Class Description: This class provides instruction in using State Library of Oregon databases/resources as well as external resources in the area of law and legislation including: Oregon statutes, regulations and bills as well as access to case law, legal periodicals.  If time allows, federal resources will also be mentioned.

What will I learn?: Class attendees will gain knowledge regarding the effective use of Oregon State Library law and legislation resources and databases. These resources include a Lexis-Nexis database, State Capital, regarding both Oregon & other U.S. States governmental actions and legislative efforts. In addition, attendees will learn how to track bills, statutory changes and government announcements. Internet resources that provide access to law and legislative resources and information will also be discussed.

Class Level: Intermediate - Advanced

Depending upon student registration and needs, topics that may be covered include: 

Library Introduction

• Registration for Library Services
• Log-on/Access to Library services & products
• Brief State Library web page orientation - http://library.state.or.us
• Ordering Articles
• State Library of Oregon Databases - Law & Legislation
• Lexis/Nexis State Capital & ProQuest Congressional

Current Legislative Session

• Using Oregon Legislative Online System (OLIS) & Legislative Website effectively
• BillTracker
• Legislative “Tips & Tricks”
• Lexis/Nexis Congressional – Basic/Advanced Search

Past Legislative Action

• Performing Legislative Histories
• State of Oregon Law Library Resources – Hein Online – Oregon Laws Collection
• Online vs. Paper - When to use what?
• Where to go for what?

• State Archives
• Lexis/Nexis State Capital - Measure Backfile Search & Annotated Statutes

Future Agency Work

• Newspaper Resources – News Tracking (National/Regional/Local)
• State Library eClips
• Google News & Other Aggregators
• Lexis/Nexis State Capital - Measure search other 50 U.S. States
• Legislative Resource Sites – NCSL, CSG, Pew – Stateline, Magazines/Journals (eg. Governing)

Oregon Rules

• Oregon Administrative Rules

Tracking

• Search alerts – databases
• GovTrack.us
• Other resources

Federal Resources

• State Library – ProQuest Congressional, Serial Set, Committee prints/hearings/reports
• Code of Federal Regulations
• Federal Register
• Congress.gov
• Tracking

Case Law

• State of Oregon Law Library Resources
• State Library of Oregon Legal journals/ordering