New Search Engine for Images

The TinEye search engine, developed by Idee and due to be released out of beta later in September, allows users to search for an image by uploading a picture rather than searching by keyword. The search engine will conduct a pixel by pixel search to identify all instances of the image (even if the image has been digitally altered). The primary use of the search engine may be copyright enforcement; however, it may also be useful in identifying image creators so that proper attribution can be provided.

Thanks to the Law Librarian Blog for information on this new resource

Second edition of ABA's Guide to Professionalism Commissions Released

The ABA has released its second edition of A Guide to Professionalism Commissions. The Guide describes the professionalism commissions operating in 14 states and the types of programs and activities commissions have used and can use in promoting professionalism in the legal profession. The Guide also contains a subsection discussing the potential for collaboration between law schools and professionalism commissions.



Hat tip to Law Librarians Blog.

Got an IDEA? The Securities and Exchange Commission Does

According to a Securities and Exchange Commission press release, the SEC's new system, Interactive Data Electronic Applications (IDEA) will allow investors "to instantly collate information from thousands of companies and forms, and create reports and analysis on the fly, in any way they choose." Currently, most SEC filings are available only in government-prescribed forms through EDGAR. IDEA will first supplement and finally replace EDGAR.



Thanks to WisBlawg.

Chrome - To Use or Not to Use

There has been significant discussion about the use of Google's new browser, Chrome. Some discussion was fueled by the inclusion of language in the end-user licensing agreement, that granted the Company a perpetual license to among other things, reproduce, display and distribute any Content submitted, posted or displayed using Chrome. According to postings on September 4th, Google has deleted this language from the agreement. This action quieted some of the popular resistance to use of the browser.

For additional details regarding the new browser see "Do you want to use Chrome?" on the Law Librarian Blog.

ABA reports Lawyer Use of Technology Still Needs Improvement

Lawyers Still Lag on the Technology Front is the title of a recent post on Legal Blog Watch. The post references several sources, including a summary, prepared by the ABA Journal Editor Ed Adams, of the American Bar Association's 2008 Legal Technology Survey Report. The results of the survey indicate that while lawyers love their mobile devices, law firms and attorneys are not taking full advantage of the tools offered by the internet and technology.

National Preparedness Month

September has been designated as National Preparedness Month. This is an excellent time to consider the need for law offices to prepare for disasters and emergencies. Many of the law office management resources in the law library address this topic. Additionally, legal professionals are often called upon to assist those affected by national disasters and other emergencies. The American Bar Association's Disaster Recovery Resource Center provides links to resources addressing both general preparedness issues and issues regarding specific disaster relief efforts, such as Hurricane Gustav. Select materials on Preparedness are currently on display outside the Reference Offices.

Advice to 1Ls

What do you do if you get called on and find yourself unprepared? Orin Kerr, law professor and blogger at the Volokh Conspiracy, offers some sage advice to 1Ls.

Thanks to Heafey Headnotes from Santa Clara Law.