Information Sources

February 26, 2025

AI Driven Legal Research and Library Services: A New Era for Law Librarians

Introduction:

Law libraries are undergoing a transformation fueled by artificial intelligence (AI). While AI isn’t replacing law librarians, it has become a powerful tool that is changing how legal research is conducted and how libraries serve their patrons

Modern law librarians leverage AI in various domains – from advanced legal research platforms to automated document handling and chat-based reference assistance – all with the goal of improving efficiency and service quality. By offloading routine or labor-intensive tasks to AI, librarians can focus on higher-level work such as complex research consultations, teaching, and strategic planning. The following overview highlights key AI applications in legal research tools, document automation, and chatbots, explaining how each contributes to enhanced library services.

February 16, 2025

CBO Explains Common Sources of Uncertainty in Cost Estimates for Legislation

by David Badertscher

Report: February 13, 2025.

Congressional Budget (CBO) cost estimates, which represent the agency’s best assessment of a bill’s budgetary effects, can be subject to uncertainty arising from various sources. CBO describes how it addresses six common sources of uncertainty.

SUMMARY:

February 4, 2025

Congressional Budget Office Request for Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2026

by David Badertscher

February 3, 2025.

Congressional Budget office (CBO) requests appropriations of $75.8 million for fiscal year 2026. The requested amount is an increase of $5.8 million, or 8.2 percent, above the annualized funding (at the 2024 level) under the continuing resolution currently in effect.

Request Summary:

January 29, 2025

Tracking Executive Orders in the Second Trump Administration: A Selected List of Information Sources

by David Badertscher

The sheer volume of Executive Orders issued by the White House since the start of this administration can feel overwhelming, especially for those tasked with monitoring these actions regularly. To assist in navigating this fast-paced environment, we have reviewed over a hundred websites to identify the most reliable and direct sources for tracking Executive Orders on an ongoing basis. In our selection process, we excluded sites that provide in-depth analysis of individual orders but lack a primary focus on continuous tracking. This post includes a link to a site which discuss what executive orders are, followed by links to our curated list of “go-to” resources designed to help you stay up-to-date with Executive Orders as they are issued.

WHAT IS AN EXECUTIVE ORDER?

What is an Executive Order ABA