The purpose of this tutorial is to help you hone your
research skills, particularly concerning online searches. There are a plethora
of databases, news sources, and online sites that may be of aid to you. However,
the success of your search will ultimately depend upon your ability to correctly
search these sites. All of you are seasoned searchers of Westlaw and Lexis, and
those skills are invaluable. Boning up on those skills will allow you to perform
quicker searches that yield more accurate results.
Not only will these
skills help you with this class but also when you begin your career. Quick and
concise searches when your employer is footing the bill can mean the difference
between having a job or not having a job. Keep in mind that running up search
costs on Lexis or Westlaw will immediately put your employer on notice as to
your abilities. They are not paying you to learn research skills on the job --
they will expect you to have learned those in law school.
Take note that
this online tutorial is available at all times via the following URL:
http://library.law.uiuc.edu/sub/JFKSeminar/van.html
©2002-2003 Phill Johnson