Classroom Presentations & Guides
The reference librarians give presentations and prepare guides on research techniques and resources for both doctrinal and skills classes. We work with faculty to tailor presentations to the specific needs of the class, and we encourage faculty to attend the sessions we present to ensure coordination of the substantive and research components of a class.
Examples of presentations we might give include:
- An introduction to legal research for 1L students
- An overview of legislative history resources for a statutory interpretation course
- A “prepare to practice” refresher for an externship or clinic
- A research strategies session for a seminar or other writing course
Examples of guides we might create include:
- A step-by-step guide to researching a specific area of law
- A quick-reference sheet for citing legal sources
- A subject guide for an upper-level course listing key databases and practice materials
- A comparison of print and online resources for a particular topic
Student Research Consultations
Reference librarians help students develop research plans and find and assess resources. The service is especially helpful for students who are working on research for a class or long paper. Reference librarians encourage faculty to refer students to the library for a consultation early in the research process. Students can book a consultation using the link on the library’s sidebar.
Research Support
Reference librarians offer a full range of research support for faculty projects. We can help develop research plans, identify the best resources, refine search strategies, and create tools for tracking results. We also work with faculty research assistants, providing initial training and ongoing guidance as a project progresses. To get started, reach out to any of the reference librarians or email us at [email protected].
Current Awareness
Reference librarians can help you set up current awareness services to keep you up to date on new developments in your areas of interest. These services may include RSS feeds, WestClips, Lexis Alerts and SmartCILP alerts. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Faculty Scholarship
The library supports Mitchell Hamline faculty in promoting their scholarship in the following ways:
- Scholastica. The library maintains an institutional account with Scholastica that covers the costs associated with law journal submissions. The library also helps faculty manage their Scholastica submissions.
- SSRN. The library assists faculty with the process of uploading their preprints and articles to SSRN. The library also advises faculty on the selection of appropriate JEL codes and Subject Matter eJournals for their work.
- Mitchell Hamline Open Access. The library collects published faculty work in Mitchell Hamline Open Access, the School’s institutional repository. Inclusion in MHOA widens the audience for faculty scholarship.
For additional information, contact [email protected] or [email protected].