Try the Facebook App for Libguides!

Click here to access the LibGuide App for Facebook

First off, what is a LibGuide?  LibGuides are electronic research guides that will make you a more effective and efficient researcher.  They are a “pathfinder” that will guide you to the best places to begin your research.  Charlotte Law Library has published ten LibGuides so far and we are always working on new ones.  Many of you have used the LibGuide for Electronic Resources as it has had over 13,000 views this year alone!  LibGuides are not just helpful for classwork – our dedicated librarians have also created LibGuides to guide our students through Academic Success and Professional Development, but you will hear more about those in upcoming weeks!

The reach of LibGuides extends far beyond our Charlotte Law Library community because it encompasses over 170,000 guides created by over 33,000 librarians at over 2000 libraries worldwide!  The LibGuides Community is searchable and you will find almost ninety law libraries represented by hundreds of LibGuides.

LibGuides are more accessible than ever thanks to Facebook.  The next time you login to Facebook, type “LibGuide” in the search box and you will be directed to where you can add the LibGuide app, giving you access through Facebook to all those helpful pathfinders located here at Charlotte Law Library and all across the country.  Try it today!

Have a suggestion for a new LibGuide that you would like to see here at Charlotte Law Library?  Email the Reference Desk and let us know!

~Mary Susan Lucas~

Have You Checked CSL’s On-Line Catalog?

Purpose:

• The on-line catalog can provide you with resources on a particular subject or topic for research.
• You can find out if an item is available or unavailable. (If it’s unavailable, it will provide you with the due date or the time it is due).
• It provides you with the listing of our movie collection (go to ‘subject’ and type ‘featured films’ and click on the ‘feature films’ title).
• It provides the item call number and location. (If you need help from Circulation/Reference, please have the call number written down so we can assist you faster).
• You can find out what Academic Success Supplemental Materials we have in our CPAS/Academic Success Collection.
• You can check to see what items you’ve checked out and when they’re due by clicking the ‘My Library Record.’
• You can find out what textbooks your professor is using in class by clicking ‘Course Reserves’ and you can choose either by course or instructor’s name.
• The on-line catalog can be used on or off campus.
• If you’re viewing from home, you can look-up an item to see if it’s available or unavailable before leaving home. The next time you need to know if a book, movie or supplemental is available or unavailable, just check the on-line card catalog.

- Monica Alston-Carr -

Law Library Course Reserves, CPAS, Study Rooms, and Fines

With mid-terms upon us the CSL Library wants to remind you about Circulation policy regarding course reserves, CPAS (Academic Success) and study rooms.

• Course reserves are located behind the Circulation desk in the law library. These materials are put on reserve by your professors and can only be checked out for three hours, cannot be renewed, nor can they be put on hold. The course reserves also carry a fine of $3.00 an hour even if the book is only one minute late. These materials have the highest demand in the law library. The course reserves are there for the convenience of all CSL students, so please be respectful and professional toward your fellow students and return these items on time.
• At the end of September an announcement was sent out stating that the CPAS (Academic Success) materials would be moved from their location in front of library reference to behind the circulation desk. We know that some of you have found this move an inconvenience; however, these materials are also in high demand and having the CPAS collection behind circulation better serves all students. Currently, the CPAS materials can be checked out for seven days, may be renewed once, may have a hold request placed on them, and do not carry a fine. Because of mid-terms we have discontinued renewal of these materials.
• CSL now has 20 study rooms, which means we have more study rooms than 80% of all law schools in the country. Of course, the rooms are in very high demand at this time. Remember, you can either call the circulation desk at 704-971-8574 or come to book a study room up to 24 hours in advance. It is possible to renew a study room a half hour before your allotted time is finished if the room is not booked in advance for another group.
• In order to pay library fines you will need see Ms. Linda Pickett who is the Accounting Manager in Financial Services, Room 333. When you pay for a fine Ms. Pickett will provide you with a receipt to bring to Circulation, and after we receive the receipt the fines will be cleared from your patron record.  Remember unpaid fines can result in restricted ability to register for classes or graduate.

If you have questions or concerns regarding CSL Library Circulation policy and related issues please contact Kim Allman, the Library Access Services Manager, or visit the library website for more information.

- Kim Allman -

 

Suggested Summer Reading: The Incoming Student

Before all the hustle and bustle starts this August, you might want to catch up on some reading.  Each of these books outline different strategies and techniques that the CSL Library thinks would be beneficial to the new law student preparing for the professional law school environment this fall.

#1 Law School without Fear: Strategies for Success by Helene Shapo and Marshall Shapo, Foundation Press; 2nd edition (2002).

As an excerpt from the back cover states, “this is an indispensable book for law students because two law professors wrote it for a particular law student: their son.”  Helene Shapo and Marshall Shapo, professors at Northwestern University, wrote this book to attempt to “explain in simple terms the most basic things that a law student really needs to know about law school.”

#2 Succeeding in Law School by Herbert N. Ramy, Carolina Academic Press (2006).

Herbert N. Ramy, Professor of Academic Support at Suffolk University Law School, elaborates on the upcoming “rigorous learning environment” that students will face during their first semester in law school.  The book combines hypothetical situations, case law, examples of legal concepts and practical exercises where students can measure their progress.

#3 Bridging the Gap between College and Law School: Strategies for Success by Ruta K. Stropus and Charlotte D. Taylor, Carolina Academic Press (2001).

Making the transition from a college educational setting to a law school professional environment can be difficult for some students.  Stropus and Taylor eloquently explain the “why,” “how,” and “what” of the law.  The “why” of law exemplifies the practice-ready context necessary to understand why law school is taught the way that it is over the years.  The “how” of the law sets forth a step-by-step pragmatic approach that will help you to adapt to the law school community.  Finally, the “what” of law portion of the book provides you with practical problem-solving exercises in a variety of subjects.

“I’ve already read these books!?!” Don’t worry, Anthea des Etages, the Academic Success Counselor, maintains regular office hours, a liberal open-door policy and availability for evening appointments.  Her office is located in Room 355.  Contact her directly for additional summer reading suggestions!

-Liz McCurry-