May 26, 2015

WSLL Recommends: Legal Research in Wisconsin

In a library full of multi-volume treatises the smaller books can sometimes get overlooked. Such is the case with Legal research in Wisconsin, by Theodore A. Potter (former State Law Librarian Jane Colwin was also a contributor).

The first two chapters give a concise overview of the history and structure of the Wisconsin Court System, published and unpublished opinions, and case research. The rest of the book includes chapters on statutory research, legislative histories, court rules, administrative law, local laws, and the Wisconsin Constitution.

What's invaluable about this book is the comprehensive coverage information for each type of legal authority source. This book is frequently used for its detailed information about where historical sources of the law are published or archived.

For example, the chapter on statutory research includes title variations and date ranges for older versions of the statutes and their accompanying materials. These references can be very helpful when digging into an older history question. Has it been a while since you researched a Wisconsin Court Order from a statute's history note? Start with this book to learn how those are created and where to find the background materials.

Pair this volume with Wisconsin legal research. Written by law librarians Patricia Cervenka and Leslie Behroozi, this book provides an overview of basic sources and strategies on the Wisconsin Constitution, Statutes and court rules, administrative law, and case law. Published in 2011, this book has more information on recent online access to law sources, including popular databases like Westlaw and HeinOnline.

The next time you need to step outside of your research comfort zone, turn to one of these books to get up to speed quickly on your topic and find the sources you need fast.

May 20, 2015

Libraries Closed on Memorial Day

The Wisconsin State Law Library, Milwaukee County Law Library, and Dane County Law Library will be closed on Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day.

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

We will respond to questions and requests on Tuesday, May 26th.

May 15, 2015

Focus on HeinOnline

HeinOnline is one of our favorite databases. In fact, we're teaching a CLE class on how to get the most out of HeinOnline next week! If you can't make our class (Wednesday, May 20th, noon-1 p.m.) you can still learn a lot about HeinOnline from their support site http://help.heinonline.org/.

Read FAQs and get library-specific support (with overviews of special search fields and shortcuts). An extensive webinar and online training video archive is also available.

Sign up for CLE Classes

There is still space available in all three of our CLE classes next week. All classes are offered from noon to 1 p.m.

On Tuesday, attend a free class on Beginner WestlawNext or take a webinar on advanced issues in researching Wisconsin Legislative History.

On Wednesday we offer a free CLE class on using HeinOnline, a premier database available to our library cardholders.

Visit our classes page for more information and to sign up!

May 14, 2015

Databases and Catalog System Maintenance

System maintenance this evening may affect your ability to log in to our Articles and Journals databases or search our library catalog. Access to library databases like HeinOnline and Index to Legal Periodicals may be interrupted tonight between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Call us at 608-267-9696 or Ask a Librarian for help.

May 6, 2015

WSLL at Your Service: May 2015

The May issue of WSLL @ Your Service is now online! 

In this issue:
  • What's New: County Law Libraries Renamed; Upcoming Classes; Holiday Closing
  • Current & Historic Wis. Administrative Code and Registers
  • This Just in...: New & updated library materials; Monthly list of new titles
  • Tech Tip: Technology and Attorney Ethics
  • WSLL Recommends: Medical Trial Technique Quarterly
  • Odds N' Endings: National Library Week 2015

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