Lawyer's Guide to Fact Finding on the Internet | Online Factual Research Guide

This may be the most user-friendly Internet research book available for legal professionals today!

Chapter 1: Using the Internet for Factual Research
War Stories of Internet Fact Finders
War Story: Drunk Driving
War Story: Case Research and Lawyer Referral
War Story: Immigration Cases
War Story: Weather Evidence
War Story: A Law Librarian's Unusual Search
War Story: The Internet Advantage
Distinguishing Legal Research from Factual Research
Differences in Research Terms
How a Factual Researcher Uses Sources
Judging Sources for Worth and Credibility
When to Use the Internet
Maintaining an Edge over Research
Internet Methodology Checklist
Finding Something Responsive to Your Research
Lack of Documentation on the Free Internet
Internet Source Credibility
Internet Source Credibility Checklist
Free versus Pay Resources
The Myth of the "All-Comprehensive" Database
When to Use Pay Databases
Examples of Pay Database Searches
Examples of Major Pay Databases
When to Use Free Internet Sources
Examples of Searches on Free Sites
Citing Internet Sources
Internet Copyright Issues
Ownership of Digital Rights to Freelance Work: The Tasini Decision
Ownership of Digital Rights to an Author's Works
In-line Linking and Framing
Screen Shots
The Internet and the Entertainment Industry
Copyright Clearance Center
Other Copyright Issues

Chapter 2: Internet Tools and Protocol
Browsers and Favorites
Web Browsers: A Quick View
Pick the Browser that Best Suits Your Needs
Bookmark Your Favorite Sites
Netiquette and Internet Ethics
Netiquette
Internet Ethics

Chapter 3: Search Strategies
Finding It on Line
The Invisible Web
Finding Invisible Databases
Search Engines: Last Resort or First Resort?
Search Strategy Checklist
File Format Searching
Domain Searching
Cost-Effective and Time-Saving Search Tips
Look for the Free Sites!
Save Time with an Auto-fill-in Program
Bookmark Metasites
First, You Google
Try the Google Toolbar
Use a Metasearch Site
Using High-Speed Access on the Road
Use Small Tools for Big Savings
Switch Browsers if You Need To
Tracking Changes Automatically and Setting Up Alerts
Find, Find, Find!
Keeping Informed about Internet Research Resources
Pay Resources
Free Resources
Getting Help: Expert Research Support
When There's No One to Help You, Think Virtual
Let a Librarian Take Control of Your Browser
Free Local Library Reference Services
Pay Library Chat Reference Services
Other Reference Assistance

Chapter 4: Search Tools
Search Engines
Search Engines: A Quick View
Search Engine Limitations
Learning How to Search
How Search Engines Work
Advanced Searches
Indices and Directories versus Search Engines
Our Favorite Search Engines
Spotlight on Google
Finding Video, Audio, and Images
Finding Video
Finding Audio
Finding Images
Finding Extinct Pages and Archived Material
Isn't the Most Current Information Better?
War Story: Using the Wayback Machine
Web Logs
Why Use Blogs for Research?
Searching Blogs

Chapter 5: General Factual Research
Standard Reference Resources
Starting-Point Web Sites for General Research
Dictionaries and Thesauri
Legal Dictionaries
Encyclopedias
Calculators and Converters
Maps
Phone Books
Quotations
On-line Translators
ZIP Codes
Free Internet Access to Library Databases and Catalogs
News, Periodicals, and Broadcast Media
Don't Forget Your Local Library!
Search Engines for News
News Metasites
Current News
Wire Services
Company Press Releases
Locating Books and Videos
Books
Hard-to-Find and Out-of-Print Books
Videos

Chapter 6: Government Resources Online
Government Metasites
Government Publication Sites
Other Useful Government Sites
The Down Side

Chapter 7: Finding and Backgrounding People
Finding versus Backgrounding
Try the Internet First
Backgrounding People
Finding People
War Story: Find Someone without Having a Name
Reverse Searching
Problems with Name Searching
Tips for Name Searching
Privacy Issues
Off-line Searching
Using Web-Based Traditional Resources
Phone Directories on the Web
Thinking Outside the Box to Find and Background People
Consumer Credit Reports
Pretexting with Financial Institutions
Pretexting with Other Institutions
Using a Search Engine
Searching Online Communities
Locating a Picture of a Person
Locating the Dead
Searching with a Mother's Maiden Name
Family Trees
Searching with a Date of Birth
Searching for Classmates (and More)
Validating Social Security Numbers

Chapter 8: Accessing Public Records
Using Public Records for Factual Research
What Are Public Records?
Public Records Vary with Jurisdictions
Public Records Are Now More Public
What's in a Public Record?
"Publicly Available" Information
Privacy and Information on the Internet
The U.S.A. Patriot Act and Privacy
The Video Privacy Protection Act
The Privacy Act of 1974
Public Records Web Sites
Public Records Metasites
Vital Statistics: Birth, Death, Marriages, and Divorce
Professional and Trade Licensing Boards
Court Records and Dockets
Criminal Records
Liens, Judgments, and UCCs
Bankruptcies
Locating Assets
What's Your Political Persuasion (and Where Do You Work)?
Court Dockets and Pleadings
Using Dockets for Research
Which Courts Have Placed Dockets on the Internet?
Privacy Concerns
Federal Court Privacy Policy on Case Files
Finding Dockets and Pleadings
Commercial Docket Databases
State and Local Court Dockets
Pay Databases for Public Records and Publicly Available Information
Where Do Pay Databases Get Their Data?
Credit Headers, Then and Now
Using Fee-Based Databases for Public Records Research

Chapter 9: Finding and Backgrounding Expert Witnesses
War Story: Enhanced Collaboration
Checklist for Finding and Verifying Experts

Chapter 11: Competitive Intelligence Research
What Is Competitive Intelligence?
Cloak-and-Dagger CI Tactics
Competitive Intelligence and Knowledge Management
CI Departments at Corporations
CI Departments at Law Firms
Why Use the Internet for CI Research?
Anonymous CI Researching
Your IP Address
Tracking an IP Address
Surfing Anonymously
Sending E-mail Anonymously
Cookies Can Reveal Your Precise Identity
Protecting Yourself
Where Does CI Information Come From?
Web Sites for CI Research
Starting-Point Sites for CI
Using Search Engines for CI Research
News, Alerts, and E-newsletters
Using Industry Watchdogs
Using Government Agencies to Find Business Information
Researching with SIC Codes and NAICS Codes
Locating Researchers in a Targeted Field
Locating CI about Private Companies
Using Creative Sources for CI Research
E-mailing the Experts
Conducting a Links Search
Using Online Community Postings
Searching Opinions, Briefs, Complaints, and Settlements
Finding Confidential Company Information on the Internet
Using CI for Law Firm Business Development
Using Public Records for CI
Searching with Pay Databases
War Story: An Industry-Trend CI Search
Parting Recommendations of a CI Expert
War Story: CI at Amazon.com

Chapter 12: Medical Research
Why Do Medical Research?
War Story: Heart Center Online
Starting-Point Web Sites for Medical Research
Dictionaries and Glossaries
General Medical Dictionaries and Glossaries
Foreign-Language Medical Glossary
Medical Textbooks and Encyclopedias
Anatomy Sites
Sites about Diseases and Procedures
Cancer and Oncology
Heart Disease and Cardiology
Psychiatry
Medical Journals and Articles
Hospital Sites
New Medical Developments Sites
Medical Device Sites
Pharmaceutical Sites
Health Professions Sites
Physician Directories
Physician Licensing and Disciplinary Action Sites
Other Health Profession Sites

Chapter 13: Scientific Research
Starting-Point Web Sites for Scientific Research
Computer Forensic Resources

Chapter 14: Environmental Research
War Story: Weather Information
War Story: Sunset Time
Starting-Point Web Sites for Environmental Research
Locating Environmental and Ecological Organizations and Agencies
Weather Information
Sunrise and Sunset Information

Chapter 15: Foreign and International Research
Information about Other Countries
Information about Foreign Travel and Business
Information from Other Countries
Finding Lawyers in Other Countries
Other Related Useful Information

Chapter 16: Law Practice Management and Professional Development
Financial Resources
Marketing Resources
Technology Assessment and Purchase Research
Human Resources: Recruiting, Retention, and Personnel Management
Law-Related Job Search Sites for Employers and Employees
General Job-Search Sites
Continuing Legal Education Sources

Chapter 17: Statistical Research
Statistics Metasites
Judicial Statistics Sites
Crime Statistics Sites
Demographic Statistics Sites
Business, Economy, and Labor Statistics Sites
Foreign and International Statistics Sites
Transportation Statistics

Chapter 18: Transportation Research
Starting-Point Web Sites for Transportation Research
Transportation Acronyms
Airplanes
U.S. Aircraft Ownership and Pilot Registration
Tracking Planes in Flight
Locating U.S. Airports
U.S. Aircraft Safety and Accidents
Automobiles
Boats

Chapter 19: Entertainment Industry Research and Intellectual Property
That's Entertainment: Locating Entertainment Industry Sites
Entertainment Research
Consumer Sites: Television and Film
Commercial Trade Databases
Trade Publication Sites
Guild Information
Well-Known Legal Site Reveals Its Hollywood Secret
Music Industry Sites
Phoning Celebrities Overseas
Entertainment Law Employment and Opportunity Sites
The Truly Entertaining (in Other Words, Pure Gossip)
Intellectual Property
Trademarks
Patents
Copyrights
IP Web Sites

Index

*Pre-Publication Edition


Written especially for legal professionals, this newly revised and expanded edition is a complete, hands-on guide to the best sites, secrets, and shortcuts for conducting efficient research on the Web. Learn the differences between legal research and fact-finding. Discover the distinction between the "visible" and "invisible" Web and how to find information in each. Learn the nuances of search engines in order to formulate strategies for locating the information you need. And read real-world war stories of how Internet data has benefited other legal professionals. LIVE SEMINARS Since 1999, the authors of this book have trained thousands of people to use the Internet more efficiently in their practice, in hundreds of custom-designed seminars for law firms, bar associations and companies to help legal professionals learn about the latest online research resources. Click here for more information on creating a seminar for your group ABOUT THE AUTHORS Carole Levitt, JD, MLS Mark Rosch HOW TO ORDER This book will be released by the American Bar Association's Law Practice Management Publishing Division in October 2006. Check back then for details on purchasing this book.	"The Lawyer's Guide to Fact Finding on the Internet" This may be the most user-friendly Internet research book available for legal professionals today! TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1: Using the Internet for Factual Research War Stories of Internet Fact Finders War Story: Drunk Driving War Story: Case Research and Lawyer Referral War Story: Immigration Cases War Story: Weather Evidence War Story: A Law Librarian's Unusual Search War Story: The Internet Advantage Distinguishing Legal Research from Factual Research Differences in Research Terms How a Factual Researcher Uses Sources Judging Sources for Worth and Credibility When to Use the Internet Maintaining an Edge over Research Internet Methodology Checklist Finding Something Responsive to Your Research Lack of Documentation on the Free Internet Internet Source Credibility Internet Source Credibility Checklist Free versus Pay Resources The Myth of the "All-Comprehensive" Database When to Use Pay Databases Examples of Pay Database Searches Examples of Major Pay Databases When to Use Free Internet Sources Examples of Searches on Free Sites Citing Internet Sources Internet Copyright Issues Ownership of Digital Rights to Freelance Work: The Tasini Decision Ownership of Digital Rights to an Author's Works In-line Linking and Framing Screen Shots The Internet and the Entertainment Industry Copyright Clearance Center Other Copyright Issues Chapter 2: Internet Tools and Protocol Browsers and Favorites Web Browsers: A Quick View Pick the Browser that Best Suits Your Needs Bookmark Your Favorite Sites Netiquette and Internet Ethics Netiquette Internet Ethics Chapter 3: Search Strategies Finding It on Line The Invisible Web Finding Invisible Databases Search Engines: Last Resort or First Resort? Search Strategy Checklist File Format Searching Domain Searching Cost-Effective and Time-Saving Search Tips Look for the Free Sites! Save Time with an Auto-fill-in Program Bookmark Metasites First, You Google Try the Google Toolbar Use a Metasearch Site Using High-Speed Access on the Road Use Small Tools for Big Savings Switch Browsers if You Need To Tracking Changes Automatically and Setting Up Alerts Find, Find, Find! Keeping Informed about Internet Research Resources Pay Resources Free Resources Getting Help: Expert Research Support When There's No One to Help You, Think Virtual Let a Librarian Take Control of Your Browser Free Local Library Reference Services Pay Library Chat Reference Services Other Reference Assistance Chapter 4: Search Tools Search Engines Search Engines: A Quick View Search Engine Limitations Learning How to Search How Search Engines Work Advanced Searches Indices and Directories versus Search Engines Our Favorite Search Engines Spotlight on Google Finding Video, Audio, and Images Finding Video Finding Audio Finding Images Finding Extinct Pages and Archived Material Isn't the Most Current Information Better? War Story: Using the Wayback Machine Web Logs Why Use Blogs for Research? Searching Blogs Chapter 5: General Factual Research Standard Reference Resources Starting-Point Web Sites for General Research Dictionaries and Thesauri Legal Dictionaries Encyclopedias Calculators and Converters Maps Phone Books Quotations On-line Translators ZIP Codes Free Internet Access to Library Databases and Catalogs News, Periodicals, and Broadcast Media Don't Forget Your Local Library! Search Engines for News News Metasites Current News Wire Services Company Press Releases Locating Books and Videos Books Hard-to-Find and Out-of-Print Books Videos Chapter 6: Government Resources Online Government Metasites Government Publication Sites Other Useful Government Sites The Down Side Chapter 7: Finding and Backgrounding People Finding versus Backgrounding Try the Internet First Backgrounding People Finding People War Story: Find Someone without Having a Name Reverse Searching Problems with Name Searching Tips for Name Searching Privacy Issues Off-line Searching Using Web-Based Traditional Resources Phone Directories on the Web Thinking Outside the Box to Find and Background People Consumer Credit Reports Pretexting with Financial Institutions Pretexting with Other Institutions Using a Search Engine Searching Online Communities Locating a Picture of a Person Locating the Dead Searching with a Mother's Maiden Name Family Trees Searching with a Date of Birth Searching for Classmates (and More) Validating Social Security Numbers Chapter 8: Accessing Public Records Using Public Records for Factual Research What Are Public Records? Public Records Vary with Jurisdictions Public Records Are Now More Public What's in a Public Record? "Publicly Available" Information Privacy and Information on the Internet The U.S.A. Patriot Act and Privacy The Video Privacy Protection Act The Privacy Act of 1974 Public Records Web Sites Public Records Metasites Vital Statistics: Birth, Death, Marriages, and Divorce Professional and Trade Licensing Boards Court Records and Dockets Criminal Records Liens, Judgments, and UCCs Bankruptcies Locating Assets What's Your Political Persuasion (and Where Do You Work)? Court Dockets and Pleadings Using Dockets for Research Which Courts Have Placed Dockets on the Internet? Privacy Concerns Federal Court Privacy Policy on Case Files Finding Dockets and Pleadings Commercial Docket Databases State and Local Court Dockets Pay Databases for Public Records and Publicly Available Information Where Do Pay Databases Get Their Data? Credit Headers, Then and Now Using Fee-Based Databases for Public Records Research Chapter 9: Finding and Backgrounding Expert Witnesses War Story: Enhanced Collaboration Checklist for Finding and Verifying Experts Checklist Item 1: Develop a Working Knowledge of the Expertise by Reading Books and Articles Checklist Item 2: Review the Expert's Writings Checklist Item 3: Search Free Expert Witness Directories Checklist Item 4: Use Online Directories to Find Trade or Professional Associations Checklist Item 5. Find the Expert's Conference Presentations Checklist Item 6: Join an Online Community to Find Experts' Postings or to Learn About the Topic Checklist Item 7: Review the Expert's Own Web Site Checklist Item 8: Determine if the Expert Has Ever Been Disciplined Checklist Item 9: Find Experts via Jury Verdict Reporter Databases Checklist Item 10: Find the Expert's Deposition Testimony Checklist Item 11: Find Briefs and Cases that Refer to the Expert Checklist Item 12: Locate Academic Experts through University Sites Checklist Item 13: Find Government Experts through Government Reports Checklist Item 14: Use Pay Referral Sites Chapter 10: Company Research Checklist for Finding Company Information Checklist Item 1: Review the Company's Web Site Checklist Item 2: Locate the Web Site's URL Checklist Item 3: Google the Company Checklist Item 4: Use Company Directories Checklist Item 5: Use Web-Based Phone Directories Checklist Item 6: Use Product Directories Checklist Item 7: Locate Public-Company Financial Information Checklist Item 8: Locate Private-Company Information in Directories and Credit Reports Checklist Item 9: Search for Current and Archived News Checklist Item 10: Review Secretary of State Records for Registered Agents and Fictitious Business Names Checklist Item 11: Consider Using Pay Databases Checklist Item 12: Find Reported Decisions, Dockets, Verdicts, and Settlements Checklist Item 13: Ascertain Agencies Regulate the Product or Industry Checklist Item 14: Think Outside the Box Chapter 11: Competitive Intelligence Research What Is Competitive Intelligence? Cloak-and-Dagger CI Tactics Competitive Intelligence and Knowledge Management CI Departments at Corporations CI Departments at Law Firms Why Use the Internet for CI Research? Anonymous CI Researching Your IP Address Tracking an IP Address Surfing Anonymously Sending E-mail Anonymously Cookies Can Reveal Your Precise Identity Protecting Yourself Where Does CI Information Come From? Web Sites for CI Research Starting-Point Sites for CI Using Search Engines for CI Research News, Alerts, and E-newsletters Using Industry Watchdogs Using Government Agencies to Find Business Information Researching with SIC Codes and NAICS Codes Locating Researchers in a Targeted Field Locating CI about Private Companies Using Creative Sources for CI Research E-mailing the Experts Conducting a Links Search Using Online Community Postings Searching Opinions, Briefs, Complaints, and Settlements Finding Confidential Company Information on the Internet Using CI for Law Firm Business Development Using Public Records for CI Searching with Pay Databases War Story: An Industry-Trend CI Search Parting Recommendations of a CI Expert War Story: CI at Amazon.com Chapter 12: Medical Research Why Do Medical Research? War Story: Heart Center Online Starting-Point Web Sites for Medical Research Dictionaries and Glossaries General Medical Dictionaries and Glossaries Foreign-Language Medical Glossary Medical Textbooks and Encyclopedias Anatomy Sites Sites about Diseases and Procedures Cancer and Oncology Heart Disease and Cardiology Psychiatry Medical Journals and Articles Hospital Sites New Medical Developments Sites Medical Device Sites Pharmaceutical Sites Health Professions Sites Physician Directories Physician Licensing and Disciplinary Action Sites Other Health Profession Sites Chapter 13: Scientific Research Starting-Point Web Sites for Scientific Research Computer Forensic Resources Chapter 14: Environmental Research War Story: Weather Information War Story: Sunset Time Starting-Point Web Sites for Environmental Research Locating Environmental and Ecological Organizations and Agencies Weather Information Sunrise and Sunset Information Chapter 15: Foreign and International Research Information about Other Countries Information about Foreign Travel and Business Information from Other Countries Finding Lawyers in Other Countries Other Related Useful Information Chapter 16: Law Practice Management and Professional Development Financial Resources Marketing Resources Technology Assessment and Purchase Research Human Resources: Recruiting, Retention, and Personnel Management Law-Related Job Search Sites for Employers and Employees General Job-Search Sites Continuing Legal Education Sources Chapter 17: Statistical Research Statistics Metasites Judicial Statistics Sites Crime Statistics Sites Demographic Statistics Sites Business, Economy, and Labor Statistics Sites Foreign and International Statistics Sites Transportation Statistics Chapter 18: Transportation Research Starting-Point Web Sites for Transportation Research Transportation Acronyms Airplanes U.S. Aircraft Ownership and Pilot Registration Tracking Planes in Flight Locating U.S. Airports U.S. Aircraft Safety and Accidents Automobiles Boats Chapter 19: Entertainment Industry Research and Intellectual Property That's Entertainment: Locating Entertainment Industry Sites Entertainment Research Consumer Sites: Television and Film Commercial Trade Databases Trade Publication Sites Guild Information Well-Known Legal Site Reveals Its Hollywood Secret Music Industry Sites Phoning Celebrities Overseas Entertainment Law Employment and Opportunity Sites The Truly Entertaining (in Other Words, Pure Gossip) Intellectual Property Trademarks Patents Copyrights IP Web Sites Index *Pre-Publication Edition
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