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Library Research Classes

The Law Library provides many classes to aid in your research efforts.  This guide is designed to outline those classes and to answer some of the most common questions students ask.  Listed below are links to find courses taught by Georgetown law librarians as well as representatives from Lexis and Westlaw. Please feel free to consult a reference librarian for further assistance.

To sign up for a class, stop by the Reading Room reference desk or call 202/662-9140. You can also sign up for classes by contacting Morgan Stoddard, 202-661-6598. Classes are open to Georgetown University Law Center students only.

Choose Your Own Class Topic

In addition to all of the classes listed here, reference librarians are available to conduct a class on the topic of your choice. Minimum attendance is five (5) students and the class must be scheduled at least one week in advance. To schedule a class, contact Morgan Stoddard, 202/662-9144.

Introduction to Online Research (J.D.)

Each year, in September and January, the library trains all first-year J.D. students on both of the major online legal databases (Lexis and Westlaw). The classes last approximately 55 minutes and are held in the Computer Learning Center.  Terms and connectors, natural language searching, fields/segments, and key number searching are among the topics covered. Information on when these classes are offered and how to sign-up will be announced in Legal Research and Writing.

Advanced Lexis and Westlaw Training

Lexis and Westlaw Representatives offer training sessions on how to use their databases. Dates and times are announced in What's Happening and are posted online. Access the Lexis class schedule here and the Westlaw schedule here.

Advanced Topical Classes

These classes are designed to present students with an integrated approach to research in a particular subject area.  Online sources will be covered along with printed materials.  Possible subjects include: tax, legislative history, administrative law and international legal research. Dates, times and topics are announced in What's Happening. Sign-up is required and may be done at the reference desk or by contacting Morgan Stoddard, 202-661-6598.

Cost-Effective Legal Research

This class is targeted to students preparing for summer employment in a law firm or other non-academic environment.  Sign-up is required and may be done online.  Space is limited.

Faculty Research Assistant Training

This class is offered to students working for a faculty member as a research assistant for the first time.  Topics covered include: policies and privileges for faculty RAs, effective online searching and how to use the library's web databases for legal and other research.  The class lasts approximately two hours and is held in the Computer Learning Center.  Three or more sessions are held in June and one additional session, if demand warrants, in September.  Dates and times are announced in What's Happening.  Sign-up is required and may be done at the reference desk or by contacting Thanh Nguyen, 202/662-9073.

Law Fellow Training

This class is for all students working as Law Fellows in the Legal Research and Writing program.  In addition to a review of library privileges and procedures for law fellows, a review of online searching is offered. This class is held in conjunction with the Legal Research and Writing program and class times and dates are announced by the Legal Research and Writing professors.  No sign-up is required.

Library Orientation for Journal Staff

Librarians are available to provide library orientation and training in research techniques for journal staff. This training is generally held as part of journal orientation. Journal editors should contact their liaison to arrange a mutually convenient time for training.

Research Training for Clinics

Reference librarians are available to provide library orientation, handouts, and a class on research techniques tailored to the specific needs of the clinic. Training generally lasts one hour and is held in the beginning of each semester. Classes can be arranged by contacting Morgan Stoddard, 202-661-6598.

Lectures for Seminar Classes

Reference librarians are available to provide handouts and/or lectures for seminar classes. Professors interested in having a librarian speak to a class or receiving handouts on research strategies and information resources should contact Morgan Stoddard, 202-661-6598.

Page last saved on 10/12/2011