Taggart Law Library Guide: Taggart Blog

Explore the Future of Legal Research at the "Generative AI and Legal Research" Workshop

Excited about how AI is transforming the legal profession? Join the Taggart Law Librarians for a cutting-edge workshop on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 11:15 AM in Room 125. This session, Generative AI and Legal Research, will introduce you to the powerful new AI tools recently released by Lexis and Westlaw.

During this workshop, we’ll cover:

• A detailed overview of the AI Assistants from Lexis and Westlaw, highlighting what each one offers.
• How to access and effectively use these AI tools for legal research.
• Key features of each AI Assistant, including tips and tricks to maximize efficiency.
• General best practices for working with legal AIs to ensure accurate and relevant research results.

Whether you’re curious about AI’s impact on the legal field or want to sharpen your skills using these new tools, this workshop will provide a comprehensive guide to integrating AI into your research process. Law students, interns, and legal professionals alike can benefit from this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve in legal technology.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn how generative AI can enhance your legal research!  Mark your calendars for October 17 and join us for an informative session.

Upcoming Workshop! Expand Your Legal Research Skills at the U.S. Agency Tracking Workshop

Are you a law student interested in working with federal agencies or law firms that handle administrative law issues? If so, the upcoming U.S. Agency Tracking workshop is the perfect opportunity to sharpen your legal research skills. Hosted by the Taggart Law Librarians, this informative session will take place on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 11:15 AM in Room 125.

This workshop will provide practical insights into navigating  and locating federal agency websites, a critical skill for any legal professional working in administrative law. Attendees will gain valuable tips and tricks for efficiently utilizing the Federal Register and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) websites, two essential resources for tracking agency actions and understanding how regulations evolve over time. In addition to these foundational tools, the workshop will highlight other useful resources that can help you stay on top of important agency developments.

Whether you're aiming for an internship at a federal agency, a position at a law firm that engages with regulatory law, or you simply want to build your expertise in administrative law research, this workshop offers a great way to build up your knowledge base.

Join us on October 3 to expand your research toolkit and learn how to track federal agency actions like a pro! Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity—mark your calendars now!

Upcoming Research Workshop: Research Databases and Research Guides!

Ohio Northern University Law School students, are you ready to take your research skills to the next level? Whether you're working on a paper, preparing for a big case study, or just trying to navigate the vast world of legal research, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

Join us for the Research Databases and Research Guides Workshop hosted by the Taggart Law Library on September 19th at 11:15 AM in Room 125. This workshop is designed to help students like you get comfortable with the essential research tools that will be invaluable throughout your law school journey.

What You'll Learn:

• Research Databases:
  Not sure where to start when it comes to legal databases? We’ll explain what research databases are, why they’re important, and how you can leverage them to find the information you need quickly and efficiently. We’ll be focusing on two key databases:

  • HeinOnline: A comprehensive online research platform specializing in legal history and government documents. You’ll learn how to navigate its vast library of law journals, historical legal documents, and more.
  • JSTOR: Known for its interdisciplinary coverage, JSTOR offers access to scholarly articles across a wide range of topics, including law. 

• Research Guides:
  Research guides are more than just starting points—they’re powerful tools to help you stay organized and focused during your research. We’ll teach you:

  • What research guides are and how they can save you time.
  • How to use them effectively to locate resources tailored to specific areas of law.
  • Where to find them online and how to make the most of these curated collections for your coursework, legal writing, and more.

Why Attend?

• Boost Your Research Skills:
  Mastering research databases and guides is essential for succeeding in law school. Whether you're handling case briefs, writing papers, or just diving deep into legal theory, these skills will set you apart.

• Practical Learning:
  This isn’t just another lecture. You’ll get real demonstrations on how to navigate the databases and research guides, so you’ll feel confident using them on your own.

• Raffle Prize:
  As a special incentive, all attendees will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win an exciting prize! It’s the perfect way to wrap up your workshop experience.

Mark your calendars for September 19th and make sure to be in Room 125 at 11:15 AM. Whether you’re a first-year student just getting started or an upperclassman looking to refine your research techniques, this workshop has something for everyone. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to hone your skills and boost your academic success!

See you there!

Introducing the De-Stress Bin at Taggart Law Library

Law school can be intense, and at Ohio Northern University's Taggart Law Library, we understand the importance of taking a moment to unwind. That's why we're excited to introduce our new "De-Stress Bin" at the circulation desk, stocked with a variety of stress-relief tools to help you stay calm, focused, and refreshed.

Whether you're feeling the pressure of an upcoming exam or just need a break from your studies, our De-Stress Bin offers something for everyone. You can now check out items like fidget spinners, worry stones, Gratitude Cards, stress balls, pop-its, a breathing board, and even a puzzle ball. These tools are designed to help you release tension, practice mindfulness, and recharge your energy.

Simply visit the circulation desk to explore the De-Stress Bin and borrow an item that suits your needs. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as acing that next case brief. We hope these tools will help you find balance and success during your time at law school.

Stop by, take a deep breath, and let us help you de-stress!

Mini-Golf in the Library - Calling Student Organizations!

As you all know, you can do many things in the library (eat, drink, be studious, to name a few), but who knew that you could play mini golf! It's that time of year again, the Taggart Library is looking for student organizations, including law reviews, that would be willing to design and construct their own miniature golf hole for the upcoming Taggart Mini-Golf tournament starting on October 7th. This is a great opportunity for 1L students to hear about your organization and maybe even some upper-level students who haven't previously. 

Student organizations will be assigned a hole number and location on the North Side. The week before the "tournament" (Sept. 30 - Oct. 6th), student organizations will be given time windows each day to work on constructing their golf hole, to keep from disrupting quiet study on the North Side. Each student organization will be responsible for designing, setting up, and taking down their own hole. 

The library faculty will supply recyclable materials, colored paper, tape, books and glue. We encourage you all to get creative with your mini-golf hole! Feel free to bring your own supplies if you'd like, just be sure to pick them up when the tournament has ended.

During the tournament, the Pettit College of Law members will vote for the best decorated and most creative hole. Prizes will be awarded by the Taggart Library at the end of the Tournament. To sign up for a hole, please send the Taggart Librarians an email here: b-buckley.1@onu.edu including the name of your organization and a good email address to send further details. 

This is a great way to blow off steam with faculty, friends, or colleagues. So we invite you to challenge your favorite professor or use a friendly game as an icebreaker with a classmate.

Thank you for your willing participation and interest in this event, we are looking forward to another great "tournament"!

Maximize Your Study Skills: Casebriefing and Notetaking Workshop Sept. 5!

Calling all Ohio Northern University Law School students! Are you ready to sharpen your academic skills and make the most of your study sessions this semester? The Taggart Law Library Librarians are excited to invite you to an upcoming workshop designed to elevate your casebriefing and notetaking abilities.

Mark your calendars for September 5th at 11:15 AM in Room 125. This workshop is packed with practical insights and tips to help you navigate the demands of law school more efficiently.

What to Expect:

1. Notetaking Softwares:
   Discover how digital tools can transform your study habits. We'll explore three of the most popular notetaking softwares: OneNote, Evernote, and Notion. Each platform offers unique features that can help you organize your notes, sync them across devices, and ensure you never miss a critical detail. Whether you're new to these tools or looking to optimize your current setup, this session will provide actionable tips to help you choose the right software for your needs.

2. Casebriefing Essentials:
   Understanding and mastering the art of casebriefing is fundamental to your success in law school. During this portion of the workshop, we will cover the basics:

   • What is a Case Brief? A clear breakdown of what a case brief entails and its role in your legal education.
   • Why is it Important? We’ll discuss the significance of casebriefing in helping you grasp legal concepts, prepare for class discussions, and excel in exams.
   • Steps for Drafting an Effective Case Brief: Learn our recommended approach for creating concise, well-organized briefs that capture the essential elements of any case.

3. Raffle for Attendees:
   As a token of appreciation for joining us, all attendees will be entered into a raffle for a special prize to be awarded at the end of the workshop. Whether you're looking to win or simply aiming to enhance your academic skills, this workshop has something valuable for everyone.

Don't miss this opportunity to build your study toolkit and connect with fellow law students. The insights you gain here could make a significant difference in your academic journey. We look forward to seeing you on September 5th in Room 125!

Welcome (back) to Ohio Northern University Law School!

Dear First-Year and Returning Law Students,

As the leaves begin to turn and the air becomes crisp, we are thrilled to welcome both new and returning students to another exciting and challenging academic year at Ohio Northern University Law School! Whether you’re stepping onto campus for the first time or returning to familiar grounds, the entire ONU community is here to support and guide you through this journey.

For Our First-Year Students:

Welcome to the beginning of your law school journey! The first year is both exhilarating and demanding, filled with new experiences, rigorous coursework, and opportunities for growth. As you navigate your way through this new environment, remember to pace yourself, seek help when needed, and take advantage of the resources available to you. The workload can be intense, but with focus, organization, and a bit of perseverance, you’ll find your stride.

To Our Returning Students:

Welcome back! You’ve already tackled some of the toughest challenges law school has to offer, and you’re well on your way to mastering the skills you’ll need in your legal career. As you continue to build on the foundation you’ve laid, don’t forget to make time for self-care and reflection. You’re a step closer to achieving your goals, and your experience can now guide you to even greater success.

Tips for Success:

1. Manage Stress Effectively: Law school can be overwhelming, but stress management is key to thriving. Practice mindfulness, take breaks, and ensure you have a balance between study and leisure.

2. Utilize Study Aids: ONU offers an array of print and online study aids that can help you grasp complex legal concepts. These resources are invaluable for both class preparation and exam review.

3. Visit the ONU Counseling Center: Mental health is crucial to your success. The Counseling Center is here to provide support, whether you need someone to talk to or strategies to cope with stress.

4. Explore the Mindfulness Table: Located in the Library lobby, the Mindfulness Table is a quiet space where you can pause, breathe, and refocus. It’s a great spot to clear your mind before diving back into your studies.

5. Stay Connected: Building a network of peers and mentors can make your law school experience more rewarding. Don’t hesitate to engage in study groups, attend campus events, and seek advice from professors.

As you embark on this semester, remember that you are not alone. The ONU community is here to help you succeed, from academic resources to wellness support. Let’s make this year one of growth, achievement, and resilience.

Welcome to the start of something incredible. Let’s make it a great semester!

Warm regards,

The Taggart Law Library Team

Lexis+ Launches Second-Generation Legal AI Assistant

Lexis+ announces the launch of their second-generation legal AI assistant for this week. According to the announcement, there will be seven new enhancements to the system, "based on user feedback," to create e more personalized user experience. All current Lexis+ AI customers will have access to the second-gen AI assistant. You can read more about these enhancements in LexisNexis latest press release, found here. 

Upcoming Workshop: Locating Court Documents, Dockets and Forms

Join us for our monthly series of advanced research workshops! These sessions will focus on practical research skills and tools that will help to prepare you for your internships, externships, and work in the legal profession. Do you have a summer internship with a firm? This session will focus on tips and tricks for locating court documents, dockets, and forms.

The presentation will occur on April 24th in Room 125 at 11 AM. Feel free to bring your lunch and follow along!

Registering for Summer Classes?

Make sure to check out the Law Librarians' new summer course, Specialized Legal Research: International Foreign Legal Research (11351 LAW 1432). This is a one-credit skills course, focusing on international legal research. This course builds upon basic legal research skills and will introduce students to print and electronic resources utilized by international law researchers. The class will be offered completely online and asynchronously, making it the perfect summer course to fit into to your schedule!