2002 Annual Meeting
Program Descriptions

Using Online Tutorials to Teach Legal Research
Proposed by Meg Collins

This program will illustrate the development of a series of legal research tutorials for students at Georgetown University Law Center. The tutorials were developed through a cooperative effort of the Library and Legal Research and Writing (LR&W) faculty. They will be used in the 2001-2002 academic year as a supplement to classroom teaching of legal research skills. The tutorials are an answer to students' increasing reliance on the web as a research and learning tool. Both the LR&W faculty and the librarians wished to respond to the students' increasing expectation for immediate online access to information. The program will emphasize (i) collaboration with the LR&W faculty, and (ii) technological development of the tutorials.

Creating Better Connections: Access to Website Content for the Sight-Impaired
Proposed by Bill Draper

How can the sight-impaired access your Web content? The program begins with a brief look at the obligations to accommodate access needs of sight-impaired patrons using library web sites. A husband and wife, each sight-impaired and technologically proficient, will demonstrate how various approaches to Web design impact the ability of the sight-impaired to access Internet information. You will get a practical list of dos and don'ts for web design. You will also hear a from representative from a law school which has installed a special parsing program for the sight-impaired on its Web site.

Practical Legal Research Exams: The Connection Between Theory and Practice
Proposed by Pamela Melton

Many law students find legal research instruction abstract and confusing, often because they don't have any need to use those skills at the time they are taught. Legal research exams can make the connection between theory and practice. What are the obstacles to creating a practical exam? How can they be overcome? First, a 20 minute "reality-based" (think Survivor) video follows a librarian as she creates, schedules and administers a practical exam. Then the first panelist will discuss her institution's experience with practical legal research exams. Finally, the second panelist will discuss incorporating practical elements into standard legal research exams.

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