Research Guides
Basic Legal Research by Call Number: KF240.S585 2018ISBN: 1454894016Publication Date: 2018Shelf range: Reserve Section
Clear, step-by-step instruction in the basics of legal research.
Internet Legal Research on a Budget by Call Number: KF242.A1 D38 2020ISBN: 9781641056069Publication Date: 2020Identifies the best free or low-cost resources online & explains how to use them for legal research.
Kentucky Legal Research by Call Number: KFK1275 .H55 2017ISBN: 9781611637076Publication Date: 2017Shelf range: Reserve Section
Develops an understanding of basic skills & techniques for finding Kentucky and federal law. A convenient, comprehensive reference guide to Kentucky legal resources.
Legal Research in a Nutshell by ISBN: 9781636590639Publication Date: 2021Shelf range: Reserve Section
Covers research procedures using major online services, free Internet resources & library materials.
- Kurt X. Metzmeier Louisville Bar BriefsA collection of research columns published in the Louisville Bar Briefs by librarian Kurt Metzmeier.
- Using the Law Library: A Guide for Educators - Part I: Untangling the Legal SystemArticle by librarian William Hilyerd providing a guide to understanding the American legal system & finding key materials.
- Using the Law Library: A Guide for Educators - Part II: Deciphering Citations & Other Ways of Locating Court OpinionsArticle by librarian William Hilyerd providing a guide to understanding citations & finding cases.
- Using the Law Library: A Guide for Educators - Part III: Oh, Statute (or Regulation), Where Art Thou?Article by librarian William Hilyerd providing a guide to finding statutes & regulations.
- Using the Law Library: A Guide for Educators: Part IV: Secondary Sources to the RescueArticle by librarian William Hilyerd providing a guide to major legal secondary sources, with tips to find background on relevant laws.
- Using the Law Library: A Guide for Educators Part V: Finding Legal Materials by TopicArticle by librarian William Hilyerd providing a guide to basic search strategies & how to apply them.
- Using the Law Library: A Guide for Educators - Part VI: Working With Judicial Opinions and Other Primary SourcesArticle by librarian William Hilyerd providing a guide to the types of judicial opinions & their component parts. Highlights ways of identifying whether a legal document is current.
Databases
Is is worthwhile to take the time to understand the search systems and functionality in the legal research databases you use most often.
For information about legal research certifications offered by some database vendors, see the certifications tab in this guide.
- Search Strategies: Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg LawUofL Law Library guide to searching Westlaw, Lexis & Bloomberg Law databases.
- Bloomberg Law HelpGuides to searching, browsing, and materials.
- HeinOnline Help & TrainingA Knowledge Base of guides, videos & articles about using the database effectively.
- Lexis Support & TrainingVideos & guides on search basics, sources, Shepard's, and more.
- ProQuest Congressional GuideE-learning modules, webinars, and other information.
- Westlaw Knowledge CenterStudents can earn certifications in essential and advanced legal research, or complete individual modules to review specific research skills.
Research Tools
- Productive Researcher PortalIncludes a selection of "Free Productivity Tools" useful for researchers.
- Microsoft Office 365Select OneNote to save notes, webpages & screen clips.
[Free for UofL students, faculty & staff.] - CamScannerCreates high quality document scans using your phone or tablet's built in camera. Quickly take pictures of documents to refer back to later in your research.
[Free with premium service available.] - EvernoteSave notes, track tasks, and clip information found online. Makes saved information accessible across any device.
[Free with premium service available.]