Stop by ResearchFest 2025 on Wednesday, September 3rd 10am–3pm

ResearchFest collage

Each summer your law librarians get the opportunity to attend the annual conference and meeting of the American Association of Law Libraries.  This year it was held in Portland, Oregon, where we delightedly explored why the city’s unofficial motto is “Keep Portland Weird.” 

At the conference, we spent several days collaborating with and learning from professional colleagues, many of whom work at law firms, courts, and government agencies throughout the country.  As law school librarians, when we come across a willing ear, we can’t help but pose the question—how are our graduates doing with research when they enter the workplace?  This year, the answer to that question was surprisingly consistent.  

We get high marks for acquainting students with navigating Lexis and Westlaw platforms.  However, information professionals in the workplace are quick to stress that new hires are largely unfamiliar with other types of research platforms and specialized databases. While we can’t necessarily expose students to every available research platform, we very much want to familiarize students and faculty members with the resources accessible through the law library and our partners at the university and state law libraries.
ResearchFest was originated and designed with that goal in mind, and we continue to hold with that purpose for this year’s event.  ResearchFest is our annual digital resources showcase where we share all the amazing resources available at your fingertips beyond Westlaw and Lexis.

Many of our database vendors are joining us in person to demonstrate the full capabilities of their research platforms and products.  In addition, the law library staff will be demonstrating other library resources that could be of use to you in your studies, research endeavors, or personal enjoyment and entertainment.

This is a choose your own adventure sort of event.  You may choose to attend all the demonstrations available or just a few.  Either way, you’re bound to learn something new that can assist you as a law student and in your career.  We encourage everyone to stop by, but you should definitely consider doing so if one of these things is of interest to you.

  • Accessing and effectively using online study aids
  • Locating lessons to help review for exams
  • Setting up access to national newspapers
  • Finding legal news online
  • Streaming movies for class, student events, or just for fun
  • Understanding the resources available as you embark on your journey on law review, working as a research assistant, or writing a paper
  • Using AI effectively

Not convinced yet?  There will also be giveaways, prizes, and PIZZA!  Enough said.  See you in the law library for ResearchFest 2025—Wednesday, September 3rd 10am-3pm.  

For more information about ResearchFest 2025, see our guide.