Adapting Steenken and Brooks’ Sources of American Law
Edward Hart Assistant Professor of Law and Assistant Dean for Law Library, University of North Texas Dallas College of Law; Stewart Caton, Reference Librarian, University of North Texas Dallas College of Law; Bailey Eagin, Reference Librarian, University of North Texas Dallas College of Law
Law librarians from UNT Dallas College of Law will discuss their experience developing the first-year research curriculum for a required two-credit course using Beau Steenken and Tina Brooks’ textbook, along with its generous creative commons license, Sources of American Law - An Introduction to Legal Research. The book is a CALI eLangdell Press publication now in its third edition. It is freely available in several downloadable formats for various platforms as well as an affordable print-and-bind-on-demand service. They will discuss factors that led to the book’s adoption and their takeaways transitioning away from a more traditional legal research text. For example, one benefit is the ability to take advantage of the creative commons license to rewrite exercises for their jurisdiction. Also important is the interplay between the contents of the book and the promotion of related CALI Lessons. In addition to their feedback, presenters will share commentary from current and former students.