Just a quick reminder to register now for the June Summer Research Challenge and Research Skills Workshops.  These sessions will help you brush up on all the tools you can use for your summer externships and your upcoming Fall semester course research needs. Click here for details.

Ramp Up Your Research Skills!

This summer, take advantage of multiple opportunities to up your research game and learn more about tools you’ll need in practice through our popular Summer Research Challenge! See the attached flyer for details. Each virtual session begins at 6:00 p.m., with a short introduction to the research area, and then moves on to a concrete research problem where you need to efficiently identify the law bearing on your client’s situation. The sessions are two hours long and will wrap up with a discussion of results and strategies.

Attend whichever sessions most interest you, but researchers who successfully complete all four will receive a certificate signed by both Associate Dean William LaPiana and Associate Dean & Library Director Camille Broussard recognizing this achievement. It’s a great practical skill certification for your resume.

June 7:   Researching Congressional Documents: Statutes and Legislative History

June 14: Where in the World is the Law: Tools and Strategies for International Law Research

June 21: Research on the Road to Trial: Experts, Juries, Discovery and More

June 28: Navigating the Regulatory Maze: Research in Administrative Law

For more information and to register, click this link, scroll down to the June calendar, and select the sessions you would like to register for. You will then be taken to the registration page for that session.

Research Skills Workshops

In addition to the Summer Research Challenge, we will also be offering our regular Research Skills Workshops. These virtual sessions are intended to give pointers on how to handle research situations you might face this summer. The workshops are 30 minutes long and will be offered on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 5:15 p.m., from June 6 through June 29, 2023. To register, click this link, scroll down to the June calendar, and select the sessions you would like to register for. You will then be taken to the registration page for that session.

With exams upon us demand for study rooms increases. Please remember that these rooms are for group, not individual, study. One person is not a group. Individual studiers must share the room or yield it. If you are alone, you may be asked by a fellow student or a librarian to yield the room to a group. Insisting that your group members are “coming soon” is not an acceptable excuse. If your group members are not present, there is no group, and you must yield the room to an actual group that is present.

Please don’t attempt to “reserve” a room by depositing some personal belongings and then disappearing. And please don’t spread your belongings out to give the appearance of a group presence.

If you would like assistance from a librarian in asking a single student to leave a room, contact the reference desk (reference@nyls.edu; 212.431.2332).

Please be considerate of all of your colleagues at this stressful time of year.  We appreciate everyone’s cooperation.

Each year on May 1st, the United States celebrates Law Day. First designated in 1958 by President Eisenhower, Law Day celebrates the rule of law and its contributions to Americans’ many freedoms. This year’s theme is Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration. The Law Library of Congress and the American Bar Association are presenting a panel discussion titled “Civility and Collaboration: U.S. and International Perspectives.” It will feature a conversation about how selected jurisdictions have worked to increase bipartisanship, civics education, and civic engagement.  This webinar will be on April 27 at 3:00 p.m.  You can register here.

April is National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM).

The National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) initiative was launched in 2017 by Arab America and the Arab America Foundation to recognize the contributions of Arab Americans to the United States.  In 2022, President Biden became the first U.S. president to declare April as Arab American Heritage Month.  In his 2023 proclamation, President Biden said, “This month, we join together to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of Arab Americans to our Nation and recommit ourselves to the timeless work of making sure that all people have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.… Today, the achievements of Arab Americans are reflected in the arts and sciences; in businesses and faith communities; in classrooms and hospitals; and in police stations, firehouses, and every branch of the military.  Arab Americans are also proudly serving throughout my Administration, bringing a diversity of expertise that helps make this country stronger, more prosperous, and more just.”

This year, over 90 Proclamations, Resolutions, and Statements   have been issued from the U.S. Government and 43 states by governors, mayors, school boards (including NYC Public Schools), and county executives.  Governor Kathy Hochul issued this proclamation on behalf of the State of New York.

Earth Day is a time to celebrate our planet and reflect on the ways in which we can protect it for future generations. This annual event, held on April 22nd, reminds us of the beauty and fragility of our natural world, and encourages us to take action to preserve it. The theme for Earth Day 2023 is Invest in Our Planet. You can learn more by visiting Earthday.org

There are many ways to celebrate Earth Day, from planting trees and cleaning up litter to reducing your carbon footprint and advocating for environmental policy change. Every action, no matter how small, can make a difference in protecting our planet.

One of the most significant ways to celebrate Earth Day is by learning more about the environment and the challenges it faces. Take time to read up on climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, and think about how you can make a positive impact. Whether it’s reducing your energy consumption, recycling more, or supporting environmentally friendly businesses, there are many ways to help protect the planet.

Earth Day is also a great opportunity to connect with others who share your passion for the environment. Attend a local event or rally, join an environmental group, or organize your own Earth Day celebration with friends and family.

Remember, Earth Day is not just a one-day event. It’s a reminder of our responsibility to protect the planet every day. So let’s celebrate Earth Day and commit to making a positive impact on the environment year-round. Together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable planet for all.

Below is the Mendik Library’s hours of operation from Monday March 20 through Friday May 19, 2023.