Articles Posted in News from Organizations

Introduction.

Reports from the twelve Federal Reserve Districts suggest that economic activity increased modestly during the survey period of mid-November through December, but at a slower pace compared with the previous survey period. Among Districts, seven reported a slight increase in activity, two reported ixed conditions, and activity in three Districts was described as slowing.

Most reports on retail activity indicated subdued holiday spending and further weakness in auto sales. However, most reports on tourism spending were positive. Residential real estate conditions continued to be quite weak in all Districts. Reports on commercial real estate activity varied, with some reports noting signs of softening demand. Manufacturing reports varied across industries, with pronounced weakness noted in housing-related industries as well as the automobile industry. Strong export orders and increased demand in industries whose products compete against imports was reported by some Districts. Demand for nonfinancial services remained generally positive, although some Districts commented on continuing weak demand for transportation services.

The following is an excerpt of a Report of the OCLC Council Meeting by Phyllis Post, Head of Technical Services at Capital University (Columbus, Ohio). Phyllis attended as an observer/representative of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL).. Speaking personnally, I am very happy to see AALL involved at this level with OCLC:

From the OCLC Members Council 2007/2008 Annual Plan:

The Members Council, along with the Board of Trustees, is one of the two governance bodies representing the Membership of the OCLC global, nonprofit, library cooperative. Members Council supports OCLC’s mission of furthering cost-effective access to worldwide information by serving as a key strategic discussion forum and the major communications link among Members, networks, and OCLC. By providing an open channel for recommendations and questions from delegates, approving changes in the Code of Regulations, and electing six Members of the Board of Trustees, Members Council helps shape the future direction of OCLC and libraries.

“The Equal Justice Conference brings together all components of the legal community to discuss equal justice issues as they relate to the delivery of legal services to the poor and low-income individuals in need of legal assistance. The emphasis of this Conference is on strengthening partnerships among the key players in the civil justice system. Through plenary sessions, workshops, networking opportunities and special programming, the Conference provides a wide range of learning and sharing experiences for all attendees.”

“Pro bono and legal services program staff, judges, corporate counsel, court administrators, private lawyers, paralegals, and many others attend this event. The title and theme of the 2008 Equal Justice Conference is: Pursuing Justice: Balancing Challenges and Opportunities. The main Conference will celebrate the ongoing collaboration between pro bono and legal services; explore additional partnerships that must be created, the resources that must be tapped, and the new issues facing clients.”

For more information see the Conference website at http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/ejc/

December 2007 Content Release

The December 2007 content release added 1.4 million pages of legal information to our collections, bringing the total number of pages in HeinOnline to more than 33 million. Below are descriptions of the more prominent content that was released.

Law Journal Library

The January issue of WSLL @ Your Service has been published at http://wsll.state.wi.us/newsletter/0801.html In this issue:

* State Law Library Catalog Debuts New Look, New Features * Using the New “Preferred Search” Feature of the Catalog * Got Milk? How About a Library Card?
* This Just In… “New Titles” Lists * WSLL, MLRC & DCLRC Exhibit at Solo/Small Firm Conference * Learn @ the Law Library: Upcoming Classes * Odds ‘n’ Endings: January Notables

The following is an excerpt followed by a link to the actual document:

“…Americans should take enormous pride in our judicial system. But there is no cause for complacency. Our judicial system inspires the world because of the commitment of each new generation of judges who build upon the vision and accomplishments of those who came before. I am committed to continuing three of my predecessor’s important but unfinished initiatives to maintain the quality of our courts.

First, I will carry on the efforts to improve communications with the Executive and Legislative Branches of government. The Constitution’s provision for three separate but coordinate Branches envisions that the Branches will communicate through appropriate means on administrative matters of common concern. Each has a valuable perspective on the other. The Branches already engage in constructive dialogue through a number of familiar forums, including the Judicial Conference, congressional hearings, and advisory committee meetings. But the familiar avenues are not necessarily the only ones…”

Top Ten Stories in January 4, 2008 issue:

Lawyer Pay Good-Looking Lawyers Make More Money, Researcher Says Jan 2, 2008, 08:31 am CST

“A researcher studying the impact of beauty has found that good-looking lawyers–like other professionals–make more money than their colleagues with lesser looks. Economist Daniel Hamermesh of the University of Texas based his conclusion on the photographs of graduates of an unnamed law school. Those rated attractive in the photos went.” Click here to see this article.

Personal Lives

How a Reed Smith Partner Learned Wealth, Power Were the Wrong Priorities Dec 17, 2007, 01:51 pm CST

A. Scott Bolden, a partner at Reed Smith in Washington, D.C., didn’t listen to his lawyers’ advice after an ex-girlfriend called him about his long-rumored daughter. The ex told Bolden shortly before Thanksgiving in 2001 that his daughter, Shayla, was turning 18 and needed him, Bolden recalls in a Washington Post article..

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