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Abstract:
Supplemental readings that are informative, interesting, and brief can do wonders in a legal research course. I use them to emphasize important points, facilitate interesting discussion, and provide a "real world" view of legal research. Students enjoy the change of pace and are generally engaged by the articles - something I can't say about textbooks. This paper is a selective annotated bibliography of articles that could be used as supplemental readings in introductory and advanced legal research courses. The fourteen articles listed cover the importance of legal research, the research process, electronic legal research, and researching primary sources. As part of each annotation I have included my "two cents" about when and why these articles might be used in a legal research course.

legal research, legal research instruction, annotated bibliography, CALR

Abstract:
Computer-assisted legal research (CALR) is an essential legal research tool. Despite that fact, most first-year law students are still being trained to conduct CALR by the representatives of commercial vendors. This article contends that in the legal research environment of 2007, first-year students need the guidance of law librarians to effectively learn CALR. Among other benefits, law librarians can provide first-years with unbiased guidance in evaluating CALR systems, can teach CALR within a comprehensive research approach, and will not perpetuate the idea that CALR is a quick and easy solution to legal research.

CALR, legal research, computer-assisted legal research, legal research instruction

Abstract:
When writing their first academic papers for law school, law students will quickly discover that academic legal research is a bit different than the legal research needed for a motion or a brief. Written for Student Lawyer Magazine, this column discusses some of the helpful tools and techniques used in academic legal research. Topics discussed include the use of law librarians, finding a topic, the literature review, interdisciplinary research, and fifty-state surveys.

legal research, academic legal research, research papers, law librarians

Abstract:
Law libraries spend a significant amount of their budget on electronic resources. However, many of these e-resources may be unknown to the majority of library patrons. This article offers suggestions and examples of techniques law librarians across the country are using to promote their electronic resources.

electronic resources, marketing, promotion, law libraries