An up-to-date guide to finding answers to legal questions

CHICAGO — Whether for self-representation, to be an informed consumer of legal services, or to learn the U.S. legal system, more people than ever are using the library to obtain legal information and legal research advice. The new second edition of “Finding the Answers to Legal Questions,” published by ALA Neal-Schuman, is a comprehensive guide to help librarians confidently assist users in finding the legal information they need. Newly revised and updated, this timely, clearly organized, and easy-to-use resource is packed with guidance to help librarians answer questions that span the gamut of the law. An ideal book for practicing librarians looking to better serve users' legal needs, as well as for students preparing for careers as librarians, it provides:

• an overview of fundamental legal information, including the basic structure of the U.S. legal system and primary law;
• how-to instructions for finding primary law in print sources, free websites, and pay-for-view databases;
• information on how to evaluate the trustworthiness of online and print resources;
• tips for conducting a legal reference interview;
• guidance for handling common legal questions, such as lawsuits, family law, landlord-tenant disputes, wills and estate planning, debt, bankruptcy, employment, and criminal law; and
• advice on how to build a basic legal reference collection.

Dr. Tucker is currently assistant professor at the School of Information at San José State University. She was the County Law Librarian in Bellingham, Washington, for over ten years. In 2016, her local bar association honored her with the annual award for “Dedication to the Spirit of the Law.” As a volunteer, she has created websites for the Whatcom County Bar Association and LAW Advocates, the local legal aid group. Lampson has practiced both civil and criminal law on the trial and appellate levels and in both federal and state court. Since 1984, he has also taught law students, library and information science students, paralegals, laypeople, and prisoners how to find and analyze legal resources. He is currently the Public Services Attorney and Reference Librarian at the Public Law Library of King County in Seattle, Washington.

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