I know right now it seems like summer (or even next fall) may be a long time away, like you can’t even think past the time that you have your Ames oral argument, or getting that final seminar paper done.  However, it will be here before you know it!

If you are going to a job this summer or fall that you think will involve some corporate or securities legal research, then you may want to consider attending our legal research class on April 10th, at 3 p.m. To sign up, just click here.  The class will be held in Hauser 105.  If you have any questions, please contact .

This session just might save you from a lot of headaches and stress this summer and next fall!

Feeling like you’re getting a little too much information, lately?  Lots of lawyers feel the same way.  A recent study by LexisNexis reveals that 80% of legal professionals suffer from information overload.  (Even more than the 70% of white collar workers who feel overloaded with information.)

Other findings include:

* 98% of legal professionals agree that the consequences of mismanaging information are extremely serious in the legal profession;
* 90% agree that not being able to access the right information at the right time is a big time-waster;
* 70% say they spend a lot of time sifting through irrelevant information;
* 45% say that research takes up so much of their time that they occasionally omit billing clients for this work.

What’s the solution?  Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to “google” all of law with one little box? (Try googling .  Nope, we’re not quite there yet.  Though I did find out that someone thinks Nevada is “tort-plagued.") Can legal research ever be that easy?  Maybe someday… but until then, try asking your librarian… we’ll help you get the information you need, as quickly and as google-like as possible in our imperfect information world.

Hat tip: Bonnie Shucha at WisBlawg.

The Pew Internet & American Life Project has released a new report, Information Searches That Solve Problems. 

From the press release you get: In a national phone survey, respondents were asked whether they had encountered 10 possible problems in the previous two years, all of which had a potential connection to the government or government-provided information. Those who had dealt with the problems were asked where they went for help and the internet topped the list:

# 58% of those who had recently experienced one of those problems said they used the internet (at home, work, a public library or some other place) to get help.
# 53% said they turned to professionals such as doctors, lawyers or financial experts.
# 45% said they sought out friends and family members for advice and help.
# 36% said they consulted newspapers and magazines.
# 34% said they directly contacted a government office or agency.
# 16% said they consulted television and radio.
# 13% said they went to the public library. 

Not really, according to this new report, commissioned by JISC and the British Library.  (Warning - the cover art is a little scary!)

According to the press release, not only is the “Google Generation” a “myth,” but they may be corrupting other researchers, too!

The report by the CIBER research team at University College London claims that, although young people demonstrate an ease and familiarity with computers, they rely on the most basic search tools and do not possess the critical and analytical skills to asses the information that they find on the web. The report ... also shows that research-behaviour traits that are commonly associated with younger users – impatience in search and navigation, and zero tolerance for any delay in satisfying their information needs – are now the norm for all age-groups, from younger pupils and undergraduates through to professors.