Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Interterm & Holiday Hours for Law Library

The Westminster Law Library will be open reduced hours beginning May 20, 2011 until summer classes begin. We will be closed on Monday, May 30, 2011, which is a University holiday.
Library Hours:
May 20th – May 29th - 8am to 6pm
Closed May 30th

Reference Hours:
Monday - Friday - 9am to 6pm
Closed Saturdays & Sundays

Monday, May 16, 2011

Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act provides a right to access government records. The 1966 enactment of the FOIA created a right for the press and public to access government information, making that right judicially enforceable. Specifically, the FOIA provides access to federal agency records and "ensure[s] an informed citizenry, vital to the functioning of a democratic society, needed to check against corruption; holding governors accountable to the governed."

However, the goal of an informed citizenry and open government is often at odds with other public interests. For example, there are the interests of maintaining an efficient and effective government; in responsible use of limited resources; and in the preservation of the confidentiality of sensitive information. Thus, the FOIA seeks to accomplish "disclosure as the predominant objective," while protecting the other important interests. The FOIA shifts the burden of proof from the public to the agency when records are withheld from public scrutiny. Moreover, the purpose of the FOIA is to establish "a general philosophy of full agency disclosure unless information is exempt under delineated language" and to provide a court procedure "by which citizens and the press may obtain information."

Written by Jennifer Hayden, Law Librarian Fellow

Monday, May 9, 2011

Summer Job Boot Camp

Help make your summer work experience a success! Attend the DU Sturm College of Law's Boot Camp on Thursday, June 2, 2011 from 4pm-7:10pm. Co-sponsored by the Westminster Law Library, the Legal Externship Program and the Career Development Center, Boot Camp will set you on the path to a successful legal job experience.

Boot Camp coverage includes communicating with your supervisor, Colorado legal resources, legal forms & documents, career advice, research tools & electronic sources beyond Westlaw & Lexis. Click
here for a flyer with details.

Please rsvp by May 27th to Stacey Bowers. Sandwiches & dessert will be provided.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Legal Job Search Guide

With the current economic and legal employment market, it can seem overwhelming to start a job search. There are many helpful resources in the library, online and through DU's Career Development Center. The Law Library has a newly published legal job search guide with resources both in and out of the library. Use this guide to help narrow your search for a job, build your resume and write your cover letter. The resources featured in the guide will also be helpful in preparing for an interview.

The Career Development Center offers a great deal of resources for the job seeker. You can meet with one of the Career Development Center's dedicated staff to formulate a career plan, work on job search strategies or seek career counseling. The Career Development Center strives to fulfill the following goals:

• Educating students and alumni to develop necessary skills to locate and obtain satisfying and meaningful employment.
• Connecting students and alumni to the world of work.
• Facilitating employers’ connections with students and alumni.

The Career Development Center also runs the on campus interview (OCI) program as well as assisting students with judicial clerkship applications and interviews. Career Development Center consultants are available to help with the entire application process. Most of the resources for OCI and Clerkships are linked to through the Career Development Center homepage. These resources are password protected. If you do not know the username/password, please contact the Career Development Center at 303.871.6124 or
email. The Career Development Center is an excellent resource that should be utilized by DU law students when they start the job search process.

The other resources in the Job Search and Career Resources for Law Students guide focus on resources within the library as well as online free access resources to help you in your job search as well as starting your legal career. The keywords/subjects are hyperlinked to the catalog as are books and other resources found within the library. These books help to prepare you to find a job as well as help you apply for, interview for and ultimately start your new legal career. This guide will compliment the resources, skills and personal attention you can get through the Career Development Center.

Although the times are tough for finding legal employment, or any job, with these resources, hard work, and a little bit of luck, you will be able find a job and start your new legal career. Good luck and happy job-hunting!

Written by Brittany Cronin, Law Librarian Fellow

Monday, May 2, 2011

Methods for Dealing With Stress

Law school can be a stressful experience. To prevent stress from interfering with academic performance, it can be helpful to find ways to cope with the stress. Below are some ideas to help manage stress.

1. Exercise: Choose a regimen and stick to it! DU’s
Coors Fitness Center is free for DU Law students.

2. Sleep: This can be challenging with a full study schedule, but sleep may help people function better when while awake.

3. Acupuncture: Try a little self-pampering. On a budget? Check out the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese medicine for a reduced rate.
CSTCM Student Clinic

4. Find someone to talk to about stress, be it a friend or a counselor. The DU Health & Counseling Center offers
Wellness Wednesdays. Additionally, the Health & Counseling Center is currently planning to come to the law school….

5. Take hourly breaks from studying for a quick walk or drink of water to give your brain a break.

6. Use a calendar or a planner to manage your time. Google and Yahoo both offer free online calendars associated with their email services.

7. Eat a balanced diet (yes, more than coffee!)

8. Take some time for things you love (maybe just not as much time during finals!)

9. Try relaxation techniques or meditation.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation. Free Meditation Podcasts.

Written by Kathryn Michaels, Law Librarian Fellow