Google Search by Number Feature

Google has expanded it's search capability with Search By Number - Use Google to access package tracking information, US patents, and a variety of online databases.

* UPS tracking numbers - example search: "1Z9999W999999999"
* FedEx tracking numbers - example search: "999999999999"
* USPS tracking numbers - example search: "9999 9999 9999 9999 9999 99"
* Vehicle ID (VIN) numbers - example search: "AAAAA999A9AA99999"
* UPC codes - example search: "023942943655"
* Telephone area codes - example search: "650"
* Patent numbers-example search: "patent 5123123" Remember to put the word "patent" before your patent number.
* FAA airplane registration numbers must bebin with the letter 'n' - example search: "n2467y"
* FCC equipment IDs-example search: "fcc B4Z-34009-PIR" Remember to put the word "fcc" before the equipment ID.

Searching with Google

Google is a full text search engine that defaults to a Boolean AND between search terms.

Constructing a Google search

* Fastest way to formulate a Google search: type a question into the search bar
* Better results can be uncovered by repeating a key search term: try the term "internet" then try "internet internet"
* Try phrases with and without string quotes (" ") around them
* Word order matters: put most important words first
* Check spelling, but remember if you spelled it incorrectly, maybe your target did too

Legislative History - Online Aids

LexisNexis Congressional Universe (must be connected to the Pierce Law network) offers access to U.S. legislative information including:

Congressional Information Service (CIS) indexing and abstracting from 1970-
CIS Legislative Histories from 1970-
Full text of Congressional Record from 1985-
National Journal from 1977-
Congress Daily from 1991-
Federal Register from 1980-
Current Code of Federal Regulations from 1989-
Current United States Code
Public Laws from 1988-

In addition, there is a bill tracking file from 1989- and full text for bills from 1989- , as well as selected committee prints, hot bills and topics, congressional testimony, committee reports, House and Senate documents, voting records in Congress, and member information including financial disclosures and campaign contributions.

Federal Register issues between 1936 and 1980 (volumes 1-45) are available at Hein Online (must be connected to the Pierce Law network to access).

In addition, if you are attempting to conduct a legislative history of a New Hampshire law, consult this Smart Note on the subject.

Getting Started

The Law Library at Franklin Pierce Law Center strives to offer new resources available to their patrons online via its website (http://www.library.piercelaw.edu/) . This blawg was created by the Law Library Webmaster, Roberta Woods, in an effort to keep pace with new technologies to inform patrons of what's available online.