I grew up with an encyclopedia proudly displayed on the shelves in our den.  The World Book – it was olive green with navy blue borders.   When a homework assignment needed some information, we turned right to the encyclopedia.

During law school, we learned computerized legal research.  Yes, learned.  Special classes – dedicated terminals.  Any lawyers out there remember the Lexis machine with the chiclet keys?  A small red terminal?  At my first law firm the machine had its own separate tiny room.

When I first arrived at Klein Zelman and for many years, if we needed deep research we used a pass to go to the NYC Bar Association. I have to admit, I have always loved the peace of a library setting.  The unanimity of quiet felt like a real live community all rowing in the same direction.

Fast forward – these days, when I need to look something up, I don’t even need to stand.  Between the research platforms I have access to and just plain Mr. Google, almost any bit of information is at my fingertips.  I know how to find articles about something new in my world, maybe a new law or a new case – but then I know how to dig deep and find the source.

I know our current resources are mind boggling and efficient. But the truth is that I miss that little red Lexis machine with the chiclet keys.