Action, also known as Shepard's Causes of Action, is available in print at the Wisconsin State Law Library, and is available through Public Access Westlaw at the Wisconsin State Law Library, Dane County Legal Resource Center, and Milwaukee Legal Resource Center.

October Housing Law Seminars

noreply@blogger.com (Wisconsin State Law Library) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:40:00 +0000

The Madison-based Tenant Resource Center is hosting three free seminars on changes in rental property laws in October, according to a recent Wisconsin State Journal Property Trax article.

Seminars will be held:

Oct. 12, in Appleton, at the Goodwill Community Center, 1800 Appleton Road, Door #2
Oct. 19, in Stevens Point, at UW-Stevens Point's Dreyfus University Center, Room 374
Oct. 28, in Janesville, at the Rock County Job Center, 1900 Center Ave., Room J

See Property Trax: Registration open now for October seminars on landlord/tenant state law changes for more information and a link to the registration brochure.

For links to laws and other resources, see our Landlord/Tenant legal topic page.